Okay so I am frustrated! I have been super careful about following all the rules and my weight loss has been good, I feel great, I am proud of what I have accomplished so far.

But...the past three days I have had "fat kid hunger." That desire to eat awful things, even when you aren't hungry. I still try to impliment enjoyable foods and I know that is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, but I feel compulsive. On both ends. I spend tons of time planning what I am going to eat, how I'm gonna exercise. But then I also am on my favorite restaurant

web sites and looking at foods I used to love (my fave Mexican salad that I used to eat a few times per week is almost 2000 calories on its own!)

I need some help becoming focused, but not compulsive. I am trying to develop a HEALTHY relationship with food so this can work long term, but I am so overly obsessed with healthy eating that I am going to burn out. I think about it constantly.

HELP????

Have you considered trying to make that favorite food yourself in a healthier way? It might take a few attempts to get it right but it could be done. I guess that depends on if you like to cook though. I wish I had better advice.

Anna - it sounds clich?, but it just takes time. I had some of the very same feelings when I was about the same time period out. Just take a deep breath and try to relax. You can have a little of anything you want. You do not need to be compulsive. If you ever need/want to talk, send me a PM and I will give you my cell phone number. I don't have all the answers, but I can share my journey so far. You are doing great!!!

I just got over doing the exact thing you're talking about. After a year straight of pretty strict dieting/healthy eating, I needed a break. I found myself eating a few chips here and there, then Cookies, cupcakes, candy and so on. For 2-3 weeks I ate anything I wanted and at first it was like, hey, I can eat all this and not gain any weight...but I wasn't losing either. I knew I had to go on carb detox and stop it in order to stop the cravings and it worked. Now I'm back on track and I just follow one simple rule...eat anything I want as long as it's not sugar. Now I'm back to losing and just hit onderland! And the cravings are gone. Last night I had a shredded beef taco, tonight 1/2 a burger. For Snacks I eat mostly nuts. The other day I made a cherry pie for my husband's birthday and didn't even want a slice.

So I think what you're going thru is normal. Our brains remember the fat girls we used to be and those food memories are strong. I say eat what you want and get it out of your system. It gets old real quick and you'll be back on track soon.

It sounds like you already got some pretty good advice. I'm sure this is normal and will happen to all of us from time to time. Hang in there.