megzwithazee's Journal, 11 Jan 24

Sorry I made a few typos and hastily posted before proof reading 

I’m really sorry this is happening to you. It’s vey hard to stay on track with all the stress in the world right now. I struggle too every night. It’s week 2 and I still have days when I want to eat snacks after supper and I feel hungry. I made a phone reminder that rings at 7pm. This is the cut off. I am not allowed to eat after this time. That helps. I think the nights where I don’t exercise and stay up too late are what makes me hungry. I found that eating an egg with breakfast really helps, plus drinking all of my calculated water during the day. If I get an hour total of exercise —even jumping around or going up and down stairs a couple times a day—it takes my mind off eating. I also found that when I crave snacks, eating an apple or banana or berries really works. Frozen berries blended with a cup of milk is also great. I hope you feel better soon. 

Be kind to yourself. You are struggling with stress and overwhelm as it is. Get to a place of self nourishment that doesn’t involve food and some sleep hygiene and maybe that will help. Sleep definitely plays a big part in weight loss and so does stress. 

Try having a glass of water beside you at all times. Occupy your thoughts with free computer games like crosswords or solitare, or reading before bed. Try and get as much sleep as possible. Create a new habit. If you're feeling depressed, you may need to see your doctor. We all go have 'down' times on occasion. You did the right thing reaching out. 

www.wellnesstogether.ca has resources and free counseling that might help. 

Oh my love. I understand all too well what you are experiencing with what may seem like a lack of willpower. I’ve spent a good deal of my life trying to manage this and blaming myself when I cheated on a diet or didn’t eat as planned. May I suggest you discuss these episodes with your doctor? Give them examples exactly as you have described here. Please ask if this is binge eating, or something else, and if so please ask what your doctor can do to help. I promise you there are options available. If your doctor blows you off or minimizes this, please ask to be referred to a weight management specialist. If there isn’t one near you, it shouldn’t matter as they all generally make Zoom calls, regardless of the distance. If there’s a lengthy delay to get in to that weight management doctor, phone and ask to be out on a cancellation list. Checkin with them every couple of weeks to see how close you are to an appointment date until you finally get one. To share my story, I and my two teenage kids have discovered the root causes of our respective weight problems and each one of us have successfully treated it, or are treating it. Each scenario is different, but we now know how to manage our relationship with food. Good luck! Please let us know how you make out. Lots of love and support!!  

I'm so glad to see folks reaching out in support! Just a few tips I've found to help with the night bingeing - sugar free hard candies - grapes - berries - sugar free jello - flavoured herbal tea - big bowl of cut veggies at the ready and I got myself a silicone microwave popcorn popper, 2 teaspoons of avocado oil, 1/3 c of popcorn and voila Sending you strength and determination, Dear Heart 🫂 

I super appreciate all the advice, love, and encouragement. Thanks so much.