Lost weight, but gained it all back.

Okay, I started working out and dieting about 7 weeks ago.  In the beginning I was doing very well and was very strict with myself.  I would plan exactly what I was going to eat every day and wouldn't eat anything else no matter what.  I did that for about 4 weeks and lost about 4 lbs.  I felt really good, my pants fit me better, all of that.  Well since I was doing so well, i decided it was okay to indulge once in a while.  Well apparently I don't know the meaning of the word moderation because when I stopped being so strict on what I let myself eat I kind of went overboard and gained back those 4 lbs. in a week.  My problem is that I have to be all or nothing.  I have to be strict and hard on myself, and once I let myself have that cookie or whatever, I guess I just tell myself, "oh well, I already messed up, might as well have the rest of the bag."  I know, it's awful.  So here I am, back on my strict diet, trying to feel good about my body again.  But I know it's going to happen again, once I lose a few lbs. and feel better about myself I'm going to gain it all back.  Does anyone else have this all or nothing attitude?  I'm afraid that I'm going to have to be really strict and hard on myself forever so that I don't gain weight, but who knows how long I'll be able to do that for.  Anyone have any thoughts or advice?  

I don't think I'd say Calorie Counting is strict.

I can eat whatever I want provided it fits into my calorie intake for the day.  What exactly are you doing that is making you feel the need to "indulge" until you gain it back?

Height, age, weight?

Calorie intake?  Do you exercise?

HAHAHA - I do that too "well, there are only a few chips left in the bottom of the bag, might as well eat those too while I'm at it..."

I get the Flavor Ice freezer pops - they're only 15cal/each so I have about 10 of those...  the problem is that those are SOOOOOOO good and soooooo fun to eat that I end up wanting more. :)

I think part of it is that at the times I feel I have to be strict with myself I hate my body, and I feel gross.  And then I start to like my body, so I don't see the point in not eating what I want.  And it's like once you have one thing you like and you remember how good it is, you want to keep having it.  As opposed to not having it in a while so you don't miss it. 
I'm 5'1'', 25, and weigh 125.
Now I'm eating about 1400 calories, and yes, I exercise.  But back then when I wasn't watching my calories I have no idea how many I ate, but it was a lot.

I'm exactly the same way. If I can't resist eating a big, fattening sandwich for lunch then I'm like, "oh well, already messed up so I might as well have alfredo pasta with parm for dinner with 4 pieces of garlic bread." I'm very "all or nothing" too. I've learned to give myself a break recently though (thank you therapy...haha) so I've I screw up and I do end up eating that big, horrible sandwich for lunch I just get up, dust my self off and make a committment to eat a healthy dinner and get back on the wagon so to speak. No reason to throw away a lot of hard work for one stupid sandwich right?

Just give yourself a break once in a while and remember how hard you've been working. One weak moment shouldn't be used as an excuse to abandon your goals.

cherypie

there is a book that you really need to read its called Body Clutter write by marla cilley (FlyLady) and Leanne Ely (Dinner Diva).  you have a problem that most of us have.. we try to be perfect  and if we cant be perfect we get down on our selfs and give up before we have a chance to succeed.  the book helped me to realize that the only way i was ever going to win the battle over my weight was to take baby step in changing my life and attitude.  i have stuck with things for 2 months and have lost and keep off 4 pounds doesnt sound like much but for me it is a huge milestone.....good luck

Mel

Not that I know anything, but i completely understand what you're saying, and am cruising in your boat.

I think that having forums for support are brilliant, but I also find the calorie restrictions on Calorie-Count extremely ambitious.  If I tried to I am exactly like you, and will say "to hell with everything" in a hot second, I simply try to stay under 2000. 

If you are moving toward the Calorie-count goal OVERALL, a few breakdowns in restraint are completely understandable.  There is no magic pill.  This stuff is not overnight.

You may find that you have days that you completely fall off the boat, but the onus is on you to wake up the next morning, sans guilt and disgust, and accept that it's a new day and you can't change what's done.

Also, try appreciating that big bag of chips just a little more.  Maybe say "yeah, I did it, and it tasted good."   I try to remember that all food is unique and tasty in its own way, and in considering that its helping/hurting you in any way, try to appreciate it for what it is.

Not sure any of that made sense :-\