*Trigger warning* Eating for Health and Wellness

[Guest_1055]

I have been struggling eating and eating healthy foods over the last couple of weeks. I really do not want to go back further to how I use to eat, that is eating junk food, takeaways, copious amounts of chocolate, processed junk and comfort eating.

Finding it challenging to stay motivated to actually prepare what I know helps me feel better mentally, emotionally and physically. Plus I have been feeling overwhelmed with other stuff happening in my life, which somehow makes it more challenging. The old unhealthy comfort eating thing is coming back. And I think I am getting concerned and scared about that. I so much do not want to go back to how I use to be. I was so sick. Plus I now have some physical things not right in my body , so I need to be more careful and mindful of what I eat. ( Pre cancer cells , high blood pressure )

I was eating really well since Febuary of this year, it’s just the last couple of weeks I haven’t.

So I would like to use this thread to help me be accountable to Beyond Blue people. So like a diary where I can post and report what I eat. And also any healthy eating tips, motivating strategies to help eat better or anything related to healthy eating for our bodies including our mental health.

[Guest_2496]

Shelley

I guess the answer to your ‘why’ question is that I want to be comfortable, I want to spend time with my grandchildren more easily, maybe I want to live longer?

In that course you did what was the next step after asking these questions? It’s very interesting.

[Paw Prints]

I set the 1st May as my start date for losing weight & eating more healthier. I'm not dieting, as I don't think they work. As my weight crept on gradually, I will be losing it gradually, I'm aiming for 12 kgs per year or better. At the moment simply stopping the increase would be a big 1st step.

I was drinking approx 4 litres milk per day, my aim is to drink under 3 then when I am doing it consistently reduce to under 2 then to under 1. Today makes 10 days under 3.

I have also bought some raw unsalted cashews as a healthier snacking option. Small steps, but I'm hoping by doing it gradually it will be able to keep it up.

[MsPurple]

HI Everyone

I find eating habits and patterns can be quite personal. I find if someone tells me what I am doing is bad or wrong I can become defensive. It is hard to sometimes be told the truth or to be open to helpful criticism and advice. I suggest if you are wanting professional advice on healthy eating and attitudes around it to see a registered dietitian and psychologist. I find both of them helpful also. A free resource is using www.eatforhealth.gov.au

Paw I know milk is a healthy food. But like all things too much can be bad for us. It is good you are trying to change gradually. All change takes time to stick. I find if I just crash diet or eliminate something in one hit it will never stick. Maybe also look at the website link above for your own personal calcium requirements (age and gender does make a difference). I need at least 2 cups a day (probably more with my running).

Today I craved peanut butter. I ended up putting some in my porridge as well as buying a smoothie with it as a core ingredient. It was a delicious peanutty day

[Clues_Of_Blue]

Sounds good, Shelley. I think there's nothing quite like experimenting with new recipes to really get you into healthy eating. Or at least, it works for me. I get a kick out of working with different ingredients, and you'll get a meal/flour as a biproduct from making the nut milk, which you can use in other recipes. Win win.

Very much a relief!

I'm glad you have support in your choice there, then, and I hope you're seeing some improvements in your health. Fasting for short periods isn't bad in itself, but I can see how it could upset the balance in trying to deal with cravings, is all. I hope you have things in place for when you break your fasts that are satisfying and enjoyable.

That's understandable. Glad you have some outlets for it. If you slide deeper into those feelings when talking about them, maybe a diversionary tactic would be a better go-to when you want to eat for emotional reasons. A task or project you find really engaging? I actually find exercise good for changing what I want to eat. The energy I use makes me want wholesome, hearty food and junk gets forgotten. Just a thought.

[Guest_1055]

Hi Blue,

I can be the same sometimes when it comes to exercising. That is I desire to eat healthy stuff. I think it is when I do cardio more so though.

Mm I do have the left over pulp in the fridge from the nut milks. Sort of considering what I could do with it. I have heard of making flours with the pulp. But have never actually done it.

As for the fasting and depending how long you go for. You need to be real wise in what you consume afterwards.

Yes I have implemented diversity tactics when faced with emotional cravings or food. Some like have no loose money in my bag or purse, leave the ATM card at home. The 15 minute wait rule. Drink water. Go for a walk. Sometimes these work, sometimes not.

[Guest_1055]

Your personal whys can be used as a positive motivation tool. Like you read them often and see why it's important to you to eat healthy etc. So when you are up against that craving for junk you can read your list of whys to help you make better choices and say no to the junk. Like your grandchildren are in real important to you, you love them and want to see them grow up, or keep up with them etc. There is only one you.

Sorry Annie, may brain is scattered today. So I am hoping I explained that OK.

I will see if I can find my notes for you if you like.

[Guest_1055]

Like your determination with decreasing your milk consumption. Mm like cashews. Also Brazil nuts and almonds taste pretty good. You properly already knew this. Nuts are good to eat, but are calorie dense, I am pretty sure. Much better then chocolate though.

I had some medjoil dates yesterday as a snack. Very satisfying if you are craving something sweet. But best not to eat too many of these also. Which I think I did.

[Guest_1055]

How you going Ms Purple.. Mm like peanut butter too. And almond butter as well.

I had a look at the eatforhealth website. I came across the circle of food groups. I was pleased to see that they had listed tofu, lentils,chickpeas nuts, soy milk in it. Not sure if they were included in the food group thing that I learnt at school. Or perhaps I did notice it.

[Guest_1055]

I have not been eating a huge amount of anything over the last few days. Reason being I binged on those chocolate biscuits again on late Thursday night. Next day I noticed a lot of changes in me. And not pleasant changes either. That amount of sugared junk really had a bad affect on me this time.

I am writing the negative consequences here. Maybe it would help myself or anyone else.

I had trouble sleeping that night. Only 4 hours.

A headache developed on Friday and continued until today

Huge bouts of anger and other emotional outbursts

Foggy and heavy in the head

Confused.

Scattered thoughts more then normal

Crying

Tirdness quickly developed over the Friday and still lingers today. Though a little less tired.

Thoughts of dieing

Aloneness

Not connected

Not real

Lashed out at hubby, made me more sad. And regret. As do not want to hurt him.

Less hope

Feel the need to stay in bed and sleep

No appetite

Feel sick

Could not control emotions

Fear

Irritable

No peace

I am not sure if anyone reading can relate in that the food they eat affects them in a bad way.

I can not be a hundred percent sure if its only the food. But I think I am seeing a bit of a pattern here in my life. I am hoping to moniter this. I feel much better today. Not totally.

Over the last few days. I have eaten some dates, banana and mashed potato and pumpkin.

[Paw Prints]

I've been pondering this since yesterday, not saying I'm right, just I'm wondering if you have a 'which came first, chicken or egg' thing going on. Many of those are classic depression symptoms, some like the headaches sound food related. It could be that when you have a depressive episode starting you do the comfort eat thing, this triggers all the food related which get mixed with the depression stuff making everything worse. I do notice when I over eat sugary foods I can end up with a headache, tiredness, irritability, foggy head and it can last for days.