[DechanDawa]

I ate a whole Subway meatball sub today and did not feel guilty. I have been dieting for months with almost zero cheats. For those of you who are dieting, do you miss the emotional comfort of food??? I rarely do but today was an exception. I just missed the comfort of eating something I really enjoyed. Mostly, I have been existing on protein shakes, plain skinless chicken, and vegetables. I have been dieting for so long (six months -- to me that is forever) and I have not had (beloved) pizza since New Year's Eve. The weight is not dropping off and I suspect it is because I have been coming out of a long depression, and still have a lot of anxiety.

Do you ever eat for emotional reasons as well as hunger and not feel guilty? If so, good for you! I just don't think it should become a habit.

[DechanDawa]

I don't think I am describing a binge disorder here. I am just saying that dieting doesn't allow for too much enjoyment of food, and maybe that is okay because I hate being overweight. I will probably have to redefine my relationship with food when I reach normal weight. I am probably about halfway to my goal and need to lose about 20 to 25 pounds. However, the weight has been coming off very slowly.

Another issue is that I did not realize how much being depression changed my lifestyle, with a lot more inactivity. I am pushing myself to get out of that.

Congrats on enjoying your sub with no guilt! Ice cream is my comfort food and I enjoy it very much. I try not to eat for emotional reasons as a habit (I have an ED, so need to exercise extra caution). However, I think it is fine to enjoy "feel good" foods now and then. Good for you!

[splitimage]

I think it's fine to "treat" yourself to something nice/special every once in a while when on a diet. As long as it doesn't become a habit. I've been dieting for months too now, and the weight is slowly coming off. But I let myself cheat and have ice cream, every once in a while, when it's hot out. I think I wouldn't be successful at major weightloss if I didn't let myself have the occassional cheat day.

splitimage

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by splitimage

I think it's fine to "treat" yourself to something nice/special every once in a while when on a diet. As long as it doesn't become a habit. I've been dieting for months too now, and the weight is slowly coming off. But I let myself cheat and have ice cream, every once in a while, when it's hot out. I think I wouldn't be successful at major weightloss if I didn't let myself have the occassional cheat day.

splitimage

Oh yes, thank you for this. That was really a one-time thing, and I got back on track. Because I looked in the mirror and I saw that even though I am not yet at goal, I have made progress. The last thing I want to do is start all over.

I think I felt a little guilty. But dieting is such hard work and I have been at it for months. I know that taking it off slowly is the best for one's health.

I can't even look at ice cream. I feel if I just look at it I gain weight. I am a bit obsessed about sugar and when I read labels I am shocked by the amount of sugar in even seemingly healthy things like yogurt.

[ImmerAllein]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

The weight is not dropping off and I suspect it is because I have been coming out of a long depression, and still have a lot of anxiety.

Yes ! You are absolutely right. In an anxious person such as myself (and apparently you), high levels of the stress hormone Cortisol are generated. One of the significant disadvantages of Cortisol is the retention of body fat.

Back in the day when things were "good" for me, I was exercising about 15 hours a week, and I mean intense weight lifting, martial arts, swimming, and hiking. But, I NEVER managed to lose all my belly fat. Why ? Anxiety and depression.

Just Google "Cortisol". It is a killer !

http://www.jillianmichaels.com/fit/l...sol-connection

I definitely believe that if you can manage the anxiety and depression (there is no cure ... cure is an illusion), the weight will start dropping again.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by ImmerAllein

Yes ! You are absolutely right. In an anxious person such as myself (and apparently you), high levels of the stress hormone Cortisol are generated. One of the significant disadvantages of Cortisol is the retention of body fat.

Back in the day when things were "good" for me, I was exercising about 15 hours a week, and I mean intense weight lifting, martial arts, swimming, and hiking. But, I NEVER managed to lose all my belly fat. Why ? Anxiety and depression.

Just Google "Cortisol". It is a killer !

Discover the Belly Fat and Cortisol Connection - JillianMichaels.com

I definitely believe that if you can manage the anxiety and depression (there is no cure ... cure is an illusion), the weight will start dropping again.

I have discovered the ketogenic diet, which targets belly fat as well as overall fat. It also stabilizes insulin levels and blood sugar. Hence, reduces moodiness and cravings.I am also doing Intermittent fasting. The ketogenic diet is a serious, serious lifestyle change diet, but it is working. I don't have cravings on it, and I don't cheat. I anticipate I will shed all excess fat by the new year on the ketogenic diet.