Weight loss self-sabotage

[changer2010]

I've been calorie counting for 2.5 years, and lost 5 stone in that time. I have 1.5 stone to go. But I keep binging - I thought I'd got on top of that in the past couple of years, but it seems not. I'm not sure how I can get back on top of this, it's really getting me down. I've stopped exercising too, which doesn't help, but I can't seem to motivate myself to do it. Any tips please?

I hear you! I’ve been dieting since February and lost over two stone but now I seem to be deliberately screwing it up for myself. I had seven pounds to go. Somehow that seemed to be putting pressure on me that I couldn’t take, so rather than reach goal, I sabotaged it. Why? No clue, apart from maybe I’d have nothing else to blame if I was slim? We’ve relocated to a new country and I’ve found it really tough, I can’t seem to make friends but I haven’t put myself out there either. For me I guess the next steps are too scary, and postponing making the effort while I’m still “fat” keeps me in my comfort zone (although miserable). Can you identify any reasons you are fearful of being at your target weight?

I'm sorry you're having a similar experience! I think you're right about having nothing else to blame...it's very difficult. And part of it is before I couldn't get to the corner shop by myself, now I can (which is great independence-wise, but not so much food-wise).

By the way, congratulations on all of your hard work, persistence and great success - you will already have made a really big improvement on your health and lifespan, 5 stone is amazing, but to keep going for 2.5 years is really something to be so, so proud of. Well done you!

So what is it that you get from the corner shop that ruins your diet? Is it something you can put into small portions and include every day in your calorie count? My issue is alcohol - I’m an all or nothing kind of person and quite happy to go without, but my partner likes to drink if we’re out and wants me to join him - so I do, with a passion, and bang goes a million calories. I did ask him once if he’d mind if I went teetotal and he said he’d probably leave!

I think it is about not being able to just carry on gang ho ad infinitum tbh. You've needed a break and you've taken one. What have you learned tho? maybe its time to think about how you HAVE changed, you are no longer happy to binge eat, you don't like it anymore, and then tomorrow get back on your path a little wiser.