So I'm looking for some suggestions and encouragement on ways to deal with stress!!!!

I have found myself reverting back to old habits. I don't keep junk food in the house, but I have been stopping at convenient stores, drive throughs, taking from my friends, all of the junk food I can get my hands on.

We have had 2 deaths in our family in the past 4 weeks and my family has been in horrendous turmoil! So, on top of the good food that people have lovingly brought to our house, I am eating everything I can get my hands on!

I am at fairly good restriction, but I'm eating slider foods and can get around the band!

I can't seem to make myself stop! I'm out of control.

What do I do????

Heather,

I am sorry for your loss. I know it's hard to put importance on something (our diet) that many people don't think twice about when something truly tragic happens in our lives, but part of this whole grief process is remembering to take care of you. :thumbup:

I lost a family member 3 weeks after being banded last Thanksgiving and, like you, had to deal with the influx of food...most of it not on my list of acceptable foods on top of the stress of not only my grief, but those of my family.

Fortunately, we were able to send most of the food home with other family members so it wasn't in our house tempting me. But back to your question, how do others deal with stress.

Have to admit that I pull open my bible and start reading the praise psalms. I listen to worship music praising God. I know...not helpful responses if that's not your belief system, but it's what I do. My sister-in-law meditates. Another sister-in-law does Yoga. My sister runs. I think they've done studies that show all of these activities raise seratonin levels in the brain, relieving stress in the process.

My thoughts will be with you.

.

You just have to make up your mind to do it for you. You can spend everyday eating all the wrong things or do what you are suppose to do. Time will still go by.

Exercise is a good way to reduce stress. My brother passed away almost a year ago and I still am not over it . . .so give yourself a break it takes time. But you know as well as I do that food, our comforter will not really make you feel better in the long run you will feel worse.

I really think seeing a counselor would help you. You can learn some great coping skills. I am an emotional eater too so I have to really watch myself. Sometimes I tell myself you can eat that after you drink two full glasses or bottles of Water . . . after the water I do not want it anymore.

Cheri

I'm prone to this too. I make a deal with myself to go for a run first. Getting your blood pumping, listening to some music and getting out in the fresh air is just the best stress relief. If you work hard enough to get the endorphins flowing you will feel much better. I've really found this has helped me to deal with having cancer.

My deal is that AFTER I've done that, then I can have the junk food pig out but nine times out of ten, the desire has gone away.