That Reddit Post That Hit a Little Too Close to Home
So, I was scrolling through Reddit the other day, and I came across this post in r/loseit that really caught my attention. It was from someone talking about gaining 30 pounds over the past two years, even though they weren't eating out of hunger. They knew why they were doing it – therapy and all – but they couldn't seem to stop. It was like this compulsive urge to eat, even when full, and it was messing with their head and their body.
Honestly, it struck a chord. I think a lot of us can relate to that feeling of being disconnected from our hunger cues, or eating for reasons other than actual physical need. Maybe not to the same extent, but that feeling of being at war with your own appetite? Yeah, I think that's pretty common. And the fact that this person was already in therapy and still struggling? That's the part that really got me thinking. It highlights how complex our relationship with food can be, and how knowing the root of the problem doesn't always magically solve it.
The post detailed the frustration of having gained weight despite working out consistently and trying to eat a high-protein diet. They mentioned the initial success of tracking calories but how it eventually led to a cycle of rationalizing "bad" days, which spiraled into compulsive eating habits. The struggle of wanting to eat intuitively but also being afraid to lose control without tracking was palpable. It's a tricky balance, and something I’ve definitely struggled with too.
What was particularly interesting was the mention of finding some relief in eating super plain, unflavored foods. It's like stripping away the pleasure factor somehow dials down the urge to overeat. But even then, feeling full wasn't always enough to stop the behavior. It points to the deeper psychological factors at play, the comfort or pleasure-seeking that goes beyond just satisfying physical hunger. And the final plea for advice, structure, or even just support really underscored the isolation and frustration that can come with this kind of struggle. It's a reminder that we're not alone in these battles, and sometimes just knowing that can be a small comfort.
Here's What's Really Going On Under the Surface
Okay, so let's break down what's happening in this Reddit post, and what it really means. First off, the fact that this person is already in therapy is huge. It means they've already done the work of identifying the underlying issues that are driving the compulsive eating. This isn't just a matter of willpower or discipline. It's something deeper. It could be related to past trauma, emotional regulation, or even just deeply ingrained habits. The awareness is definitely the first major step.
But here's the thing: awareness isn't always enough. Knowing why you're doing something doesn't automatically translate into being able to stop doing it. Our brains are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain, and if eating has become a primary source of comfort or pleasure, it can be incredibly difficult to break that cycle, even when we know it's not serving us in the long run. It's like trying to rewire a circuit board – you can understand how the circuit works, but actually changing the wiring takes time, effort, and the right tools.
The mention of tracking calories initially working but then backfiring is also super common. Tracking can be a useful tool for gaining awareness of your eating habits and making informed choices. But for some people, it can also become obsessive and lead to a restrictive mindset, which can then trigger episodes of overeating or binging. It's like a pendulum swinging from one extreme to the other. The key is to find a middle ground, a way to be mindful of your intake without getting overly fixated on the numbers.
And that's where intuitive eating comes in. The idea of eating when you're hungry and stopping when you're full sounds simple enough, but it can be incredibly challenging, especially if you've spent years ignoring your body's signals. It requires a lot of practice and patience to re-establish that connection and learn to trust your own internal cues. It's not a quick fix, and it's definitely not a one-size-fits-all approach.
What This Means for You if This Sounds Familiar
So, what does all this mean if you're reading this and thinking, "Hey, that sounds a lot like me"? Well, first of all, know that you're definitely not alone. This kind of struggle is way more common than people realize. And second, there are things you can do to start finding some peace with food and your body. It’s a tough journey but being aware is the first step.
If you're already in therapy, that's a fantastic start. Keep working with your therapist to explore the underlying issues that are driving your eating habits. Don't be afraid to dig deep and be honest with yourself about what's really going on. It's not always easy to confront those uncomfortable emotions or memories, but it's necessary for healing. If you're not in therapy, consider finding a therapist who specializes in eating disorders or body image issues.
Experiment with different approaches to eating. Maybe tracking calories isn't the right thing for you right now. Maybe intuitive eating feels too overwhelming. Try something in between. Focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods, and pay attention to how your body feels before, during, and after eating. Notice the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger.
Try to challenge those negative thoughts and beliefs about your body. Our society is constantly bombarding us with messages about what we "should" look like, and it's easy to internalize those messages and start believing that our worth is tied to our appearance. But that's simply not true. Your body is just one part of who you are, and it doesn't define your value as a person. It’s way easier said than done, but trying to love yourself more and accept your body is the key to a better life.
And be kind to yourself. This is a process, and there will be ups and downs. There will be days when you feel like you're making progress, and there will be days when you feel like you're backsliding. That's okay. Don't beat yourself up about it. Just keep showing up, keep doing the work, and trust that you'll eventually get there.
The Reality They Don't Tell You About: Plateaus and Setbacks
Let's be real, the journey to food freedom and body acceptance isn't always sunshine and rainbows. There are going to be plateaus, setbacks, and moments when you feel like giving up. And that's totally normal. It's important to be prepared for these challenges and have strategies in place for coping with them. It is important to know that there will be hard days and weeks.
One of the biggest challenges is dealing with societal pressures and expectations. As mentioned earlier, we're constantly bombarded with messages about what we "should" look like, and it can be hard to resist those messages, especially when you're feeling vulnerable or insecure. It's important to surround yourself with supportive people who will encourage you on your journey and remind you of your worth, regardless of your size or shape. This is very important. If the people around you are not encouraging you, then they shouldn’t be around you.
Another challenge is dealing with emotional triggers. Many people use food as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, sadness, or boredom. And while there's nothing inherently wrong with using food for comfort, it can become a problem when it's the only way you know how to deal with your emotions. The first step is to identify your triggers and then develop healthier coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
You have to find what really makes you happy. This is extremely important, because if you’re not happy, you will always turn to food for comfort. So finding your happy place, your thing, will really help keep your mind off food.
And then there's the physical aspect. Your body is constantly changing, and it's not always going to cooperate with your goals. There will be times when you gain weight, even when you're doing everything "right." There will be times when you feel tired, sluggish, and unmotivated. It's important to listen to your body and give it what it needs, whether that's rest, nourishment, or movement.
The plateau is something nobody talks about, but is a reality in your fitness journey. It’s important to not get discouraged and try to push through the plateau.
Making This Work Even When Life Gets Chaotic
Okay, so let's say you're on board with all this, but you're also thinking, "Yeah, but I have a crazy busy life. How am I supposed to find time for therapy, mindful eating, and self-care?" I get it. Life is hectic. But the truth is, you can make this work, even when you're juggling a million different things. It's all about finding small, sustainable changes that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
First of all, prioritize self-care. I know, it sounds cliché, but it's essential. You can't pour from an empty cup. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and moving your body in ways that feel good. Even if it's just 15 minutes of stretching or a walk around the block, every little bit helps.
Schedule your therapy appointments like you would any other important meeting. Don't cancel them unless it's absolutely necessary. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and it deserves your time and attention.
Practice mindful eating whenever you can. Turn off the TV, put away your phone, and focus on the taste, texture, and smell of your food. Chew slowly and savor each bite. Pay attention to your body's signals of hunger and fullness. Even if you can only do this for one meal a day, it's a start. This will help you slowly be able to intuitively eat, and listen to your body instead of your mind.
Find ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk or bike to work. Do some squats or lunges while you're waiting for the coffee to brew. Small changes can add up over time. It doesn’t have to be a super long workout, just something to get you moving.
Actually Putting This Into Practice, Step-by-Step
Alright, so how do you actually put all of this into practice? Let's break it down into some actionable steps:
Step 1: Find a therapist. If you're not already in therapy, start researching therapists in your area who specialize in eating disorders or body image issues. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your doctor. Don't be afraid to shop around until you find someone who feels like a good fit.
Step 2: Start a food journal. For a week or two, track everything you eat and drink, as well as your mood and any thoughts or feelings that come up around food. This will help you identify patterns and triggers.
Step 3: Practice mindful eating. Choose one meal a day to focus on eating mindfully. Turn off distractions, chew slowly, and pay attention to your body's signals of hunger and fullness.
Step 4: Challenge negative thoughts. Whenever you catch yourself thinking something negative about your body, challenge that thought. Ask yourself if it's really true, or if it's just a societal expectation or a limiting belief.
Step 5: Incorporate movement. Find ways to move your body in ways that feel good. This could be anything from walking or dancing to swimming or yoga. The key is to find something you enjoy so that you're more likely to stick with it.
Step 6: Be patient and kind. This is a process, and it takes time. Don't get discouraged if you have setbacks. Just keep showing up, keep doing the work, and trust that you'll eventually get there.
My Take on All This: It's About the Long Game
If there's one thing I've learned from my own struggles with food and body image, it's that this is a marathon, not a sprint. There's no quick fix, no magic bullet, no easy answer. It's about making small, sustainable changes that you can stick with for the long haul. It's about learning to trust your body, to listen to your intuition, and to be kind to yourself along the way.
I really believe that everyone deserves to have a healthy relationship with food and their body. It's not about achieving some arbitrary ideal of beauty or perfection. It's about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin, about nourishing your body with foods that make you feel good, and about moving your body in ways that bring you joy.
And it's okay to ask for help. It's okay to admit that you're struggling. It's okay to reach out to a therapist, a friend, or a support group. You don't have to go through this alone.
So, if you're reading this and feeling lost or discouraged, please know that there's hope. You can find peace with food and your body. It's not always easy, but it's worth it. And I'm here to cheer you on every step of the way. It’s a tough journey, but you will find happiness in the end.