Post-Exercise Mood Shift

I've been solid on the program since the 16th of Jun and I'm down appx 10lbs.  I started out in a pretty crabby mood - and it hasn't gotten a lot better as I've stayed true to the healthy lifestyle.  I haven't missed, skipped or cheated at all.  This morning, I had a great run - I was on top of the world.  By 12:00pm I was on my way down.  I hadn't had lunch yet and I stopped at my favorite restaurant in the entire world (that doesn't have a healthy option at all) and picked up my daughter a hot dog and some cheese fries for lunch.  I was on my way back to work at the time.  Anyway, I immediately became depressed when I realized that I couldn't comfort myself with chili dogs anymore.  I became angry at myself for being in this situation and depressed at the same time.  Does anyone go through a similar process?  I'm not going to waiver - I'd just rather avoid the mood shift if possible

yes, but i just try to remember how horrible i felt after eating junk..and how much better i feel now.

I'm also finding new hobbies like music that satisfy that part of me emotionally

Great on the 10lbs!  I can understand what you are saying.  Getting mad at yourself however will only put more stress on you.  Perhaps you can make list of your reasons for your healthy new lifestyle.

For example

I am practicing a healthy lifestyle;

To lower my bad cholesterol, lower my blood pressure strengthen my heart

To live longer and stronger to enjoy life with my children.

To set a good example for my children.  (perhaps even consider not getting junk for your kids unless it is a special occasion, then you can also partake in moderation, this will help keep your kids healthy as well)

Etc. 

What would you add to this list?

Also try rewarding yourself for your goals.

For example, If I jog so many miles for this week then I will buy myself a new whatever.  Little goals then big goals.  Set daily, weekly, monthly,yearly.  Make the reward appropriate for your goal.

Allow yourself a "forbidden" food once and a while.  If you don't you are more apt to just give up and end up overeating or not getting back on track.

Since it sounds like you are an emotional eater, really try to focus in on why and what you are eating.  Are you eating to fuel your body, or are you eating because you are worried/stressed about something? 

Oh yeah and try subbing bad foods for less bad foods, you may be surprised that a lean turkey dog with soy crumbles, or lean ground turkey (as chili meat) with smart balance melted shredded cheese and a side of sweet potato fries is a good sub for your favorite and doesn't taste so bad.  If it doesn't taste very good, remember once and a while is ok.  After a while though your taste buds will actually change and crappy food will not taste as good.

Lastly, try adding yoga or even just breathing relaxing time, even 10 minutes a day will help control your anger and prevent you from getting mad at yourself.  I will see if I can find some sights on breathing techniques.

I hope this helps.

Take care and don't be so hard on yourself, give yourself a pat on the back.  It is all worth it!

Edit to add links  http://www.pe2000.com/anx-breathe.htm

http://www.copd-international.com/library/Bre athing_Relaxation.htm

http://www.hr.duke.edu/sos/breathing.html

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/BHCV2/bhca rticles.nsf/pages/Breathing_to_reduce_stress? open

Yes, happens to me all the time. My husband and son eat what they want. When they sit down to eat a cheeseburger and fries or a fish from McDonald's or something else I use to eat and love I get irritated. I have to find something to do to get my mind off of it. My husband makes these peanut butter sandwiches on toasted Kaiser rolls and they smell so good it drives me crazy. It is a struggle everyday with food. Alcoholics and people who smoke can give that up forever and never do it again and still live. It is not the same with food. We have to have it.