Holy SHIT!!! I'm Losing It!

Hi Everyone,

Let me start off with introducing myself and also explaining why the hell I'm here. First of all, pardon my French. I cuss like a sailor, but it's me. Don't like it, don't read it. It's as simple as that.

My name is Emily. I'm 26 years old. I'm a compulsive binge/over eater and I'm overweight. I weigh 202 lbs today and I'm GOING to lose at least 50 pounds, putting me within my healthy weight/BMI. Ideally I would like to get down to 135, but realistically it will probably be between 140-145 pounds. I have always been overweight. This didn't just creep up on me but I have yo-yoed up and down over the years. My heighest weight over my life time has been recently (over the last 4 months or so) and I topped out at about 210 lbs. When I started seeing my therapist/just before I started my lifestyle change I weighed in at 207.5.

This time is different. [I know you're probably thinking you've heard this from EVERY person on a diet.] Seriously. This is not a diet. A diet implies coming OFF of this path. I am undergoing a LIFESTYLE CHANGE. One that I can maintain and also one that includes "PLANNED DIVERSIONS."


So what's this different this time you ask?

I've been here before... but this time I am recognizing that I am a compulsive binge/over eater. I understand that there are emotional and psychological issues that accompany my lack of caring for myself and I'm actually seeing a therapist once a week.

Previously I have done the Atkin's Diet. It worked well as I am definitely a carb addict, but when you add all of those bad carbs back -- you gain all of that weight too. I have done the Weight Watchers Points system which was really awesome and I had success with, but constantly counting and adding and all of the crap is really a hassle!

My therapist suggested I try the South Beach "Lifestyle" (diet is a no-no word, remember?). It takes out all of those refined sugars and carbs that are bad for you and trigger you in my case to eat until your miserable, eat some more and then EAT SOME MORE!

I just finished my 2nd week of Phase 1 on what I will now refer to as SBL (South Beach Lifestyle). I was *AMAZED* to see my cravings go away for sweets and foods late at night. That is typically the time I am more inclined to binge. I also dropped 6 pounds during the first 2 weeks. HOORAY!

As we all know Christmas just passed. I was really amazed at how well I did leading up until vacation. I passed on ALL goodies at work. And let me tell you ... the people I work with LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to eat!!! There were cookies, candy, cake, you name it... it was there. Didn't have *ONE* bite. So this is also a reminder to myself that if I can start a lifestyle change during the HARDEST part of the year, then there is NO reason as to why I cannot keep this up throughout the year.

I did have a "planned diversion" on Christmas. What the hell is a PD? It's when you PLAN on not being on plan only to start right back ON plan after your diversion. Makes sense right? We plan out our meals... we plan out our diversions. Also, we have back up plans ALWAYS. This makes staying OP much easier. I ate within REASON and didn't pile up my plate too crazily. I did make sure to eat mostly foods that are allowed during Phase 1. And I sure as hell enjoyed my mother's home made carrot cake! In fact, I did have a minor slip up a few days later. What can I say? It was calling my name. I obsessed over wanting it for a few hours, had it and then it was done with. Haven't thought about it since.

I would LOVE to check in every day. Which I will try my hardest. The next few days shouldn't be a problem, but I do go back to work on Monday. I also start back to school next week as well. That's right -- I work a 40 hour work week and I go to school part time at night. Currently I am a pre-nursing student. Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Nutrition Controversies and Concepts are on my plate this semester. It is going to be grueling, but I am planning on kicking ass and taking names. Good grades. Good health. Good weight loss. Good Attitude!!!!


*I would also like to state on here that I am NOT a doctor, dietitian, therapist nor in any way, shape or form have the right to tell you what to do, what you shouldn't do or give out any medical advice. As always recommended make sure you consult a physician before you start a new diet.*