I found this print by Lori Weitzel on pinterest and had to put it up. Isn't this the truth? I deal with my mind every single day. It likes to justify and convince me that my bad habits are survival. That I need to eat until I can't move or until I'm sick. That it's just this one time, tomorrow I will be good. It's as though food is oxygen and even though I've had enough, it wants more. And every time I turn it down and say no, the bully gets weaker. I imagine it takes a very long time for the bully to play a very small part in my life. So small, that he won't even make it to the end credits.
I've made a list of all the reasons why I don't want to eat too much food. This list is best written after eating too much, because for me, it's more true and it hits harder. This list is helpful for when the bully or the lower brain works with me to justify making me sick. It tells me I've earned it, that I've had a bad day or that I'm not worth the trouble. It tells me that food will smooth things over and make everything uncomfortable go away.
One thing on my list is how dramatically different I feel. When I've had just enough food, I feel like I can do anything. I feel hopeful, excited, and optimistic. When I eat too much food I feel depressed, moody and hopeless. It feels as though the earth will open up and swallow me. It feels like I will never make anything great happen. Knowing the truth helps me to ignore the bully, it makes me stronger.
What's on your list?
Hello, I have been reading your blog for a few months at least and I even read Brain over Binge after you talked about it. I am also overweight and have probably never had “normal” eating patterns. I am trying to cut out the crap and only eat foods that really fuel my body. I have gotten pretty good at portions 70% of the time but I am still apt to have chips with a sandwich which isn’t good. Keep up the great work!
I love what you’ve said here about good portions 70% of the time. I think that’s a great way to start and look at the process.
Hi Lorrie,
First off i have got to start on a happy note and say that I adore your blog and jewelry!
I’ve been a reader of yours for awhile now and I’m not sure why I have waited so long to comment but something you said really resonated with me….. “It feels like I will never make anything great happen” you nailed it. That is exactly how I can describe the way I feel after overeating… not just overeating but consciously overeating. I feel like I will never run a mile, wear something (anything) from Anne Taylor, have a baby, look super cute in my nurse scrubs.. all things I consider great in a spilt second make me feel like an awful unsuccessful hopeless mess. Because of food. Silly isn’t it?
Thank you, Jessica, that really does mean a lotto me.
It’s so, so silly and I truly (truly, truly) believe I will get there even though I’ve been saying it for years and even though I’ve tried every single diet, and I’ve lost and gained the same pounds for way too long.
I’m getting there for one reason alone: I’m breaking the habit. I’m teaching myself that overeating is not a normal response or needed for my survival.
Here’s to Anne Taylor, babies (maybe! ha), your nursing scrubs, and running many many miles for us!
Hi Lorrie
I have been following you for years, and although I don’t post much – I have to tell you that your posts always strike a chord with me. None more than this one.
Just wanted to touch base again and tell you that I think your doing a fab job – a really fab job. Good work
JEn
Jen- thank you. Hearing your words makes my choice to blog this journey more valuable.
I just wanted to say that yesterday, I was feeling terrible. I had a fight with my husband, I had a headache, I was achey,sore, and tired and even though I had planned to go to the gym (I’m in the middle of a C25K), I was completely ready to quit.
Then I read your post, and I realized that I wasn’t too tired, sore, or achey to go to the gym, and I was just using my general crabbyness as an excuse not to work out. Thank you for this reminder!
I love this Allison! I hate when we keep ourselves down because it’s the familiar solution to a difficult day.
This blog is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I was always tiny when growing up (I have a small body frame) and because of that, my parents never felt the need to teach me about healthy eating and good nutrition. When I hit college, I was in for a rude awakening – I gained 30 lbs in 5 months. I was about to lose some of that weight right after out of shear depression, but now I am at my heaviest weight ever. It’s time for me to learn how to lose weight and treat my body the right way. I’ve been so tempted by those “lost weight fast” gimmicks, but blogs like this remind me that there’s only one real way to do it. Here’s to us! May we not only rock this journey – but also better our lives forever. Perhaps I should start a blog, too. I feel like there’s more accountability when you’re sharing the experience. Thank you.