Conference rocks::weight_control

181.0. "Being overwhelmed" by SUPER::HENDRICKS (The only way out is through) Wed Dec 30 1987 18:19

    After being away from this file for a few months, I read the dieter's
    excuses file and decided to participate again!
    
    I did well last summer.  I got within a few pounds of a major
    milestone, exercised 4 times/week, and rode my bike a lot.  Everyone
    I ran into said, "You look great!".
    
    Some of you may remember my entering a note about going to England on a
    business trip.  I loved the trip in many ways, but it was extremely
    difficult to control what I was going to eat next. (I didn't say
    impossible!) People invited me to their homes and to banquets a number
    of times.  I was also staying in a terribly unsafe neighborhood in
    Reading which limited my choices.    I gained 10 pounds in 2 weeks.
    The suit I wore the first day of the trip didn't fit right at the end.
    People constantly took me to pubs since I love folk music, and I always
    seemed to have a full pint in my hand. I did order slimline a few
    times... 
    
    I came home with good intentions of getting right back on the diet.
    
    The note about excuses hit home because in the last 3 months
    I broke up a major, very important relationship, had surgery on
    my mouth, managed a crazy project with world visibility (my first
    one in this group) which required lots of overtime, moved, and somehow
    got through 3 food-oriented holidays.
    
    I gained more weight.  The worst part was not being able to think
    about dieting or controlling anything.  Getting through each day
    any way I did it was about all I could take.  I didn't have the
    energy to care how I did it.
    
    OK.  The most important thing I know is not to brood over the past,
    but to evaluate the current situation and make a plan.  Very few
    clothes fit.  I hadn't had my hair trimmed in weeks and looked like
    the shaggy dog.  I had been wearing jeans and the same 2 shirts
    (loose ones) to work everyday.
    
    Last Sunday I got back in the groove.  Today I got my hair trimmed.
    I'll wear my jeans tomorrow, but Monday I'm going to come in with
    regular work clothes.  Monday I also want to begin exercising again.
    
    I have to travel the week after next, but by then I should be back
    in the swing of things.  Today was my 4th day of light eating, and
    already the sugar cravings are much diminished.  (Whew!)
                                                  
    It's such a relief to feel like I can assert positive energy to
    get me going in the right direction.  
    
    One thing I'd like to comment on.  When I'm successful and losing,
    I love reading this file.  When things are rough, it's very hard
    for me to read about all the successes.  I know it's important to
    think positive, and I do, but it was hard to feel out of step.
    
    I'll keep you posted!
    
    Holly