I'm on week 8 and have definitely had a rough few days. It's that all or nothing mentality. After I have one slip, literally-- this last binge started with a tootsie roll-- it's over. Let me preface this by saying that for the past 7 weeks I have been energetic, healthy, happy and committed. I've lost 13 pounds and feel pretty great about it. I need to start viewing every week that I lose as an accomplishment. Instead of underplaying the significance and brushing it off by thinking how easy JC is, I need to acknowledge and praise myself for the hard work and dedication it takes to lose weight. Anyone have a non-food, intangible (like I'm not buying myself shoes or getting a manicure for losing weight) way they praise or reward themselves for sticking to the plan and succeeding?

I am currently unable to "get right back on track" right away. I am at least finished for the rest of the day, if not for more than a few days. Obviously I loathe myself and blanket myself in pity after I slip like this, and it is totally unproductive. I suppose I have gotten better at getting myself out, though, which is definitely a step in the right direction. I just keep telling myself "I can't undo the past. I slipped, but that's done. What can I learn from it? Why did it happen? What can I do to make it not happen in the future?" I just need to figure out how to stop obsessing about it. Anyone else obsess WAY more after a slip than when things are going well? How do I shift that unhealthy mentality? Maybe I need a new way to constantly remind myself that Nothing tastes as good as looking good feels.

Truthfully, I have found that exercise is the key to my world. I ended my backslide last night, am back on track this morning, and even though all I'm thinking about today is food (images of junk food are running through my mind) I know if I can just push through the day I will be fine and feel better tomorrow. It will definitely take me a few days (probably two more-- like on Saturday or Sunday) to feel skinny again, assuming I stick to plan and eat only JC food. Note please the difference I draw in my mind between feeling better and feeling skinny. I think feeling better is more psychological, whereas feeling skinny is physical. I will feel better psychologically hopefully by tonight after my workout-- I am going to push out a long, tough workout tonight to sweat everything out. I probably won't feel thin again for a couple of days after-- I have to get everything out, spark up my metabolism again, and feel like I'm losing. I'm not sure if this is a helpful or destructive way of thinking...

There are two things that are working against me (hopefully someone has at least one of the same struggles):
1. I don't talk about JC with anyone. The only person who knows I'm doing it is my mom, and I basically only told her because I had to explain why I didn't want to go to dinner with her all the time. I just feel that the program (and my weight and weight loss in general) isn't anyone else's business. If I am being completely honest, I am embarrassed that I am on JC and that I am overweight enough to warrant a weight loss program. I'm not sure how to reconcile this in my head. I really like the program and for the most part, it's the best program I have ever done, but at the same time I keep it a secret from everyone in my life. It also limits me in terms of support-- which is probably why I am writing an epic on this message board.
2. Smoking pot. A lot of the people I am surrounded by smoke and I have established that as part of my life. Usually I am fairly strong about not eating afterward, but sometimes "the munchies" are too strong. Smoking adds such an extra hurdle in my plans to lose weight because it makes the fight that much tougher. It's a vicious cycle in my life and something I am constantly struggling to change, and is absolutely hindering both my weight loss and the potential of my life in general. I constantly feel like I am fighting the complacent, perhaps destructive, effects of smoking, particularly when it relates to eating.

I hope I didn't offend anyone by anything I wrote. I'm just trying to be as honest as possible.

Ultimately, while I think this rant was mostly for myself and getting these things out of my head, I hope someone understands. If anyone has thoughts, comments, ideas, etc. I would love to hear them.

I have been where you are so many times.

Just recently I picked up the Touchstone CD/DVD set at Jenny Craig and have found it to be very useful in identifying how to step out of the conflict between your good self and the binger self. Pretty amazing tips that she gives on how to identify and make friends or call a truce so that both sides are working together to a healthier lifestyle.

Stop beating yourself up. Learn to be at peace and supportive of you and your actions.

I've been on the mental roller coaster many times. The key is putting one foot in front of the other, getting the food out of your house that doesn't help you meet your goals. You need to get your head in a good place, realizing that you hold the fork.

If you do eat off plan, you are not a bad person, but you do need to take responsibility for it. Either plan in some treats (very do-able) or a meal that you have been wanting.

On the things that you listed that may make it difficult for you,

1. I don't tell anyone I'm doing JC either. I believe it's none of their business. I'm a private person like that. My dh knows about it & is very supportive. I don't think that means that you can't have the support you need. You have your JC counselor & your mom. You have this message board. If you feel like you need more, then you might decide to confide in a friend.

2. On the pot smoking making you have the 'munchies', I think you know what to do. Changing our lifestyle, including getting rid of habits that we did before, takes courage.

It sounds like you're doing great. Pat yourself on the back. Rewards for me are putting on a pair of shorts that didn't use to fit me. I spend some time browsing at a farmer's market or a spice store. I buy a book or cd for myself. I treat myself by going to bed early. You know what makes you tick - do those things to reward yourself (but make it for your behavior & not for the scale, which you can't control).

Good luck!!

My opinion on the pot smoking - - you need to figure out if these people and this action (smoking) has a place with the "new you" you are creating. Take some time and decide. If you choose to keep this in your life - then just plan for the munchies - - don't eat your dessert before smoking - - have it when you get the munchies - have some crunchy fruit or vegetables - -

I particularly like what Sophia said in regards to rewarding yourself - - - "make it for your behavior" - - - even in this program, so much emphasis is put on the SCALE - - - -

Thank you Sophia, those are words that I personally needed to hear.

Dear ThisTimesTheOne,
I admire your brave honesty. I think we're all there with you-at least with the food part. I just want a whole day now and again to eat endlessly. I think it's just how we deal with our boredom, stress, sadness etc. If we are overweight, it's probably a result of abusing food-or using food to heal ourselves. I think most of us on these boards deal with these same issues every day. The Touchstones DVD/CD set does really help. This is a struggle and a fight. I feel like I'm am fighting for my happiness and self esteem. So, I'm right there with you. I think you've got to give up the pot. I think if you really want to make a change, you have to fight for it-and really make that change. I don't think that's adding anything to your healthy lifestyle.
I struggle with "going out". It's very hard to be social while you're dieting. I want to go out-have a glass of wine-but one glass of wine leads to two or three-which leads to eating extra food that I shouldn't be eating. This is hard-and it feel like a lonely battle.
But, just endure it for a few months-and see if you can improve your health and life....I don't know-I hope it helps knowing that you can pour your heart out on these boards! Good luck!
-Jessica