Stress/Happiness Eating

[HS90]

I haven't posted in a long time, and am ashamed that I am the definition of the term "yo-yo" dieter. I seem to struggle with establishing new habits, and the weight loss one has definitely been the most trying of my habits to change.

I realized what my trigger is. Stress eating. AND (sometimes) happiness eating. I mean, for goodness sake, why do BOTH situations trigger an urge to binge/snack/indulge/treat myself???

Anyway, I recommenced my weight loss efforts around end of November and it's going well, down nearly 3kg. But last night, after a difficult night of parenting, I sat in my room and realized I can't rush to my normal array of treats to sooth my stress. The loop of stress eating, and it causing me to feel ill with the added weight creeping on, told me it's a vicious cycle I just CANNOT afford myself to fall into again. The reality of that....just got too much...and I cried.

It's true...all the added weight gain was making me feel ill and my body was protesting. HARD. I had to listen and knew the changes had to be made.

Luckily my body is very responsive and I do not need to implement many changes in order to lose the weight. And I am still allowing a small treat within my calorie budget. But still, it's a weird sort of feeling of grievance I am experiencing.

I came back to this forum in the hope that diarizing my thoughts will give me another outlet to release the stress I am holding. Let's see.

[Gizmocat Moderator 13kg Maintainer]

Hello and welcome back. I'm sorry you have been struggling. As I'm sure you know you are not alone struggling with emotional eating. A lot of members here will empathise and will give you lots of support. This time of year is particularly hard so coming back here is great.

Well done on getting back on the wagon and starting to turn things around. 3kg is a great start. We find participation is the key to success to do pop over to the Weigh In and post on any day that suits you. The Daily Diary is great for meal plans so plan your meals and post them there. There is a Christmas Countdown Challenge running and its not to late to join.healthunlocked.com/weight-l.... Here is a link to remind you what is offer.

Keep coming back and chatting and let us know how you are doing. If you have any questions just ask.

[outside_upside 7lbs 2024 December]

Hi HS90. I'm sorry to hear about the struggle, but it is one I know myself all too well. Eat because of stress! Eat because of excitement! Eat because you feel bad that you are eating! Ugh. Glad to hear though that your body is responsive and that you have made positive changes since November. Keep up the good work!

[Got_to_get_there 2024 December]

This is like reading a post I could write myself. I've joined to be accountable and stop using stress/emotional eating to sabotage my weight. It's a constant struggle and hopefully we can help each other get some positive results! I've now got 9kg to lose and I feel so bad about it.