Over my break from No S, I've discovered a book that has significantly, significantly, helped me with my on-going battle with emotional eating/bingeing, self-image, motivation, etc. It is Bob Greene's "The Life You Want". It is not a diet book, just a book to help you with any underlying issues you have that may be a barrier to succeeding in a healthy lifestyle.
In the past I have usually read those types of books with a grain of salt and a "whatever" attitude, but this book has been like an "ah-ha moment" for me. (Will use that Oprah term, considering it's Bob Greene's book
). I haven't even finished reading it yet (3/4 done), but I'm completely sold on it. It's already helping me re-assess many things that have been big obstacles for me. It's funny.....throughout many portions of the book he has mentioned certain habits where I found myself saying outloud, "hey, that's No S!", so Reinhard's book in combination with Bob Greene's book is a perfect fit for me. (I still think No S is by FAR the best diet plan out there.)
You see, I had reached a point in my life where the emotional eating/bingeing and depression had taken its toll. I knew I had hit rock bottom when last week, I found myself going to bed and waiting for my husband to fall asleep, and then going down to the kitchen to continue eating (I had even already had my late-night snacking with my husband earlier). I've NEVER been to that point. I've been a closet eater to the point that I eat when others aren't around or after the kids are in bed, etc. But I have never gotten to the point that I'm getting up in the middle of the night to binge, like some kind of drug addict. That coupled with my increasing depression has made me realize that I can't go on like this anymore. I need to find different ways to work through my problems, and I need structure.
I'm ready.
Since I'm not done with Bob Greene's book yet, and haven't set up all the new schedule/habits I plan to slowly incorporate, I hadn't planned on re-establishing myself here until later. (I have been a lurker since I left last though - it's like a comfort to have this connection here, ya know?) Anyway, I decided to go ahead and drop my first post now. I find it very helpful to have my "on-line journal" to let things out at the end of each day and to reflect on the ups and downs that starting a new lifestyle brings.
I guess I must really be ready to start anew as my husband is out of town this week, which is usually my all-time high point of going crazy with food and bad habits as there is no one around to notice....no guilt. Which I had been doing until yesterday. Then suddenly, I put down the food and thought to myself - No. More. I can't do this anymore. So, even though he's still out of town and I'm still in my "free time", I've started to slowly rebuild good habits. No more "I'll start tomorrow. Or I'll start on Monday". I guess that shows it's finally time.
So, as of now, I'm slowly re-entering No S. I will try to come to terms with some things. I will put my energy into enjoying life and not making things harder than they need to be.
To start, I've decided on a loosely-structured No S.....three meals and no seconds. I do plan to have one snack a day, if needed, probably around 4:00. I am undecided about the last S yet.....sweets......don't know if I want to have S days or if I should omit those and just lightly sprinkle my treats throughout the week. I will make that decision later....as for now, I will allow myself a small treat when I feel I'm about to "crack", but definately nothing in excess.
I will start exercising in a few days, after I've had a little more time to re-arrange my schedule and gather more info.
I realize I have a long road ahead of me, but for the first time I can say I honestly feel no anxiety or apprehension when thinking about it......just a very new and comforting calmness. It is possible to change this.....it'll just take some time.
Time for my new beginning.
). I'm not normally what you would call a "happy camper"....give me a nice big hotel room and room service any day. But, I'm trying to focus on the good instead of the bad now, so even that doesn't seem so looming to me.
) Ate like a bird all day as my appetite was next to nothing. However, I found it interesting that later in the day, after my nausea had passed and I was only left with a fever, that I wanted to reach for a piece of chocolate. I wasn't hungry in the least but I just wanted to have some....like a big ole' pacifier to make me feel better.
This one was about self-image.) Literally one minute after it happened, I was "hungry" and looking for something to eat. I made myself wait about an hour or so, but did eventually cave (hence the second dose of chocolate), because it was an S day. However, I was very aware that I wasn't eating out of hunger but for comfort. Really trying to work on that. Did alot better than in the past though, so I guess that's an improvement. I had a small serving after that trigger and then stopped. If that same thing happened a couple of weeks ago, I'd probably still be munching away. 
