Feeling a Regression

[MintTeaMascara]

I've been managing so far by sticking to meal plans, but slowly old bad habits are creeping back in.

I haven't been on any full-on binges but I feel like I'm creeping back in that direction.

I'm not sure what's triggered it but my appetite has increased since being back at the gym and my cravings are uncomfortably strong.

I've been urge surfing a lot and managed to ride out a few big craving but I feel subconsciously I'm starting to slip back into my old psychological cycles.

I'm skipping meals to enjoy chocolate, changing my fast days to fit with the weigh in and at the brink of throwing the towel in. All unhealthy behaviours that I can see going on.

I must be trying to avoid something and now writing this down and reaching out for support, I think I know what the problem is.

[Blind_side63 7lbs]

Morning MintTeaMascara

Don't throw in the towel! I don't believe that weight loss is a straight down journey, there are definitely a LOT of bumps along the way with me. Previously I would have given up, but this time, because I have recognised that I am not perfect and will cave in sometimes I can forgive myself and get back onto it.

Easier said than done, but try not skip the meals, as you then get into a vicious circle, and also focus more on the positives - you are going back to the gym, and you have lost weight!

Come on - you can do this!!

[MintTeaMascara Healthy BMI in reply to Blind_side63]

That's exactly what I need - self forgiveness. Thank you

[Hidden]

It is so hard to maintain that motivation we had at the start, isn't it? And that's true however long you have been coming here and however much you have lost. I have periods where I am highly motivated, and seeing the results keeps me going and sticking to my plans. Then something comes along and knocks me off kilter (meal out, holiday, family to stay) and it takes me ages to find the level of motivation required to get back on the wagon and lose whatever I had gained. So the only advice I can give is to keep keeping on, keep coming here and talking to people, don't give up entirely, and eventually you will feel yourself on the up again. 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

It's all so true, getting knocked off the path can take quite some effort to get back on! I have found that if I stray away for just a day or two, after the first rush of eating and pleasure, I start to feel regretful and then choose to jump right back into the way of righteousness (joke!) and start eating better again. Sometimes I am surprised to find that I can no longer manage to eat as much as I used to, and it can feel quite different.

I don't consider that these blips do an enormous amount of damage, just slow the progress a bit.

[MintTeaMascara Healthy BMI in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

You're right.. I can keep on keeping on it's just a blip

[Hidden]

I hear you loud and clear MintTeaMascara !! I am so glad that writing it down has helped you to gain an insight. It just goes to show how verbalising or articulating things can help sometimes.

Thinking of you in sisterly support as you navigate the path! xx

[MintTeaMascara Healthy BMI in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, means a lot

[wysemonkey]

Hi MintTeaMascara please don't feel that feeling bad is an endless state. Difficult things are hard to do and changing a lifetime of habits and thinking patterns is difficult. Remembering the things that brought you to decide to change may help, and perhaps also as you say thinking about what is getting in the way. Maybe the gym isn't a great place for you, and you've been happier exercising in other ways. I do hope you have a better week ahead, and don't give up!!

[MintTeaMascara Healthy BMI in reply to wysemonkey]

I've been considering that it's not. I have the rest of my years contract to run yet.

Yeah, I value my own good health more than the pleasure of enjoying food.

Thanks for the perspective

[Sewneat]

Just keep on keeping on! We here all know what testing times there can be and it can be tempting to lose motivation.

Think of all the good work you have done, how much more healthy you are and that all the ‘rubbish’ food and habits out there is for those who haven’t understood what’s good for them.

Have a good week. 👍

[MintTeaMascara Healthy BMI in reply to Sewneat]

Thank you. My stomach pains have gotten a lot better

[Sewneat]

I’m pleased to hear you feel a bit better.

Good luck as you continue your challenge.