Plan

[girlontherocks]

How is everyone today?

I am ok. I woke up in the middle of the night and ate 3 bowls of kellogs with honey and soy milk............. and then this morning I got a muffin. *sigh* I am so powerless once I start! But I am following you guys... Focus on the solution, what I can do now. Right? It's progress not perfection. I had one night of no bingeing. Last night I did not meditate I just wanted to get comfortable in bed and watch tv..... that is a trigger i think!! I cant be lazy like that!! Ok... easy does it easy does it... Everything is ok, regardless of my weight. Patience patience patience.

[Astro]

Originally Posted by girlontherocks

I woke up in the middle of the night and ate 3 bowls of kellogs with honey and soy milk............. and then this morning I got a muffin. *sigh* .

Hey, at least you ate your grains, that's positive. Not like my MO which used to be donuts and cookies. Don't beat yourself up over this.

Originally Posted by girlontherocks

Focus on the solution, what I can do now. Right? It's progress not perfection. Ok... easy does it easy does it... Everything is ok, regardless of my weight. Patience patience patience.

Right!

I've got this funny feeling I went a little overboard with the healthy eating today. Started with grits and flaxseed, brought a bag of fruit and a vegetarian dish to work for my meals. Something tells me I'll be craving something with a little more substance to it tonight.

[Nina Kay]

How is everyone today?

I am ok. I woke up in the middle of the night and ate 3 bowls of kellogs with honey and soy milk............. and then this morning I got a muffin. *sigh* I am so powerless once I start! But I am following you guys... Focus on the solution, what I can do now. Right? It's progress not perfection. I had one night of no bingeing. Last night I did not meditate I just wanted to get comfortable in bed and watch tv..... that is a trigger i think!! I cant be lazy like that!! Ok... easy does it easy does it... Everything is ok, regardless of my weight. Patience patience patience.

Hi Girl. This post sounds very progressive and improved to me.
At least you chose something on the healthy side of things. If it were me, I would just break it down to deciding to eat only 2 bowls of cereal made just like that for a while if I woke up in the night starving and then after I was secure in that I would break it down to 1 bowl of cereal and then I would break it down to a smaller bowl of cereal and keep it there for a healthy snack in an emergency like that. You could even use that to replace the bad stuff you've been bingeing on in the evenings. And one night of no bingeing is alot better than it was before. You should be proud of yourself for all successes. They will add up in time, if you keep on keepin' on. Congrats, you're doing great. It is Progress; Not perfection. The weight is just a symptom. It will go away with the eating disorder as you heal. If you heal gradually and slowly, you will be able to have a better chance of keeping your recovery, which will eventually and inevitably include your being at a healthy weight. Keep on keepin' on. Small improvements that are realistic.

[Nina Kay]

Astro, it sounds like you're doing great, but I would have to have some protein with that to keep my blood-sugar leveled out. That is what will cause you to be starving also.

[girlontherocks]

Thanks astro

Maybe that's ok? like maybe you can have something healthy but add a little bit of something less healthy? I know that if I restrict too much I set myself up for a binge... But if you're ok with sitting out a craving then that works too!

[Astro]

Originally Posted by Nina Kay

Astro, it sounds like you're doing great, but I would have to have some protein with that to keep my blood-sugar leveled out. That is what will cause you to be starving also.

I keep a log of my "needs" every day as part of my WW diet, so it suggests I meet these requirements for my daily meals:

6 8oz servings water
1 serving whole grains
1 cup milk
5 servings fruit and vegetables
2 servings protein
vitamins
2 servings oil (butter, olive oil, etc)

Last night I had plenty of chicken for the protein, and I'm sure I'm getting it from other sources too.

[Nina Kay]

As for me and my plan today, I went to bed at 1:30am last night & was able to go right to sleep. That's not good, but better than 4 am the night before. I didn't wake up until 12:00 noon today and that 10 1/2 hours of sleep. I am thinking that this has to do with my bad health and the meds. I'm on. I did feel so exhausted last night, even more than usual. Breakfast, my first meal of the day anyway, was 2 boiled eggs, 2 pieces of whole wheat toast, buttered with Smart Balance. I took my vitamins with ice water. I love water and have to have it first thing every morning. I had a couple cups of coffee, w/ sweet-n-low & 2% milk in it. This is all healthy for me.

I did get lots of sunshine & fresh air & plenty of exercise yesterday. I haven't yet today, so I'll wait and see what today brings, as right now I'm still not feeling real steady.

I did weight myself this morning when I woke up. I hardly ever do that anymore. I don't even remember the last time, except for being weighed at the Drs. office. I've been weighing the same for several years now, except when I do good and lose for a little while, but I always go back up to my top weight when I fall off my healthy ways. Anyway, I was surprised this morning to see that I had lost 9 lbs from my top weight. I don't really feel any lighter or smaller, but I know that if I continue to try to improve my choices where my health is concerned, that I will inevitably lose this extra unhealthy weight in time.

Thanks so much everyone for being here and supporting and encouraging me. I definitely need you and I always will. I do know that we can do this thing together and that I've never ever been able to do it alone.

[liveweyerd]

It is a privilege to "know" you Nina!!!

I saw my counselor...a great one....I haven't had much luck in the past with that.
But I told her that I wanted to start first with basic routines...as you are doing and many others are, as well.

Like you, the cornerstone for me will be getting on a normal sleep schedule.
I have been out of my trazadone the last two days and whew, it was rough....couldn't get to sleep and only got about 2 hours solid sleep both nights.
I will make it to the pharmacy today!

The second thing is to get fresh air and sunshine for at least 2 hours a day, much like you are also doing. I have been making it a point to do that...after all this routine we are developing and working on is for MY health and happiness!

When I woke at just before 6am this morning with about 2 1/2 hours sleep, I came to the computer first, then took a walk around the block with the morning sun dawning and the air filled with birdsong.

Because of you, I just remembered to take my vitamin. Thank you.

She did share a couple of interesting and fun facts with me.
She said that if we eat an apple whole (without cutting it up), it burns more calories biting and chewing it than the apple contains! And joked that maybe that has something
to do with the old adage that an apple a day keeps the Dr away. LOL

She also told me that the simple act of smiling, whether we feel like it or not, moves muscles that activate endorphins in our brains (the feel good chemical). I thought that was pretty cool. And that is an easy habit for me, as I once worked in the hospitality industry and in sales, so it is ingrained in me to smile and say "hi, how are you?" to anyone that comes within 10 feet. So I will make sure I am practicing that again.

Also to drink vitamin D milk at least once a day...at bedtime is best, as it aids sleep also.

Thanks to everyone on this thread...it is a huge aid to me and I appreciate all shares!

[Nina Kay]

It is a privilege to "know" you Nina!!!

Oh Live, you are the sweetest to say that to me. I definitely don't deserve it, but thanks.

I'm just not doing too well. I'm still trying and I won't give up, but my sleeping problems are really taking a toll on me. I haven't compulsively overeaten my Breakfast though since the last time I said so, but I haven't taken my vitamins in a couple of days.

The last couple of days, I've been going to bed around 3 am to 4 am and getting up around 1:00 in the afternoon. It just seems to be getting worse, and everyway I try to fix it doesn't work. I obviously have no self control at all left. I know this is a forum about eating, but this is affecting my eating disorder in a bad way and I need to get this back in order to have any hopes of recovery from my eating disorder. So I've decided that for the next 2 or 3 days, I'm gonna set an alarm that tells me it's 1:00 at night and I have to get in bed when it goes off and I'm setting an alarm in the morning for 11:00am so that I will start to make a dent in the problem. After a couple or 3 days, I'm only going to make it for 5 min. earlier for a couple of days and keep doing that and see where it takes me. Then I will be able to eat Breakfast and take my vitamins at a better hour of the day and I'm certain that I will feel a whole lot better physically. I'm gonna try to create a new and healthier habit without making drastic changes all at once. It's worth a try I guess.

[liveweyerd]

The sleep cycle sets the cornerstone for my day.
I have been struggling with it too.
My counselor told me to set the alarm for morning and then get up no matter what. !
I have it set for 7:30am and then also 8:30am.
I am liking having my mornings again.
But those few days when I couldn't sleep tore me up!

I've started up with the caffeine tho' Having hot tea this morning, there is a chill in the air and thanks to you, I have taken my vitamins. This accountability thing really works for me.

Yesterday I remembered the ankle weights I have (3 lbs each) and wore those on my walk. YAY ME!!!!

Was thinking about oatmeal for breakfast,...but that seems to make me sleepy.

[Neagrm]

NinaKay, I think it's important work you're doing tackling the sleep issues. Keep at it.

Thanks for your mention of vitamins in this thread. I've been paying more attention to them and found a good multivitamin for the days I don't get to all the individual vitamins I've got. I think a few extra vitamins might bewhat I need.

Nea

[Nina Kay]

I'm sorry that you're having trouble with your sleeping patterns too, Live, but since you are I'm glad that you're here with me on this. I'm happy that you're setting your alarm for early morning is helping you. And you're going for a walk is awesome and with ankle weights is double awesome, which also means that you got some fresh air & sunshine too. I feel that's the most important of all.

Hey Nea, good to see you here on this thread. It's great that you care about taking your vitamins too, as Live & I do. I'm getting better at it as I go, but still forgetting every now & then. I can always feel a noticeable difference after I taken mine regularly for a few days.

As for me, I did go to bed at 1:00am last night & I did get up at 11:00am this morning, which I know is not great, but it's an improvement for me by a longshot. I'm gonna do that again tonight and in the morning. I'm having to set my alarm for both times and make myself follow it. There are many reasons why I'm having all of these problems with my sleeping patterns, but I won't go into them here. I'm just gonna have to make this change back to normal, a little bitty step at a time, if I'm gonna have any hope of succeeding.
I did eat some cheerios for Breakfast this morning. A small bowl with 2% milk in it. I took my vitamins & calcium with a little milk too.
I did get outside in the fresh air & sunshine and I did walk for quite a while in the park with my daughter & grandkids, so I got some unusual and good exercise today.
By the way, I know that it's important to drink plenty of water and I have today. Actually, I always do, as I love to drink water. I crave it and I have to have some first off when I wake up every morning. Drinking water makes me feel physically better alot of times, when I'm starting to feel really bad during the day.

[girlontherocks]

Nina-- Hey I just read the wonderful encourageing post you wrote a few days back... Not sure how I missed it! Thanks a lot, it cheered me up just now.
And good stuff on sticking out your sleeping plan today!! <3

[Neagrm]

NinaK, that's great you set your alarms and used them! I really think it's the "little" steps that are bigger than we realize. And your vitamins, too. Here's a pat on the back!

I had oatmeal for breakfast today and I need to take my vitamins, so will go do that and make some tea to sip.

I'm going to finish making a set of greeting cards for a friend's b-day on Friday. That's something I can feel good about.

I hope everyone has a good day.
Nea

[liveweyerd]

I did something radical for me yesterday!
I ate, breakfast, lunch and dinner...and then wow, wasn't hungry and wanting to munch at night like I always do!
I haven't eaten regularly since raising kids...so this was a revelation to me!

I barely slept again last night and am just worn down from it.
Thanks to high heavens I see the counselor and Dr. today.
I will be refusing to take trazadone for sleep anymore...it gives me such vivid nightmares (it worked for me for many years tho')
but they are going to have to give me something!
I am so tired that I was thrilled it is raining because I don't have the energy to drag my butt around the block even.
I don't own a set of scales...so will get weighed today too....am eager to see what I weigh now. I feel sure I have lost a bit.
I was really craving protein yesterday for dinner...do you other ladies find that happens in conjunction with hormones???
I think I need a bloody steak! It really does seem to help me...ever heard of that???
Thanks to you, Nina, I just took my vitamins and morning anti-d.....this thread reminds me and triggers me to do it and I am very grateful for that!
We are out of spinach and I really really miss it! Yogurts, too....tho' I eat them 2 at a time. And I've eaten all the frozen fruits too! And those jars of chilled citrus salad!
Grocery shopping is Saturday...i usually hate it but not this time I won't!!!
Sorry to grump so much....I just can't go another day/night without adequate sleep!
And it gives me a crushing headache. ARRRGGGHHHHHH

[Neagrm]

LiveW, way to go eating 3 square meals!

Poor sleep always does it to me, too. And cloudy days really affect me more now than when younger. Fortunately we don't have too many of those around here and I welcome the cosy feeling indoors on those days, but can feel sleepy just because.

I hope you feel better tomorrow.

N

[Neagrm]

I just blew it big time this afternoon. I am alone in the house and am thrilled to have it to myself today and not have to go anywhere. But I suddenly began thinking about food and couldn't stop myself. I baked some oatmeal chocolate ship Pillsbury cookies and ate almost the whole batch.

Now I feel icky physically as well as mentally. What's different is ... I am trying to think a different way and remember NinaK's reminder that we can start over any time of the day. I am starting over and I'm trying to avoid thoughts of self-condemnation.

I can start over right now. I did go the longest I've gone in ages without sweets. I will start over this minute and do it again and eventually push past my comfort zone into health for health's sake. I want it to be the number one priority; health, not food alone.

A good thing I did this morning was walk 10 minutes on the treadmill. I am going to build myself up and be stronger and healthier than ever before.

I am applying for a job at our local library shelving books. It is repetitive and physical so it'll be very difficult at first, but I want it to work. It will help me get back in shape. It will give me purpose. The only stress will be physical and I can build myself up to do it.

I was craving protein today and didn't heed the urge. Next time I will pause to think first and eat protein!

Nea

[Astro]

Originally Posted by Neagrm

I can start over right now. I did go the longest I've gone in ages without sweets. I will start over this minute and do it again and eventually push past my comfort zone into health for health's sake. I want it to be the number one priority; health, not food alone.

Way to stay motivated and doing the deal Nea!

[girlontherocks]

live-- Good stuff!
What is this citrus salad in jars you speak of? Got a recipe? sounds delish!

[liveweyerd]

Nina, How are you??????????????

The citrus sald comes in glass jars chilled at the grocery, it is a little pricey, but I like the one with red grapefruit, oranges and white grapefruit.

I felt worse than a run over dog yesterday! 5 days of so little sleep did me in! I quit taking my trazadone because it was causing such terrible nightmares. My counselor was called out but I got to see the Dr and he is prescribing me a different sleep med.
The good news is that I have been waking about 1/2 before my morning alarm...the bad news is the new med lists massive weight gain as a side effect, three meds i am all ready on caused weight gain. I was not happy with the numbers on the scale!
Guess that means step up the walking with the weights.
I ate very badly yesterday...a brownie, 2 tacos and a brownie hot fudge sundae.
.......the outcome of one battle does not determine the war....so onward! Today is a new day!

[Astro]

Nina, how's it going today?

I feel like I'm doing fantastic, weighed in lower this morning than I ever have and I'm only a few lbs. away from my target weight.

Sticking with hot cereal mixed with berries and flaxseed for breakfast, and my vitamins. It keeps me satisfied until I eat my fruit at work, around 10:00.

[Nina Kay]

Thanks for checking on me, Live & Astro. I am not doing real well due to my messed up sleeping habits, but I'm okay. I have not even come close to overeating my Breakfast lately and I have been taking my vitamins & calcium. I have been eating Breakfast everyday and not junk food. As I am part of the other thread here, I have remained abstinent from Obvious Sugary Sweets for over 50 days. I've been getting fresh air & sunshine and some exercise, although not nearly enough. Right now, some is better than nothing.

I still have not made any progress on my sleeping problems. I have to say that I am so tired of trying at all. But I am feeling some better lately because of the few positive changes that I have made in my life. It's been a while now since I started this and for the most part, I've been consistent in eating breakfast every day and I've consistently, I think except for once, not overeaten or binged at breakfast. I've made better, even though maybe not the best, choices of what I ate for breakfast every day. I've been mostly consistent in taking my vitamins & calcium. I've done alot better about getting sunshine & fresh air most days. These are all positive changes that I've been consciously and consistently working on since I started this thread. Even these small changes towards a healthier me are starting to make a positive difference in me that I can see & feel. I'm very happy about that.

I'm still gonna focus on improving my sleeping patterns. I won't give up, but I want to sort of. I've decided to give myself another week to get more into the habit of continuing all of the positive changes that I've already made in my lifestyle in order not to slip back. I'll do what I can to improve my sleep patterns, in the meantime. Then I will decide what to focus on next, which will probably be my lunches and I think my exercise program.

[Astro]

Originally Posted by Nina Kay

I am not doing real well due to my messed up sleeping habits, but I'm okay. I have not even come close to overeating my Breakfast lately and I have been taking my vitamins & calcium. I have been eating Breakfast everyday and not junk food. As I am part of the other thread here, I have remained abstinent from Obvious Sugary Sweets for over 50 days. I've been getting fresh air & sunshine and some exercise, although not nearly enough.

Nina, in spite of the current sleeping pattern, it sounds like you're making good progress and staying focused on the other areas. I'm sending you a pat on the back Be gentle on yourself Your posts continue to inspire me, and you're leading us on the OS thread. Thank you for all that you do here.

[liveweyerd]

Hi!
You are making progress Nina!
I blew my sleep patterns last week....slept all the time it felt like...
but I am still eating healthier....that counts!
It has rained and rained...no outdoors for me...
but I finally got on with it and did some floor excercises today.

I am thinking of you and miss you!

[Cathy31]

Nina you are definitely making progress - keep it up! You give me lots of inspiration! Way to go on 9 pounds that's awesome. Well done.
Cathy31
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