It throws you off track completely!! So I'm sitting typing this and all I can think about is the cake in the fridge and the toasted sandwiches that'll take me 20 seconds flat to prepare and consume (our caffeteria stocks every piece of fattening food you can imagine). My head is filled with voices trying to justify why I should have it, just 1 last time. I even allowed myself to shed some tears because I thought I was going insane! And I can't believe that I've allowed myself to become like this. I've put little reminders on my phone to remind me to not give into temptation, I've started a journal to write down what I eat, I pray constantly. I don't know what else to do! So you see? I am an addict and it's hell giving up what I enjoyed so much.
My advice to any dieter, DO NOT give into that voice, not even once, because I promise it WILL NOT GET EASIER, but I sure do hope it gets better. I'm actually quite nervous, it's like I don't trust myself enough to relax around food. I'm scared about tomorrow, and the next day. I know everyone's advise is take it one day at a time, but I feel I need to be prepared, how I just don't know. It's 15:50 South African time and I haven't cheated...yet

Well done for not cheating. It is good advice for people on other programs too - not just Cohen's.

Feel proud of yourself for not giving in to the temptations that come your way.

Believe in your ability to make your weight loss dreams come true.

===
Margaret

hi there,
i really really empathize. i know where you're at. it's a tough place.
i just ate two servings of crackers in one sitting and have already eaten
two servings of fruits... but it's only 10:30am!

the thing to realize is this all stems from emotions. addiction is a way to deny feelings that we don't want to have/face.

when you are hungry, ask yourself what you are feeling. beneath the urge is a hungry emotion desperate for attention.

emotions seem scary but they are not. when you face them they actually dissipate very quickly. but we resist them b/c we fear we'll become them.

good luck x

28

the thing to realize is this all stems from emotions. addiction is a way to deny feelings that we don't want to have/face.

when you are hungry, ask yourself what you are feeling. beneath the urge is a hungry emotion desperate for attention.

emotions seem scary but they are not. when you face them they actually dissipate very quickly. but we resist them b/c we fear we'll become them.

good luck x

28[/QUOTE]

What if the emotion is just plain 'gluttony?' (If ever there is such a word) or wanting to eat constantly has just become a habit which ended up being bad? I'm sorry for being so negative, I appreciate what you're saying, I'm just in a bad place and feeling really sorry for myself...
I wish you all the strength to get through the hours till lunch time

Nicky and 28 I know exactly what you mean. I am waiting for it, but so far my motivation has stayed strong. Please hang in there. You can get through this. Post on here as much as you need too.
Seriously, each day makes you that little bit stronger. Read the affirmations thread.
I've been stuck at the same weight for a week in spite of the fact that I've been 100% on the program. What keeps me going is living in hope the next morning, when I get up the scales are GOING to move. This is the thought that I go to bed on, that stops me eating after tea, etc.
Remember, the feeling of hunger/craving is your body losing weight.
Stay Strong x