I Am Struggling
Good Morning, Buddyslimmers.
You know, when I started this whole weight-loss adventure on BuddySlim, I told myself I would finally rid my body of this extra 20 pounds I have been carrying around for two years. I was fed up with tight-fitting uniforms, feeling less-than-myself, and a pudgy face and round belly.
I had already lost about ten pounds by exercising, eating better and eating a little less during the day. And then I had to admit that I have a bad habit with snacking at night. And I discovered that most major trainers and nutritionists, from Dr. Oz to Bob Greene, recommend you stop eating a few hours before bed.
I have tried very hard to initiate this rule but it is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Even last night I found myself eating graham crackers and pudding. And then of course, you figure… well… I could go for a bowl of cereal, too… and one thing leads to another until I just kind of go back to bed feeling overly full.
I have had a few “streaks” in the past where I was able to break the habit. Last fall was one of them. I actually got down below 150 at one point. But then… I don’t know… the habit came back again. So I know that unless I can break this habit once and for all, I will never ever achieve my dream weight of 140 and be able to maintain it. It simply will not happen. This is something I must do! This is my battle! This is my war!
I tell ya what…. I weighed in this AM at 161 pounds. And some of that is from what I ate last night. So… I will try really really super duper hard to do my exercise, eat right, and enforce the NO SNACK RULE after 6:30pm Today, Tomorrow and Thursday. Just focus on three days. And I’m willing to bet that by Friday morning I am below 160 again.
And then all I have to do is focus on Friday, Sat, Sun and Monday. Four more days. It’s Labor Day weekend and I bet I can focus on the people and events and not worry about food. I bet I can make really great healthy choices and by the time Tuesday rolls around and I step on the scale again I’ll be right on track at 157 or lower.
But dang this eating cut-off rule is hard. Oh well. Nobody ever said this was going to be easy. I kind of expected it would be. But it’s not. It’s really tough.
—Matt
Twenty-five years ago, my husband would be leaning on the doorway, grinning and asking “When’s the fight, Rocky?” as I rode my bike and used arm weights at the same time, music blaring and sweat flying. Ah, I miss him so much. I was in the w/c then (from the spinal cord injury) and after the big weight loss, keeping it off was so much easier, because of NEW HABITS. I keep a quart of water in my bedroom with a glass handy every night. HANG IN THERE. You will whip this. And be so proud of yourself! Marge
I wish you luck in breaking your habit! It is hard to do, but, like you said, focus. You know once you thread a couple of good days together it will get easier and easier to do.
OK….I had suggested the PB the other day on your post, but that would do more harm than good in your case…..what about eating more protein at dinner to really hold you over? Eating dinner literally right before your cut off time?
I’m just trying to throw stuff out there for ya…..I know that it stinks when you are struggling…..but you can do it! Hang in there.
Just think about how you don’t want to “ruin” all the good that you have done throughout the day. If you get in your exercise and you are eating right, then just think to yourself that if you eat snacks at night that aren’t so good for you how you will just be sabotaging all the good you have done. I know how hard it is to change habits but you know that you can break this one. Hang in there and just keep working on it!
Night snacking has to be the biggest temptation out there. I’m alot like you, I can’t seem to get over that hurdle. I’ve tried sugar free jello, or 1/2 bannana before bed but it just doesn’t cut it. Just keep trying, I think your goal of 3 nights of no snacking is a great way to start. Baby steps!! You can do it!!
That’s a tough habit to break, but far from impossible to achieve. Can you start by just throwing out the snacks. If they aren’t there, you can’t put them in your mouth. Maybe a larger dinner to fill you up a bit more so you are not so tempted? Just ideas.
Hang in there, and I’m looking forward to reading your blog about reaching your goal.
Hugs,
Shan
I agree that its a tough habit, I am a night snacker too. I started at 8:30, no more snacks. Then I gradually took away 15 minutes a night. If you like tea or decaf coffee, I drink that a lot at night when I get the snacky feelings, it helps a lot. Let us know how you do!
Agree’d! One thing maybe is have a healthy snack. Have a cheese stick, a few almonds, celery w/ peanut butter. The other thing is if those ‘oreos’ are calling your name in the night don’t buy them or tape their mouth shut :). Don’t buy your temptations. If you are wanting a special treat go out and enjoy one at your favorite dinner or dessert place. Just don’t bring it home! Save your sanity
Agree’d! One thing maybe is have a healthy snack. Have a cheese stick, a few almonds, celery w/ peanut butter. The other thing is if those ‘oreos’ are calling your name in the night don’t buy them or tape their mouth shut :). Don’t buy your temptations. If you are wanting a special treat go out and enjoy one at your favorite diner or dessert place. Just don’t bring it home! Save your sanity