What have you overcome?

Regardless of dietary situations or otherwise, people often overcome certain things in eating and in life while "dieting". A typical example would be eating disordered people tackling the foods they have cut out for so long. For a long-term dieter, that big homecooked meal with the family after so long without and all the temptations offered with it and making it through it in one piece. Or it could be a health complaint - someone who, after years of fighting high cholesterol, using nutrition and exercise to bring it down to a safe level. You get the idea, but there are many things to tackle down the road for anyone.

For me, I have so much to list, but I ask this particularly due to the week I just spent abroad. We went to Spain - my first holiday after the onset of my ED and within my recovery. I knew what I couldn't have for health - avoid high amounts of lactose due to intolerance, or high amounts of fat and alcohol due to my IBS. But everything else was fine and I enjoyed to my heart's content.

Except that every damn day we were out, my family made stops at these absolutely amazing heladerias. That's "ice cream parlour" in English. So, as you can imagine, I'm stood there with a blank face and an espresso while my family gobbles up a scoop of rum and raisin, or banana, or mint, or what have you on a cone while I can only watch.

The very last day we were there I was tired of being left out, and, despite all common sense in my head and the alarms going off, the ED voice sneaking in going "omg, ice cream, noooo" - and despite having already gotten ill once (my sister and I managed to contract food poisoning three days in) I asked for a scoop of leche merengada. Cinnamon ice cream.

And it was delicious. It was worth it. And I was proud of myself for challenging my intolerance and all the silly little anxieties I'd picked up with it after being diagnosed what must be a month, a month and a half ago or so now. A small amount wasn't going to kill me. Just make me fart enough to power a tiny wind farm. >>

Success in gaining, in losing, in getting well, in the tiny things that make the biggest difference; what have you overcome, and how did you get there? What are you proud of?

I just have to thank you for the good laugh!  I love when people are willing to humble themselves and share openly what's going on! 

I can't say I've overcome much of anything yet.  I feel very defeated and hopeless, now with a cold that furthers my exhaustion.  Hypothyroidism tries to claim all hope, and it's hard.

I have overcome my fear of failure, and I think that is what I am most proud of.

I spent many years in denial because I was so tired of the anguish of failure. It wasn't so much that I denied having a weight problem, that was a bit hard to deny lol...but rather in denial that it was something within my control to change. Committing to make it happen this time - not try, not make an attempt, but actually give it my all and not be held back by fear - was really scary but I did it.  

I am proud of my steely commitment to this process. I am proud that I figured out a way to make it work for me, all on my own, stupid diet industry be damned. And someday, I will be proud that I made it to my goal!

I'm proud of myself for not giving up and continuing to fight.  It's just amazing how such a simple thing like food/weight can try and control you. 

I'm also proud that I went for a run today even though I wasn't really feeling like it..

Blondemama: Hah, you're welcome. :D Don't feel despondent in regards to your hypothyroidism. I know there are lots of people on CC who have tackled it and risen above it, losing weight and getting healthier. If you feel really low, make yourself a list of what overcoming it would do for you in the long run mentally and physically, and/or make yourself a list of (non-food) rewards for when you do meet goals. I'm sorry about your cold! Take it easy with that, plenty of rest and water and steady eating and your immune system will love you again in no time. :D

Fitness: I agree on food controlling things. When I falter with my ED I look back on the things I missed out on because I was too busy panicking about food and it usually kicks me square in the rear and back on track. Last week was a testament to that, too - if I had been gripped by my eating problems, still, I would have enjoyed things so, so much less thinking about food all the time. Instead, I focused on the sights, I picked from various tapas - seafood particularly. So... much... seafood. @w@ Delicious, but staying in a port does that.

Victoria: That's really inspiring. I... still have yet to overcome my fear of failure. I hate disappointing people and disappointing myself to a point of anxiety, sometimes. I hope (and know!) you reach your goals!

I haven't overcome anything but I think I've finally figured out what it is I need to work on.....Negative Thoughts in my own head. 

I thought that the reason I felt so negative was because I was allowing myself to gain weight and so I was feeling unlike the person I once was.  But since I've started hear at C.C. i've noticed that the negative self-talk is just as bad or worse.  Now I'm measuring my self-worth by how close I got to my calorie buget for the day. 

Its been like a slap in the face to realize that it's the gremlin in my own head that's making me feel worthlesss.  I'm not sure how to change this though. I don't even know where to begin.  All I can hope is that what they say about recognizing your problem is the first step.

10/1/08

Hi, Calorie Count

My name is Nari and today i'm proud to say that i have lost some inches even though i don't know how many ( i'm trying not to keep count) I have went walking and have done some really good excersiseing tapes.  I have not gotten discourged to the point that i want to stop dieting or excersing even underpressure.  I'm proud to say that

Nari

I have started jogging on the treadmill at the gym. I can see my self in the mirror, I am fully aware of how I look - I just thank God that I can not see behind me - what I have overcome is the overwhelming urge to quit because of what one of a dozen good looking guys behind me must be thinking as my rear and thighs go bezerk like my pants are actually filled with jello - yeah as if they are even looking - LOL - but I keep going because it WILL get better!

Elanapur: Try writing a list of positive things you like and love about yourself and stick them on your fridge or somewhere it's easy for you to see them. Don't judge yourself on numbers but on how you look, how you feel. If you are truly judging yourself based on digits I'd suggest stopping counting and going by portion size and eyeballing and how your clothes fit you. You're worth more than a number! :]

Nari: Yay! Keep up your positivity and you'll meet your ultimate goals. :D Congratulations so far!

Meeshell: I admire the fact you can even run! I have exercise-induced asthma, so jogging is a nightmare for me to even consider. >__< When I do do cardio exercise I swim instead, or walk. And the jogging will help with any "jiggle" eventually, like you said. Besides, I bet all those guys looking are pining for what they can't have ;] Well done!

Lalabanana: You're so right about trying to focus on the positives.  For me the problem isn't any particular number....until recently I didn't even own a scale.  I just have so much negative self-talk....you know.."If I just did this I'd be a better person, mom, wife, friend....take your pick.  Now how are you supposed to feel good about yourself when that's the loop playing in the back of your mind all day?

Anyway, like I said, at least now I recognize it as a problem and I can start trying to change the things I tell myself.

Original Post by lalabanana:

Meeshell: I admire the fact you can even run! I have exercise-induced asthma, so jogging is a nightmare for me to even consider. >__< When I do do cardio exercise I swim instead, or walk. And the jogging will help with any "jiggle" eventually, like you said. Besides, I bet all those guys looking are pining for what they can't have ;] Well done!

Thanks - I do better some days than others for sure! Last night I did a couple 10 minute spurts, a 5, then a few 2's.   I did get "coughy" afterwards -but not during.  I went back before work today and could not go more than about 2 minutes with getting tight and coughing - so in 30 minutes I ran about a total of 10.  But I figure I just need to do it!  I always think of a line from the poison wood bible where someones backside is being descibed as two wild animals fighting each other and laugh...  inspires me to jog and keep trying.. perhaps a prerun inhaler is called for! :)

I have overcome the need for perfection!!! I am a true control freak and I am learning to be okay with me. Not only do I crave control, but I fear failure. My body has been my battle for more than ten years. I have never been truly happy in my skin.

I am 29 and finally making peace with all that is me. I am learning that I am blessed with a capable, able body and to use it.  I have abused myself with food and poisioned my health with toxic fast ideas.

I have overcome  the fear  to dancing in public and  now I shake it'!! I was always the girl in the back of class never looking in the mirror at her self. Well that girl has made it to the front row and I move with the best if them!!!I am happy to be free from the negative record that dictated my life. I am free to be me and I am not ashamed of my body. I feel good to look in the mirror and know that I am not there yet, but I am enjoying this journey. Everything in time!!!Keep trying until you succeed!!

PS
I am more than the sum of my imperfections!!

Holiday

Original Post by holidayheart:

I have overcome the need for perfection!!! I am a true control freak and I am learning to be okay with me. Not only do I crave control, but I fear failure. My body has been my battle for more than ten years. I have never been truly happy in my skin.

I am 29 and finally making peace with all that is me. I am learning that I am blessed with a capable, able body and to use it.  I have abused myself with food and poisioned my health with toxic fast ideas.

I have overcome  the fear  to dancing in public and  now I shake it'!! I was always the girl in the back of class never looking in the mirror at her self. Well that girl has made it to the front row and I move with the best if them!!!I am happy to be free from the negative record that dictated my life. I am free to be me and I am not ashamed of my body. I feel good to look in the mirror and know that I am not there yet, but I am enjoying this journey. Everything in time!!!Keep trying until you succeed!!

PS
I am more than the sum of my imperfections!!

Holiday

Lalabanana: I understand the negative self talk that has the potential to dominate your life. I too still battle this daily. Something I have learned is this mantra"I am ENOUGH"!! This is something I say to myself just as the tirade begins.

You are enough just as you are!! As a mother, wife and friend you are a masterpiece! A creation that is unique to behold. The best thing about life is there is only YOU!! There will never be another and that is something to revel in. No matter what mistakes you feel you make in life, your human and humans are imperfect. That is okay.

Do not let the voice continue to rob you of everything that makes you great!!

(((Holidayheart)))  Thank you so much!  Reading your response actually made me cry.  You're right....I am enough and I'm going to steal your mantra for myself.  I've been doing some reading on the subject and one of the things they recommend is to have something you repeat when you find your thoughts getting negative .....Now I know what I have to tell myself....I Am Enough!

Holidayheart: Lol, that threw me a moment - wife, mother - wait, when did that happen? Then I realised you were replying to elanapur. xD And ahh, I love being the girl with hands in the air that just doesn't care. I can't dance at all, but I'll wiggle about. Lol. I think confidence is more important than whether you have rhythm or not! If you feel like you can, you can!

Meeshell: Hah, a little is just a step to something bigger, right? ^^ A prerun inhaler may indeed help you, though. I break down wheezing whether I use one or not when running, so I'll stick to swimming and walks! x_x But even just little bursts can build things up.

holidayheart - you go girl!!! shake that tailfeather :)

lalabanana - love swimming ... do what you can, do what feels good!

What have you overcome?

I had to over come the woman that was facing me in the mirror. I hated dressing room mirror's and those long ones people would get and hang on the closet or bath room door. I remember I only had a mirror big enough for my face, and I didn't care to see all of myself in a full mirror. I can remember asking my mom how do I look. I was going to a  birthday party, and he said to me. My father.. You look like a beach whale right now, and you need one of those long mirror's to see how you look. Gosh! Don't be so kind. Give me the full cut down please, that's all I could think about. My father telling me.. I looked like some damn beach whale, and I do need to lose a few pounds, going on to say. Maybe 30 or 50. I started on my journey to lose the weight shortly after that.

Now I have mirror's all over the damn place, and I have them of all sizes. My father got me a long mirror, and it hangs in my room, and I look at myself in it as often as I can. But the funny thing about that mirror.. It took me a long time to hang it up, and as for dressing rooms.. I do love going into those things and trying on clothes, and coming out saying.. Theses was too big, or yelling to a girl friend. Go get me a size smaller please.. I love going into dressing rooms now, and looking at myself in the mirror.

That's one of the things I had to over come.

Another one was.. Failing.... I had to learn that.. It's okay to keep on picking yourself up, and dusting off and give it another try.

I have to overcome myself.  I'm my own worst enemy.  I'm working a busy full-time job, going to grad school at night, and trying to balance relationships, a long-distance boyfriend, and a family working through grief over the tragic death of my brother a year ago.  My weight has shot up in the past year, and while I have heard people tell me I have "bigger things" to worry about, or that I look great the way I am, I somehow feel like, things will be better for me if I just lose the weight.  I want so bad to be below 150 lbs (I'm 5'7") and no matter what I haven't been able to get there in years...I always flirt with that magic number of 149 on the scale but never hit it.  If I can just get there, its something I can control, something I really want, and I just want so bad to get there.  When I weigh myself and I'm heavier than I was the day before, its almost crushing...I don't know.  I have a lot of things to be grateful for, I just feel like everyday I'm not just overcoming weight-loss obstacles, but an entire life of unpredictability and difficulty, and yet so many things to be grateful for, and so much love.  Its very conflicting.  But I just really want to get there.

Right now I'm at 154.  I've been at 154 many times before.  I've been at 153, 152.  I think I was even 151 and some ounces.  Maybe this year, I'll do it.  I just have to keep trying.

Original Post by holidayheart:

I have overcome the need for perfection!!! I am a true control freak and I am learning to be okay with me. Not only do I crave control, but I fear failure. My body has been my battle for more than ten years. I have never been truly happy in my skin.

I am 29 and finally making peace with all that is me. I am learning that I am blessed with a capable, able body and to use it.  I have abused myself with food and poisioned my health with toxic fast ideas.

I have overcome  the fear  to dancing in public and  now I shake it'!! I was always the girl in the back of class never looking in the mirror at her self. Well that girl has made it to the front row and I move with the best if them!!!I am happy to be free from the negative record that dictated my life. I am free to be me and I am not ashamed of my body. I feel good to look in the mirror and know that I am not there yet, but I am enjoying this journey. Everything in time!!!Keep trying until you succeed!!

PS
I am more than the sum of my imperfections!!

Holiday

 Holiday, thats pretty deep and I'm so glad you shared that with us all. Made my heart warm up from the inside out. To see a woman who isn't ashamed to put the truth out here is a blessing to see.

I've always had to battle with the value I saw within myself. Now I value the woman I am, and the woman I know I can be. My sun sets are warm, and I enjoy it so much when my heart is full of passion for myself. I never valued the woman I am now, and it's been a year and 7 months, and I've taken the time to value myself each and everyday.

I want to thank you for sharing this with us CCers, because it's a blessing to share- because what you have shared open up many doors and hearts. You shine, and I want to thank you. 

I have overcome life in general.  In the past five years, I've gone from being in a pitiful marriage with 2 very young children (11 mos and 2.5) to becoming the master of my own life.  I've nearly perfected full time, single parenthood, and holding a full time job.  The balancing act is a daily struggle.  One thing I don't struggle with any longer: food.  I eat the portion that is written on the package/in the log books and that's it.  I do not eat my children's unfinished food.  I no longer eat past 8 pm because I'm lonely after the kids have gone to bed.  I eat every 3 hrs or so to keep the blood sugars at a decent level (am borderline Hypoglycemic).  I even still eat chocolate, ice cream and pizza. I just eat the proper portions.  I have cut back on the coffee though.  I mix regular grinds with decaf 50-50.  I also only use Coffee mate, French Vanilla when at home (I'm not a total saint).  Sugar is my mortal enemy.  I've come to the realization that my many allergies and food sensitivities are just going to be part of my life.  I can have a little of those things my body doesn't like to process, but only a little.  Side effects are just not worth it.

   In the first year of being single I dropped 10 lbs only.  In year 2- 4, another 20. In January this year I told myself enough is enough.  Since Jan. 02/08, I've dropped 38 lbs, for a total of 58 lbs.  I am 14 lbs from my goal. I'm out in the dating world, my kids are in school full time, and I try to stay positive about everything.  We've been through counselling, pnumonia with my then 2 yr old, 2 evacuations from fires (one forest, one building), moving a couple times, custody and child support court (which I still don't actually get as he's hiding), and making my own job.  I no longer look only at my face in the mirror. Taking control back of my life has been the biggest challenge I've ever had to do, but it's proving to be the most worthwhile.