I'm just a girl who can't say no!
HELP!!! I lost 35 lbs last year, by exercising more and being mindful of what I eat. That was from June-January. It's now October, and I've gained about ten lbs back. I recently started a new job, teaching in a Navajo Reservation in Arizona. The high elevation seems to be doing wonky things to my eating habits--plus, it's a very high-stress situation, being my first teaching job and 1700 miles away from my hometown in Michigan. It's really hard to find healthy food around. When I sit down for a light snack after work, it ends up turning into another huge meal of junk. I can't seem to make myself say no, or to stop after just a few chips instead of half the bag. I'd love to return to Michgian next summer thinner than I left it, but at this point I seem to be going the other direction. How can I stay strong and make good choices when there is SO much opportunity to be bad and I have zero willpower?
Have a browse at the things that happen when athletes are training at high elevation. You may find you have a burst of the "hungries" because your body is trying hard to boost your red blood cell count. Switching to a higher iron content might help if that does appear to be the case.
Meanwhile, don't have too much food in the house so you can't over-snack.
*snip* Double post bug
I have the same issue -- when you are teaching there is a let-down at the end of the day after being literally on stage since early in the morning, and it brings about an urge to eat anything in sight. I have learned to eat a high-protein snack (boiled egg and a couple of crackers, protein bar, a slice of bread and turkey) BEFORE leaving work at night. It keeps me from hitting the snacks as soon as I get home, and from snacking while I cook. I also know that there are some things I literally can't eat in moderation, so I just don't buy them.
aThat's such great advice! I never thought to bring post-work munchies to school. And yes, I've recently buckled down on what I buy at the store. If it's something I know I'll eat too much of, I pass it by--but sometimes it's nice to test myself, see if I can resist, or just eat a few. Sometimes I pass the test, sometimes I fall flat on my face.
I've been pretty good on my diet the last couple days, and I've already lost 1.2 lbs! I've got myself set on a 1650-calorie limit, which is a big challenge, but I figure that way, I give myself a buffer. If I go a couple hundred over, I'm still burning more than I consume.
Also, remember to keep in good touch with friends/family back home. Maintain your support network to help you keep on track and remind you of your goals to return healthier, not unhealthier. Don't eat out of boredom - it's easy to do I know!
You're doing great that you haven't gained back all the weight, just a little, so you will bounce back. Good luck!
Down another pound! I've been REALLY good this week. I've been drinking plenty of water, exercising with friends in the evenings, making good, healthy meal choices. I hope it lasts!
Great job, keep it up!!! :)
