i would think you are tired of hearing me talk about sugar.
and you probably are.
but bunches of you keep asking me questions so i am going to try to answer some.
and i have to put this out there first.
there were two pieces of the killer awesome amazing cheesecake left this morning.
i could not resist it.
i ate one piece after the kids were all gone and jenny had just left (aka: i was sad and tired)
i couldn't finish the piece. (thank goodness)
then i took a bath.
then i came into the kitchen and waffle had finished the cheesecake.
sometimes that dog is so naughty i just can't stand him.
but if i am honest….i was relieved.
that dog saved me from myself.
i most likely would have eaten the other piece later today!
last week i had the will power but this time i didn't.
january 3, my friend jeanne suggested trying to give up sugar completely and i decided to go for it.
i gave up sugar so i could:
1. lose weight.
2. to see if i could it.
3. to try and get my body healthier for the africa trip.
and what i have learned from this sugar fast so far….i am 100% an emotional eater.
i have heard oprah talk about it for years.
i just never made the connection of what it really meant.
my mom told me in the fall "you have a very stressful life!"
i argued with her "no mom…i don't. it's busy and loud but not stressful..it's just life."
and i believed that.
then i gave up sugar.
and i had to rethink everything i ate.
i would be hungry and have to figure out what to eat and nothing sounded good because
i only ate sugary things before.
(before means for 34 years i would eat sweet stuff all day long)
then i would have to decide if i was really even hungry.
then the next thought was "why am i hungry?"
i realized that whenever i have an emotion that is remotely strong…bad OR good….
I EAT.
having five kids leads to many strong feelings in one hour let alone a day or a week.
a few weeks ago i was alone in the car and i said out loud
"UGH! my mom was right!"
(my mom is soooo happy right now reading that i am sure!)
I realized that my life IS stressful…not anymore than most people's but still….it's stressful.
and i had been eating all the stress.
if i felt anything i would eat.
then the feeling would go away somewhat.
i would feel more calm and regulated emotionally.
so now that i was not eating sugar….
i was feeling all these feelings because there was nothing to eat!
it was a light bulb moment…as oprah likes to call it.
(oprah really is like a household name…i can't remember my life before she was around??? ha!)
God wants me to feel those feelings. (hey wait…oprah didn't tell me that!)
they are there for a reason.
not because He wants me to be sad…but because i need to work on giving myself to HIM over and over.
and ignoring the feelings by eating them away (so to speak) is wrong.
when i feel that frustration…that emotion…and i want it to go away…i have a choice.
do i deal with it or stuff it down somewhere with a snack?
do i pray about it? do i think about it? or just pretend it's not there and eat something?
i am now seven weeks in.
other than the cheesecake incidents….i feel in control.
how nice to feel IN CONTROL of myself.
i am working out with goals.
i have supportive encouraging friends who are rooting for me.
my husband is proud of me….that is a HUGE incentive to me.
i want him to be proud.
and for the first time in my life (other than the normal weight loss after child birth)…
i have lost weight.
i have always just gained weight.
and now with exercise and changing my food….i have lost weight.
it works.
exactly like EVERYONE has said it would in every book, magazine or show that i have heard forever.
but i had to want it for myself.
and i did it.
everyone keeps asking me "don't you feel so much better now?!"
and i think "umm….well i feel something!"
it's better to feel in control and emotional than like a sugar coated zombie.
and thanks to waffle….i am that much happier to not have to battle the cheesecake today.
AND since i know you will ask…..
i gave up sweets, soda pop, sugar cereal (i miss that a lot), chocolate, and candy.
i did not give up fruits or carbs.
i eat a ton of fruit.
frozen blueberries have been my favorite new treat.
and smoothies everyday.
and i am eating and liking broccoli.
i never thought i could ever say that….ever.
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Caitlin - You may have been writing this about yourself, but you have described me as well. I have been an emotional eater since middle school. Frustration really set in this week as I went to buy clothes, and my “normal” size is now too small. My weakness is sugar. Of every kind. I have never thought of it as truly being out of control like you described. But you’re right. It’s a part of my life I haven’t given to God. I realize this post is a few months old, but if you are reading this, can you tell me how it’s going now? Do you avoid eating anything made with sugar? Cake? Muffins? Everything?
Caryl - Just found this post, and being an Emotional Eater, I totally relate.
Only I like to eat carbs. Mostly bread. Hot, fresh, bread, straight from the bread machine (what can I say, I cheat) with about a ton of Smart Balance slathered all over it.
Um. Hm. But I digress.
I changed my eating habits about 6 weeks ago and it’s working out, too – mostly veg, small amount of carbs and protein. Averaging 2 lbs. a week loss – I’m happy, hubster is happy, kiddo is happy and the drill sergeant who tracks my weight is happy.
Congrats on your journey!
But I think I need a Waffle.
xo
c
Caroline - Thanks for sharing this post. It fit in perfectly with one of my Lenten exercise of creating a small paper sculpture each day.
http://www.carolinearmijo.com/wordpress/?p=919
Mirjam - Thank you for sharing! I need to go back there (no sugar). Life is even better without it!
Going to get my Gillian McKeith book again and order my groceries with a little help from her! 😉
Alisha Gibb - I’m new to your blog. I read this post nad had the light turn on for me. I am an emtional eater. Thank you for being brave and sharing. I am going to work on a new resolve. Thank you
nora - For some reason I thought it would be a GREAT idea to bake during one of the many snowstorms we’ve had this year. Thankfully, my dog unintentionally “saved” me as well. They’re amazing creatures, aren’t they? Good luck in Africa. I’ll be thinking about you and your family.
Thy Hand - Hello! I found you via Sarah’s post. I’m with you on the not-necessarily-feeling-better but feeling-something-and-in-control thing. It will be nice to keep up with some else on this journey:-).
Thy Hand
Virginia - Oh, just found you. We are sisters, fo sho! I am sugar-free 4 years now. And, like you it was a God-thing. At 50.5, 4 years ago, I had the very same “aha.” It is absolutely remarkable that HE can wipe out a stronghold of mine that I thought impossible to wipe out. Well…it was for me. Ha! BTW, Waffle is just about as cute as my two. Come for a visit. I’ll be sure to return to your wonderful blog!
Vera - This post made me cry… I think because if I ever stop trying to block the thought from fully forming in my brain, I will come to realize that I am exactly the same way about food and emotions. I HATE how I look right now, and I keep telling myself that I can’t watch what I eat because I’m always famished when I first start breastfeeding. But honestly, I think it’s less the breastfeeding and more the emotions I’m feeling right now that are making me eat like a pig. UGH. I’m going to ignore it for a little while longer, but I think I’ll come back and read this post in a few weeks and be inspired!
the inadvertent farmer - I completely understand and relate to this post…I went vegan a few months ago and am still haunted by Gouda cheese in my dreams.
Keep up the good work! I’ll have a sticky bun for you if you’ll have a good slice of cheese for me! Kim
Nan - I promise I am reading everything you are saying but all I can keep thinking about is how much I <3 the name Waffle! How perfect is that?! I may have to name my next dog after a favorite breakfast food.... other than Benedict.
Deanna - I gave up sugar this year for lent and realized many of the exact same things. On the first day, as soon as the kids were down for their naps, I stood in the kitchen and said “I need something.” I realized sugar was my cigarette that I used as a release. It’s only been a week but my husband said he thought I was loosing weight already and I will add that other foods seem to taste much better. I think all the sugar desensitized my tongue.
I will keep checking back to find encouragement in my sugar fast… though I may continue this past the Easter season.
Christine - Meg,
Rock on! I’ve put on a lot of weight since my senior year in high school. So for about 2 years, I’ve been feeling quite uncomfortable. Now you have encouraged me to give up sugar too! So know that someone in New Jersey is feeling your pain! haha
-Christine
Laura - Your dog is precious! Is he a labradoodle?
Emily - hi…i just wanted to say Congratulations! may this time help prepare your heart for what you will experience in Africa. with kindness, Emily
merlin - It is a new day and so after 24 hrs of pondering your emotional eating comments and thinking that they make total sense, I prepare to feel my feelings, to deal with them. I am excited, no more sugar salve for me, just me, my feelings and God.
This all sounds wonderful in my head after I drop off the last of the kiddos to school. Yes, healthier me, here I come.
Maybe I need professional help, or a Waffle dog to eat my food before I have the chance. I have consumed more candy, that I unearthed, than I have in weeks. Why am I unearthing candy? Because to keep myself on the straight and narrow I decide to be productive and tidy some dark corners which happily (not) were hiding long forgotten fancy chocolates….and what was I to do?
Now I have a sugar high headache…thank goodness tomorrow is a new day to try again. I really do think you’ve hit the nail on the head with the feeling, eating, avoiding feeling, eating process. But I am a complete failure, except in the eyes of the candy salesman!
Melanie - You go girl. I am drinking 2 cokes a day and that use to NEVER happen. Moving from Florida to KY. has been stressful and I guess it is my comfort. I switched to coke since they don’t know what sweet tea is up here:)
Good for you!
Sheila P. - Okay, I’m on board with the no sugar, but no coffee…now that’s just plain crazy talk! 🙂
barbara - good for you! i had to give up sugar and carbs because I am prediabetic (though I still eat berries, vegetables= good carbs, just not refined ones)
It’s amazing the type of energy you get when you’re not making your insulin work so hard ALL THE TIME.
oh and dark chocolate actually tastes GOOD now that my tastebuds arent over reacting all the time.
cheesecake factory makes an AWESOME sugar-free cheesecake if you are ever there. so good. you wont even miss the sugar!
melissa mae - Good for you! I too, am an emotional eating sugaraholic. I cut out sugar awhile back and now only eat about 15grams per day and the improvement in my mood, my waistline, and my energy are above and beyond what they used to be! Keep it up.
Pat - You are very inspiring! Sugar is truly an addiction and I know I need to get rid of it. I’ll come back & read this often for encouragement. Thanks so much for sharing!
Waffle is totally adorable ~ hope he didn’t get sick.
Julie Wriston - Timely! My hubby and I just had this conversation at the B-fast table. Not sure we can give up all sugar, but I’m not sure it can work if we don’t give it all up. Thanks for the inspiration! I’m glad you are having success with this. 🙂
chasity - giving up sugar is a constant struggle because it is always lurking around…waiting to tempt us. it sounds like you are doing an amazing job…and for all the right reasons.
congrats meg.
hugs~~
chasity
Marla - If you have never tried agave nectar, you should! You can probably get it at Prairie Harvest. It is a great sweetener with a low glycemic index which means our bodies don’t absorb it well(which is good). Are you still making all the sweets for your family or have you cut down on that too? And, finally, if you think Waffle is naughty you need to read A Good Dog, by Jon Katz. It is a wonderful book thatI recommend for all dog lovers. Have a great day!
Melissa Gruber - Reading this post is really helping me try to let go of sugar as well…the BIG problem, I LOVE dt. coke and I don’t know if I can give that up…I am trying to cut back on it…1 in the morning, 1 at lunch or at nap time and that is it…I just ate the last of the brownies in the house and I am going to try not to get more sweets…or at least cut back.
Great job Meg!
Amy - Thank YOU! You’re inspiring. I’m also an emotional eater and I’m pretty sure I’m addicted to Starbucks. I need to have God fill me up, not sugar or coffee. Great post!
Erin @ Cultivating Home - What a very powerful message! We all have our ways of distracting ourselves from life, whether it be conscious or unconscious. My husband and I recently gave up alcohol. Even though we didnt’ think we had a problem with drinking, the absence of it from our lives made us realize how much it was a crutch for “relieving” stress. It’s only been two months and while we’ve had a sip or two during this time, we don’t crave it anymore and feel so much more FREE. I’ll stop rambling and summarize with a big “Thank you” for this post!
Rachel / cREaTe - tee. tee hee. hee hee. your dog makes me giggle like NO OTHER. oh my word. will you write a book with him as a character & your photos of him for the pictures? he needs one. llllllllllllllllove the photo of his bod laying down. chunky scruffy paws. love him. he’s just so FUNNY!
and it’s late (2:40am, don’t tell anybody) but i WILL come back & read your sugar post. i know it’s all me – sugar & emotional eater & all. so i will come back to read that. but for now just had to comment on waffle while i was still giggling. 😀 tee hee
katie w - Wow…I am so impressed with how well you have done with cutting out sugar. I just wanted to let you know that I made your crescent chicken the other night. My husband and I LOVED it! It is definitely going to be one of our new favorites. Thanks for sharing.
Staci Danford - What a wonderful POST.. I have had a terribly trying week, and all I wanted was something chocolate.. Such fine words to hear.. That’s my favorite part of BLOg world… it reminds us that we are not alone… Blessings your way this week.
Staci
Christina - I got to the part about having encouraging friends and proud husband and started crying. That feeling like you are in control…so elusive here. I relate to what you’re saying about eating because of emotions…it’s almost not even enjoying it-just put something in there. You’re doing so great. You should feel good about it. Even when it’s hard! I love everything you said in the beginning-about eating instead of going to God. What good insights, and so convicting for me. Thank you for sharing.
Lindsay Thomas - Last year, before my wedding, I decided to get a trainer and eat well. That included only eating carbs after I worked out and eating healthy during the rest of the day. This meant less sugar, too. I noticed that my stomach didn’t look pregnant all the time! I thought this happened because of eating less carbs. Well, then that routine went downhill and at the beginning of the year, I gave up sugar (candy candy candy yum yum yum) for 2 weeks, and the same thing happened. SO, have you noticed a difference in your stomach? THAT is motivation! Sometimes, I’ll do a double take in the mirror and think I’m 4 months along. Except I’M NOT! SO, way to go on making it this far! And it’s OK to cheat every once in awhile. After all, God made sugar, so He wants us to enjoy it when it’s the right time. Just not every second of the day. 🙁 too bad, huh?
Way to go!
Julianne - Excellent post. Really, really great. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa - Good job! Try Lara Bars…they are all natural, no added sugars – only fruits, nuts, etc. and they totally satisfy my sugar cravings. My favorite is Cherry Pie, but they have tons of other flavors (and they give you a good protein boost to boot!). I’m trying to cut back on sugar as well; I’m having a hard time giving up my Diet Cokes!
Megan - I just read this post while eating a bag of chocolate covered almonds – my “reward” for peace and quiet after the kids are in bed……maybe I should rethink things a little…
Kelly - I am an emotional eater too! Thanks so much for writing it all for us. Kelly
Sarah @ Clover Lane - Oh my gosh! I posted such a similar post for Thursday! A little more about the addiction part…but the emotion part too! You learn so much when you let go of what you are stuffing down with WHATEVER you are stuffing down with! And really, the one way to recognize that is to work through it and feel it…and oh, isn’t that hard sometimes. You know you have inspired me and now I feel so good…thank you so much!
Look how many women feel the same too…it’s amazing.
And everyone needs a Waffle…just to keep them in check!
You are awesome.
Shannon - My emotional crutch food is Pepsi. When I’m stressed, or sad, or angry, or whatever, that’s what I reach for. Thank you for being honest about what you’ve gone through. I’d love to give it up, but I don’t have a very good relationship with my oldest daughter and our interactions are very stressful. She will be heading to college in the fall so I’m hoping that then I can get myself off the Pepsi habit.
Kellie Dugan - My three yr old just walked in here and saw the picture of waffle licking his lips and said “OOO Weee he likes bacon. Bacon Bacon Bacon! You need to call and book waffle for the next beggin strips commercial. Has nothing to do with the blog, just thought you might get a kick. I had to print waffle’s picture for him. Now he is running around the house introducing waffle to the family.:)LOL
As far as diets, I am completely opposite from you. I love starches!!! We all have temptations, BE STRONG!!!!! I am proud of you!
Wendy - Great post Meg! What a great mom you are! Just think of the good eating habits you are showing your children! 🙂
mrs mediocrity - I feel your pain…I could give up sugar, except for the chocolate. Instead I run as much as possible, which allows me to eat more chocolate. It is, indeed, a vicious cycle…
What you are doing is difficult and quite an accomplishment, good for you!
mom - Sweetie- it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that anyone with a husband, five kids and a big dog, has a stressful life! (And yes, I was happy!!!) But I’m really happy that you are eating healthy and exercising. That’s what God wants for all of us.
Courtney Walsh - Ok. I could’ve written this post myself. I gave up sugar about four weeks ago. The issue for me is that I gained three pounds since doing so. I am now in a major hormone battle which totally stinks, but I have to tell you…when I don’t eat the sugar, I don’t think about the food. I don’t eat when I’m angry. I let myself get angry. I take it to God. I always felt like it wasn’t proper for me to get angry…but anger is a part of what God wants me to feel, right??
It’s so complicated, this relationship we have with food. It’s so interesting. And maddening. And frustrating. I keep learning new things about myself every day though. And about God.
And about your dog. I did a Christian based weight loss program years ago–I credit it with my total deliverance from bulimia–and she always said God provides “ways of escape” for us. Like, you pop a bag of popcorn, bt when you open it, it spills all over the floor. Or you go to take a shower and your dog eats the cheesecake.
God’s watching out for ya, Meg! 🙂
Leah in FL - So, you’ve inspired me and I ventured out to begin my own blog. It was much easier than I thought. On it I share the musings of a mother of five further down the road of life than you and probably most of your readers. If interested you can check it out at:
http://myfancy55.blogspot.com/
Keep up your great blogging. Your daily experiences bring back fond memories of when my children were younger. Thanks for sharing. :o)
Kate - That is amazing! Keep up the awesome work! I completely relate to emotional eating… it’s how i fix lonely and how i celebrate….
amanda - Its not like your over weight by any means ….Dont think too hard about it….(the sugar thing). Sometimes it is just what the doctor ordered
kasey - you have to do what works for you.
I work out 5 days a week. I couldn’t give up sugar if i tried, but for me and my body..it’s all about designating an hour each day to excercise.
You go girl!
xo
thea - Good for you! You go girl and God will reward your efforts because you are doing it to please HIM. We are his vessels so we must take care of them. I am sooooo proud of you. You are on my Yahoo reader and I read your blog everyday. As a matter of fact, I am making hte crescent chicken dinner right now!!! YUMMO! But, noooo sweets for me tonight either! Hugs!
Angela - I admire you determination. I cut out most sugar just by simply drinking plain black coffee in the morning and water the rest of the day. I usually do really well and don’t have sugar any other time unless it involves hormones and then my husband begs me to eat sugar and brings home Hershey bars or World Class Chocolate ice cream from Baskin Robins. Good luck sweetie, I only have 3 boys and I can so relate to stress eating.
lindsey - there is nothing bad about sugar, it’s just the kind of sugar you eat. Refined sugars are terrible for you, but you can substitute refined sugars in a lot of recipes with evaporated cane juice, fruit syrup, brown rice syrup, agavae syrup…all of this is natural and good for you.
Kimberlie - Hi Meg, Love your blog. Love this post. Need to know, what do you put in your coffee now? I think that will be my one and only struggle. I am going to do it! Thanks for inspiring me! Also, I adore Waffle!
Michelle - That was so encouraging for me to read. . . I am an emotional eater too. . . and I know Jesus has better for me.
Elyse - Good job waffle!!! I love being saved from myself! You are awesome!! This is an amazingly hard thing to do. And after reading your experience with emotional eating..i think i do it too.
keep up the great work!
Debra - Meg,
I just read your post and you gave me the light bulb moment. I stopped eating sugar when you did and I DO feel more in control but what you said about eating away your emotions hit me to the core. I never realized that and that God wants us to feel and deal with emotions by leaning on Him instead of food.
I just read this post to my hubby and he is a part time pastor and this was a light bulb moment for him too.
Thank you so much and thank Waffle on behalf of us all!
Laura Phelps - Oprah is too busy talking about “the secret” to talk about God. If she only knew that God IS the secret. Silly, Oprah.
Sara Cameli - Meg, so weird and wonderful to hear you talk about all of that. Sugar will make you crazy, crazy for sugar! I have cut down all the way to one teaspoon for my morning coffee cuz I just have to have it. I am also having honey – GOOD honey. Good luck, you have been doing GREAT!!!!!!!!
Ann at the Handley Bungalow - Hi Meg –
I’m the SAME way… I saw a “Dr. Oz” show on sugar and diabetes…it was one of those “Oprah” light bulb moments – when I realized how much sugar I probably consume. It CAN’T be good for me. I did the Atkins diet a long time ago and it did help but I missed eating bread and pasta. Good for you to give it up – even if you do have a slice of cheesecake now and then. That Waffle dog of yours is SO cute. Of course I think everything about you is “cute”!!! Hugs ~ Ann
Jen - Can I come live with you so you can inspire me from “anear” rather than from “afar”?!??! You go girl!
Care to share your exercise routine??!
Courtney - Good for you! I find myself thinking that everyone ELSE is an emotional eater, but when I was reading this, I thought for a moment that I should go get some desert from last night… um, hello self? SO, I’m heading for an apple or orange instead 🙂
Kara - I think its funny how all the ladies complimented Waffle & Craig said the dog was going down, when he gets home! made me chuckle!
se7en - This post really spoke to me. I have a feeling I need to desugar… Actually I know I need to but your post makes actually want to take the dreaded step!!!
Diana - I AM PROUD OF YOU, MEG!!
I’ve told my children this for years… and they are just now “getting it.” They, too, are doing the complete change in how they live, work, exercise, eat… all of it. And in just the past month or so since they began, they have lost weight and are soooo much happier in everything in their lives!
God made Waffle do it.
God knows what He is doing.
Praying for you!
{hugz to Waffle}
{and you!}
♥
Bec - Waffle eating the cheesecake made me laugh. My parents’ cats at the tater tots off their leftover tater tot casserole last week- crazy pets! You are my hero- I’m not to the point where I could give up sugar. AND you inspired me to start my own blog! http://www.theiheartblog.com
gina - hoping scratch that going to TRY giving up soda and junk food for March. Reading this was realistic. I already know I eat- for good or bad feelings- I just haven’t cared enough to do anything to try and change it lately. (And by lately I mean the last almost 8 years!) I’m going to now, so thanks for the post!
alyssa - if you’re about to give into temptation….spray windex on it!!! ha!!
Cate O'Malley - I am right there with you, though I didn’t give up sugar. A friend made a comment (a very nice one, I should add) back in January and something clicked inside me, and I wanted to exercise. WANTED to. I wanted to start paying attention more to what I was eating (not that I was eating badly before, but you know what I mean). Something just clicked. Like you just mentioned it did for you. People can say things until they’re blue in the face, but until that moment, the moment when it clicks for you, none of it matters. If anything, it makes you run the other way. It’s been about six weeks since the comment was made, and I’ve lost 15 lbs so far. As corny as it sounds, it is like I can finally see in color. Everything is different. My attitude, my outlook, the way I carry myself. Everything. The last time that happened, when it all clicked for me, was 3 months before I got married, twelve years ago. I owe him. Big time. Kudos to you on all your success – you can do it, whatever “it” is for you!
patti - thank you for this post. i needed to hear how hard it is because i started today. i’m cutting out sweets and sugar in my latte – which is huge. i’ve had vanilla lattes since i can remember! no pastries with my latte. no more sweets. i’m going to continue eating fruit though…i love it too much! i know i can do this…it’s time. thank you again!
robin - I am so proud of you!!! Way to go on putting everything together and understanding what it all means for you.
I recently gave up alcohol and the emotions are all sitting right there for me to deal with as well. I am just now learning how to call on God to help me through my feelings, and lean on Him for support. Before I tried to do it all on my own!
Although, in the absence of wine, cookies sure have tasted good. Need to work on that one….
And your dog totally intervened at the right time. 🙂
Tonya - I’m pretty sure we’re twins seperated at birth! This post could have so easily been written by me…..right down to your broccoli comment! Ok, except for the fact that I’m not on a sugar fast and I’m not losing weight and I’m not going to Africa and I probably would have killed myself a dog for inhaling my cheesecake! 😉
After reading when you first started your sugar fast, I’ve been thinking about if that is something I could even do. And honestly, I don’t think I can give up sugar. I, too, am an emotional eater and sugary/sweet is always my go to “snack”. My bff and I joke all the time that I’m the “sweet” one and she’s the “savory” one!
Bravo for you, Meg!!! I think I’m gonna start praying about a sugar fast for myself….thanks for the motivation and inspiration!
Anna Marie - Umm…You just described me. But I don’t think I realized that I was like that…AT ALL. Wow! You were like just in my head!
I have heard of women who eat when they are emotional or upset. But I was always like…I eat sugary stuff when I am really happy too. But I get it now (a ha moment)…I eat when I have a strong emotion…period. Thank you…THANK YOU!!! Now I have to figure out how I want to tackle this.
I am proud of you!
H-Mama @ Family Team - kuddos to you, my bloggy friend. i know what a challenge this is. personally, i can’t even bring sweets into my house. it literally calls my name. everyone needs a waffle in their life. just sayin’. he is just precious, by the way!! (((hugs)))
Jaimie - I’m a total emotional eater too and I know it every time I eat something. It isn’t always sugar for me. Sometimes it’s salty stuff or sometimes it’s boxed mac ‘n’ cheese.. Ugh!
This is real motivation to stop and think to myself before I grab snacks!
You’re doing great!!! : )
purejoy - wow. such an encouragement. i am day four into no sugar. my new friend is lite yogurt. and fruit, my new “candy.” i’m a crack addict around sugar.
so far, so good. wow on the 7 weeks. i’m in it to win it.
i also eliminated all soft drinks.
and alcohol.
trying to lose weight.
be disciplined.
discover why my head hurts all. the. time.
thanks for the wonderful encouragement. i couldn’t have asked for a better post!
annalea - uggh — i know i have the problem of emotional eating but i just am not willing to deal with it right now. thanks for sharing your journey thus far – its very encouraging! God does want us to feel those emotions – even if oprah hasn’t told us so 🙂
mel - I am so proud of you. Thank you for your honesty!
What you are doing (giving up sugar) and what you are realizing (emotional eater) is HARD!!!
Keep up the good work & thanks for sharing with us.
Every year, I give up sugar/sweets/dessert/candy for Lent and it is amazing how much I *think* about it knowing that I can’t have it. It really reminds me to stop using that energy/time thinking about it, and shift that energy/time to thinking & talking to God.
tara pollard pakosta - Good for yOU!
how fast are you losing the weight?
just curious from someone who is a total
emotional “chips”eater myself. not into candy at all
but occasionally cookies, ice cream….
I am so proud of yoU! this is a HUGE STEP!
I can’t give up chips! I justcannot! I might
try it for awhile though and see how long I can do it for!
I guarantee if I gave up chips, I would lose weight faster.
I have only lost 4lbs since jan 3rd.
and I gave up diet coke *for the most part, in december.
oh man my dog ate my subway sandwich last week when I went to answer the door! and it was a healthy one too! he even ate all the hot peppers, I could have killed him HAAA~!
I am doing a bible study at home called: LOSE IT FOR LIFE and when I really focus on it, it helps me!
thanks for your honesty!
tara
Dana D@BoysMyJoys - 1st of all- Craig’s comment made me laugh out loud!
2nd- YAY! Reading this post makes me so proud for you! To want something enough to make it happen is HUGE! Keep up the good work! I gave up sugar for Lent, and it’s been a lot harder than I ever imagined! But, you’re inspiring me to take it further than just Lent! THANK YOU!!!
A Cupcake for Moose - I love your personality and perserverence. I’ve been trying to cut back on sugar and have been experiencing exactly what you have. I never put it together, however, that God wants me to feel those emotions so that I can respond, rely and grow in my faith in Him. Giving God the glory! My pastor said this past Sunday that “just because it feels good does not mean it is a blessing.” That struck me right in my sugary sweet tooth. Thanks for the extra boost. I am going to throw out the Sprite and get a water now. 🙂
-Rachel
Routhie - Good for you!! Stay strong.
Julie - Thank you Meg for your honesty! I’ve been bloggin about my healthy eating kick. First went the meat…and then out went dairy this Summer. My sinus infections that were becoming regular and serious are a thing of the past. I am so happy to not have the roller coaster of medications to kick out the infections! Now I’m on the kick out the sugar phase. I did it before Christmas, and felt incredible. Here I am again, after a long Winter, and too many cookie baking sessions with the kids. I’ve had a few setbacks this week, but am doing it…and feel so much better not being in a sugar- induced coma all day with my 4 kids!
Thanks Meg!
Julie
Flower Patch Farmgirl - Work it girl! I’m way impressed. And I know what you mean about making the husband proud. I feel that same way about things. If I can make him laugh, I’m golden. 🙂
ps- What qualifies as “sugar” cereal? You don’t have to answer that…think of it as a rhetorical question. I’m an avid cereal eater (bordering on expert) and I was shocked to see that Honey Nut Cheerios has the same amount of sugar as Cinnamon Toast Crunch! 10grams, I think. So who knew HNCs belonged in the dessert cereal category?? All this time, I thought they were a happy medium cereal….
Staci - I’m sooo excited for you!!! I gave up sugary things for Lent…..but really, I need this to last more than 40 days 🙂 I am ADDICTED to all things sweet 🙁 I.LOVE.SUGAR!!! And I think it’s the Devil I tell ya 🙁 (That might’ve been something I heard on The Waterboy??!) heeheee!!! So far, I’m hanging in there….but my bd and my 4 yr old’s bd…and that’s gonna be tough 🙁 But, I figure if Jesus could die on the cross for me…I could NOT have cake on my bd 🙂 I CAN DO IT!!!!!!!! Way to go Meg!! I hope you can keep it up!!! And man oh man I love that Waffle Dog 🙂
pam - Way to go Waffle! Another good reason for a new dog in our house. :o) Recognizing what’s behind the overeating is good but the real kicker…wanting it for myself. Thanks for sharing!
janet - I gave up sugar last January 1, 2009 for my resolution. I too have 5 kids ( boys), so I know what you are going through. I stuck to it and within 3 weeks didn’t crave sugar at all. I now am able to treat myself occasionally, but to be honest, when I eat anything with sugar in it, I think it is kinda gross (meaning : too sugary). I lost over 25 pounds! I now feel better, look better, have a TON more energy and eat super healthy ex. fruits, vegtables, limited whole grains and seafood and chicken with occasional red meat ~LOVE my hamburgers. My appetite has been been cut in half because I am not on that darn sugar roller coaster I was on. CONGRATUALTIONS to you~ you CAN and WILL be able to stick to it. And Waffle will be looking out for you~ he is your divine intervention to remind you and guide you Good luck~ 🙂
keely - Inspiring, convicting, though-provoking post. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m not ready to take the plunge yet, but it sure will get me thinking each time I want to grab a cookie after yelling at one of my boys. (not that i do that often…) 🙂
Ruth H. - I love to hear about what other people are doing to be healthy. It gives me hope for America! (Ooooh, that was a dramatic statement.) I started a Healthy Lifestyle Challenge this year with some friends, called Game On. (There’s a book, which I didn’t read, just followed the rules and the do/don’t food lists.) It taught me a lot about the way I eat (or don’t eat). I rarely ever buy junk, but somehow managed to stuff myself with carbs thru the day. I was always “too busy” to pay attention to what I was eating during the day….until I had to. Part of the motivation for this particular method was that I earned points for my team by making healthy choices. Strange that not letting the team down was more motivating for me than the possibility of weight loss. Apparently, guilt motivates me well.
Way to go! Keep up the good work!
Kacey - I’m definitely an emotional eater. In the fall I cut back considerably on my sugar intake and gave up my daily Diet Cokes. I started losing weight pretty quickly. A few weeks ago I started drinking Diet Coke again. Last week I was stressed and craving sweets, so I bought candy and have been munching all weekend. Today I have no energy and am so tired! Hmmmm – light bulb!
Good for you for maintaining and becoming aware of the connections! And thank you for sharing with us – it’s encouraging.
ckiser@chem-castltd.com - i love waffle!!
Misty, Southern Belle Mama - Way to go!! I am one week in with no sugar…I gave it up for Lent. I too have experienced the emotional attachment to my sugary foods. I want something sweet when I’m happy (to celebrate) and when I’m sad or angry (to comfort). I am working on dealing with these feeling through prayer, not food! 🙂
And give waffle a pat on the back for helping you resist the temptation of cheesecake!
Craig - That dog is going down when I get home.
jeana - you know, i just decided a few days ago to give sugar up. just now, i was thinking how great ice cream sounded and almost headed right in the kitchen to get it. is it THAT big of a habit, that i almost completely forgot i wasn’t having sugar?! then i was thinking, “who cares, i’ll just have a little and it will be fine.” i decided to get online first and here i am. THANK YOU for posting this, it motivated me to continue on, without giving up in the first few days!
elizabeth - Partly inspired by you and partly because I just KNOW, I, too, have given up sugar. Aside from a couple of cheats, I am a little over two weeks in. Thank you so much for this post today. It is most inspiring and I’m going to keep on keeping on. I, too, have always brushed off the suggestion of emotional eating and must admit that I do the same as you.
Good luck and thanks for checking in with us!
Sarah - My name is Sarah and I’m a sugar addict. It has/had a major hold on me and so this year for Lent I gave it up. Can I just say the last six days have been terrible? Yes. Terrible. But, reading your post makes me think there is light in this tunnel. I have purpose in giving it up and will hopefully break the death grip sugar has had on me for the last 31 years.
“everyone keeps asking me “don’t you feel so much better now?!” and i think “umm….well i feel something!”
I love that. You don’t sugar coat (sorry, no pun intended here) things. Thanks for your honesty.
kim - I don’t eat sugar either…….much. My doc said my blood sugar was too high for me, so I cut it out along with all refined carbs. So hard. I love me a scone.
Good for you!!!
I’ll off to make my sugar free jello.
tasha roe - i am with you – big time emotional eater!! big time! i hate it too. its probably the biggest thing about myself that i hate – i blame my butt and thighs on it! ha!
proud of you!! great accomplishment!
btw – i saw your feature in Flea Market Style!! so cool!! congrats!!
merlin - Read this great post while licking the frosting off a large spoon….I am so happy for you with your progress. I hope I want it enough, someday, to change too.
Sarah @ Dream In Domestic - I hope you know that not only are your real-life friends and husband proud of you, but your faithful readers are, too! It makes so much sense that you eat because you want to cover the emotions. I have never thought of it that way, but it makes so much sense – and I love the way you look at it that God wants us to feel those feelings. What a true connection! You’ll be in my prayers – you’ve done such a great job already!
Karen Gerstenberger - You are so honest; I love that about you. You are learning, and sharing what you are learning with us – how generous of you. I can see what you are saying: so many of us eat, or drink, or play, to “stuff” or stifle our feelings. Sometimes we aren’t aware that we have a choice, or we aren’t aware enough to stop.breathe.and.choose. You are doing a good thing for yourself, your family and your readers. God bless you!
Amanda - and I’m proud of you too!
A pocket full of posies... - Bless Waffle- he saved the day and really he thinks he just got a big ole yummy treat! 🙂 Love that dog!
and LOVE your analogy of just needing to rely on Him more for our comfort-not so much sugar ( now if I could JUST give-up those darn dark chocolate m&m’s- that WOULD be a miracle!)
Have a great week!
Many Blessings!
Jill
Mary Ferrara - I am so inspired by what you are doing. When you first announced that you were giving up sugar, you inspired me to do the same. I am one week off of sugar, and it is very tough. Like you, I am realizing how much my emotions have to do with eating and just how much sugar I eat everyday without even thinking about it. I love how you said that God wants you to feel those things so that you can continually give yourself up to Him, over and over. That is so awesome, and I am going to use that as my mantra when the cravings really kick in. I think you are a very strong and awesome lady! Glad to have found your blog!
Cassie - even DARK chocolate.
ugh….
i’m not a big sugar person, but sometimes i feel like i’m going to DIE if i don’t eat a piece of dark chocolate. about once a month…:)
Kelly - Wow you’ve given me an “AHA” moment today. (Another Oprah-ism). 🙂 I never thought about how when we turn to food because of emotions we are stealing the opportunity from ourselves to take the emotion to the Lord and really feel it and deal with it in a way that can bring change. I’m a total sugar addict too but I never thought about it in this way. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Chrissie Grace - I gave up refined sugars for Lent, so I haven’t had any since Wednesday. I didn’t do it for weight loss, only because I know I am addicted to it too. I wanted to even out my energy levels and now I am seeing that I turned to it for comfort A LOT!
After a few days of being pretty grumpy, I’m starting to lose the cravings.
But heres another question for you…what do you put in your coffee now?
Trish - I gave up sugar once… I am like you in I like to eat, especially sugar 🙂 and I am probably an emotional eater too, but have not had the light bulb moment yet!
Awhile back, almost 2 years ago. I went on the Daniel fast! It’s a 40 day fast. It was one of the hardest things. Only eat what God put on this earth… natural things. Nuts, fruits, veggies, oils, spices and water! Oh my did I loose weight… but afterward I went slowly started eating the old ways again. You are encouraging me, but now that I am pregnant… it’s harder, especially since I have high risk pregnancies everyone is bringing us yummy meals and special treats! so maybe after I have this kid 🙂
Amanda - Do you put anything in your coffee? I just started the sugar free diet too and I am having a problem with fixing my coffee. After my first child, I started drinking coffee…black. After my second child, I started drinking it with slenda, and milk. It was after my second child I also started making some kind of cake or a batch of cookies every week.
Good Luck on your continued success!
Lauren - Hi Meg! Thanks so much for sharing. I shared a similar post a few weeks ago. I think the emotional eating issue is more common than we think. I have A LOT of emotions I have yet to deal with and by conciously trying to feel things instead of cover them up with food, I am finding a few ugly truths. HOWEVER, it is an awesome feeling to actually feel instead of being numb. It is AWSOME to for me to let God be there for me the way He always intended.
You’re an inspiration! Keep up the good work!
Krista - I’m visiting your blog after just posting my “points” on the weight watchers website. Your words on sugar and willpower echo loudly with me. I am so glad you were able to find the willpower to forego those tempting goodies(at least until the cheesecake incident!!), it is so hard to do!! I too am trying to become healthier and lose weight, but it is a daily challenge. Willpower comes from within. Good luck to you. You have inspired me!
Chris A. - I just had to comment (I usually stalk from Google Reader LOL), I’ve had the same problem for years. Tried every kind of diet till I just gave up. But still not feeling so hot about myself.
I’ve just started reading the book The Feel Good Diet (The weight-loss plan that boosts serotonin) and it’s making a lot of sense to me. Haven’t actually started it yet but plan, too. It talks about how we all start a diet, lose weight and end up gaining it all and more back because we really don’t feel that great after we lose the weight. This book tells you why and “supposedly” how to feel good and lose weight and keep it off. If it works, I’ll let you know.
Good luck to you (and I just love Waffle)!
jenny - You have the cutest dog EVER! I love your posts-you always make me smile.