Wedding Blog
I was tested this week. I’m hanging in there, but it’s been a rough go.
My job situation has devolved into a very unfair and uncomfortable situation, which put a major strain on my emotions and sapped my energy last weekend. Basically, they hired me on for a low-skill and equally low-pay job, and immediately shepherded me into a higher skill position at the same hourly rate. It feels a lot like a bait and switch. I stood up for myself, but there’s not much I can do. I can’t quit, as I can’t afford it. It’s a catch 22.
The moment things got stressful, I immediately started to feel the old patterns creep in. I spent 2 nights overeating. It started out innocently - a little sugary cereal here, a low-fat brownie there, but it quickly spiraled into an unhealthy, frantic, “binge-y” feeling that I know all too well.
The timing corresponded with Tiger being out of town, so I had a 4-day lag between workouts. I should have picked myself up and Shredded or something, but instead I stewed in my juices, ate, and felt lazy, helpless and frustrated.
The good news is, this time I realized early on how destructive it was. How it wasn’t comforting or cozy. Not even a little. It made me feel bloated and uncomfortable, and embarrassed and tired - but it also strengthened my resolve to fight.
I realized that changing my lifestyle is more about replacing habits than just changing them or eradicating them. I decided that, next time life throws me a curve ball, I’m going to replace my desire to eat my feelings away with some pushups or sit ups or 30 minutes of anything to keep me clear of temptation and self-destructive behavior. Hopefully it will be enough to clear the clouds and keep me on track.
How do you cope with stressful times? Have you had to replace a habit to create effective change in your life?
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Share this post: Flab to Fab: Week 9
I have been having the same kind of week. I started out strong and then had crazy eating the last two nights coupled with no workout. I forced myself to weigh today and I think that will have me back on track. Argh.
I weigh in daily — this helps keep me on track. I also stock only healthy options to potentially binge on, so when I get up and feel the need or longing to eat something all I;ve got is healthy. I either rummage through every cabinet and just leave without anything, or I have yogurt or something like that. It really, really does work to just not stock anything but one indulgent (yet healthy) item.
I’m so sorry your job is taking advantage of you, you tell me who’s rump I need to whump and I’ll drive up there!
I’ve been having a similar slump, but I’ve been sick :-/ That week I had change in my insulin and my blood sugars were running really low, I didn’t want to exercise and chance passing out. And then this week I had strep. Bleck! But next week I am back on track 
Miss Meatball, this is yet another moment in which I’ve felt SO much like you! I do the same thing when stressed (I’ve always longed to be one of those women who don’t eat when they’re sstressed out!). But also like you, I have started feeling the physical effects from such bingeing much earlier than I did in my early 20s. I agree with Domesticandfabulous–stock up on healthy things. But for me, I binge even on healthy things–like extra portions of EVERYTHING! And I inevitably feel awful after. Exercise does help–but you have to get your behind there first, right? My advice is to actually allow yourself to feel irritated or down when you need to–acknowledging those feelings may help you get past them sooner–and try to drink a glass of chocolate soy milk or something!
PS: That situation at work STINKS! I’ve so been there…
I am going thru the same things that you are with diet nad exercise. I beat myself up when I give into cravings. I am trying to incorporate behaviior modification changes in Dr Beck’s Diet Solution, Train your brain to think like a thin person. I am only on the second week on a 6 week behavior modification workbook. I have the audio book and workbook. I play the cd in my car on the way to work (There are 4 of them). I have a list I read several times of why I want to lose weight and I still have to make myself exercise instead of it coming naturally. Mondays and Wednesday I take an hour long water aerobics class and 3 other days a week it’s me and a dvd or the Wii personal trainer. It’s hard and you need a support group to encourage you just like the weddingbee inspires all of us to be well planned and organized and FABULOUS brides. We are all here for you and want to support you!!
thanks for your honesty and for staying on track! It’s totally inspiring!
Hey babe, I totally know how you’re feeling. Whenever I start craving junkfood, I get my booty in the kitchen and cook something elaborate and healthy. I don’t know if this happens to you, but whenever I’m cooking, my hunger seems to disappear. Maybe it’s because I’m taking tiny tastes here and there (which isn’t bad if you’re making a healthy dish). By the time the meal or dish is ready, I’m not very hungry anymore and I can eat a normal-sized portion of whatever I just made.
I’ve also been struggling with getting motivated to workout. I’m training for a half-marathon (in the very early days still!), and one of my goals is to come up with a concrete reason - EVERY DAY - that I’m glad I worked out. Here’s an example: http://iamthebeholder.wordpress.com/2009/02/28/10-reasons-im-glad-i-went-on-a-run-this-morning-a-photo-essay/
You should try it! My workouts have been so much more fun lately because I’ve been on the hunt for a good “reason.”
I learned that “comfort food” needs to be replaced with “comfort activities” like watching my favortite movie. Find something that gives you a warm fuzzy, and replace your comfort eating with that activity!! (NOT SMOKING OR DRINKING btw…)
I actually will try to work out when I’m stressed. But like a little workout. Like…can I do 25 of these leg lifts? Then I do, then I feel good. Then I set a new goal (30!!). Or I just get on WB and vent!
My week has also been pretty stressful due to work. I find that I get so stressed that I forget to eat, and then up so hungry that I over-eat. I also hate working out when I’m stressed, I would much rather watch TV to try to distract myself. Good luck, and remember that we are all cheering for you.
but i put motivational words around my desk at work and make it a habit to read it along with all the blessings in my life.. that has helped me
I pull out my “before” pictures, if you know what I mean. It was the best motivational tool that my fiance and I could have put together for ourselves when we started our workout…it REALLY helps me.
@cottoncandy: I just took my “before” pictures last night! And then I put them on my blog. Talk about motivation. Now, if I don’t get skinny, all of my readers will know!
i cant believe youve been at it for nine weeks.
that alone inspires me!
It’s so hard to eat healthily when you’re stressed and upset! I have to just remind myself over and over (*before* I reach into that cookie jar!) that I will ONLY feel worse on top of everything else if I eat badly.
Once I *have* fallen off the wagon, though, the only thing that makes me behave is putting on my gym clothes and going to run/lift/pump it off.
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Mrs. Meatball, Hollywood
Age and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office Maven
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/Writer
Engagement Date: October 7, 2007
Wedding Date: May, 2009
Blogging Since: September 16, 2008
Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow Club
About Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
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