How do you bring back your will power?

For the first 11 days I did really well, and for some reason today it's been really hard. Today I'm really craving comfort foods like crazy. 

I'm making myself to eat healthy foods, but I'm feeling grumpy about it.  Is it stress related?  My family is visiting tomorrow, that's always stressful for me.  I also have a really nasty cold bug.

My Mom, who went to homeopathic school and is a reflexologist, said that sugar kills will, and I have been having lots of watermelon for the last two days.

Any ideas on what makes will power come and go?  How do you build it back up when it slips away from you?  I'd really like to go back to being full of energy and excited about my new lifestyle, instead of being so cranky and bitter.

I'm sorry you're feeling that way, and I'm sure that everyone goes through that. For me, I didn't get my willpower back until I had gained so much weight that I was disgusted with myself when I looked in the mirror and none of my clothes fit me. And, still, I have bad days when I just say "**** it" and eat whatever I want.

I mean, let's face it-- we're emotional beings, and we let our emotion dictate a lot of our actions. Give yourself a break, understand that changing your lifestyle is going to be difficult, and you will be so proud when you do good things for your body because it was difficult.

Also, I think watermelon is pretty good for you. I'm willing to bet that your mom was talking about refined sugars.

Good luck!

Thanks Luna.  It does help to read that other people go through this too.  I just wish there was some magic button I could press that stops me spinning on this in my head. 

I've never stopped craving my favorite foods or stopped enjoying them and I don't want to give them up, why should you? Now, I'm not saying to drown your sorrows in a bowl of ice cream, but, if you're really craving it, why can't you have something nice in moderation? Maybe tasting something and being able to let it go will help you on your journey?

I don't think enjoying your favorite food is a lack of willpower. Only if you go nuts should you get worried. :)

I guess that's what I've been afraid of.  That whole slippery slope idea.  If I start, I won't be able to stop.

That's understandable. :0

Make it impossible? Like, buy just one serving. Eat it. Enjoy it. Then move on. Get up the next day and, behold, the world will be in one piece. :D The pound you lost didn't sneak in with the cake!

It's a harder concept than most think when the media (and even professionals) have been pushing that "all or nothing" idea of dieting into our hard heads, but in reality, it's a life style, not a fasting diet. People who are naturally skinny eat good tasting food just like everyone else, they just eat less of it than we do. Lol.

You have to let yourself control food, not the other way around. I think you'll be fine. :)

One of my favourite solutions to cravings is having a jar of dark chocolate cooking bits, or drops, or similar in the fridge.  Dark is SOOOOO tasty and has a bit less sugar and a teaspoon or two give me both chocolate kick AND something to chew on making me feel I have "eaten" my fave treat. 

PLUS I am really trying hard not to beat up on myself if I mess up ... I figure even half a day spent eating healthy is better than no days at this stage until I retrain my resistance to snacking on bad stuff ... or over eating or whatever.  I will get there but am not going to a) bust my boiler and yo-yo or b) knock myself for it either. 

Everything about weight loss is that it's one decision at a time.  Everytime you reach to eat something you shouldn't, remember that the decision is YOURS and yours alone to make at that moment. Every action you take will dictate your success. You have control, you have the power!

Also remember that it's never too late to drop that cookie! I can't tell you how many times I've battled with my will power. Many times, I've grabed a cookie or cracker only to throw it back into the plate or trash and saying out loud "NO!".  I just keep thinking to myself it's never to late to make the good choice. Just because you scooped out the ice cream, doesn't mean you have to go on and eat it. You can change your mind.

Good Luck!

Thanks so much all of you!  I made it through that day, and today is MUCH better I am really proud of myself for not caving in yesterday.  And I have you to thank.  I couldn't have done it without your support.  I really appreciate all of the feedback you gave me.  It really helped.

Anijig, I really like that line that you don't have to eat the icecream just because you dished it up.  That's going to stick with me.

LucyLocket, mmmm dark chocolate.  I will try that idea for sure.

Jaefuma, That is a brilliant idea!  I need to have access to just one serving for treats!  Then even if I want more, there's no slippery slope to slip down.  I will definately try that.

Thanks again all of you!  You really helped me get through an awful day,

Shana

I like that "Its never too late to make a good choice"

Yes! Never too late!