Need help with my rigid self-control --and then total denial-- about food

It's taken YEARS for me to be motivated again to take better care of myself, but I?ve been using Calorie-Count for 3 weeks with great success.  These last 3 weeks have been a gift, but I feel fragile and don't want to risk losing my motivation.  Soon, I?ll be in several multi-day occasions where I won?t be able to plan out my own food and calories. I want to stop worrying about not getting back on track. I need a better mind-set to approach this as a life-long process. I want to be more flexible. 

The last 3 weeks I've avoided situations where I?m not in control of what?s served because I get anxious for days ahead of the event. From past diet experience, I know at some point I'll slip up, and at some point I won?t be able to  ?get back on the wagon.?  In fact, I usually swing in the other direction--- I think I can eat what ever I want. I get rebellious. Then, I gain lots of weight (up to 150 pounds).  This time, I really want to eat to nourish my body and not just to lose weight, but it gets muddled up.

How do I handle situations where I don?t have control over food choices?  What?s a new way to approach food that will last even when discipline diminishes after days of eating with 'normal' eaters? How can I get more normal about food and not so rigid (and then totally undisciplined?)

Thanks -

Pharfel

Are you talking open-bar, catered events?  Barbecues?  Cocktail parties?  Dinner parties?

If it's something like a wedding that's open-bar and catered, I suggest drinking a couple club sodas with lemon or lime before you eat anything.  Then, when you get your plate, eat the veggies first and see how you feel.  But I know what you mean - especially when events are social and there's a lot of conversation, it's hard to be mindful of your eating habits.

Congrats on your progress so far!

I can totallly relate. Either all or nothing. Make sure you have visual reminders of why youre doing this. Self hypnosis works too, cause its all in our minds. Youre right it has to be a lifestyle change. My motivation comes from I know I dont want to look this way anymore. I want to find a good relationship and If I give in to compulsive eating I may never stop and would eventually kill myself from the overeating. Maybe having some simple guidelines would help get through these out of control days. I know for me I have to avoid fried anything or things with a high fat content because I get out of control. We usually know the things that make us crazy. Try breathing and meditating and affirmations, because they help  us take control of our minds and maintain that motivation. I know you can do it! Write me anytime.

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