HOW I OVERCAME COMPULSIVE OVER EATING

HEALTH -Article 1

My biggest challenge in life was conquering my compulsive eating habit.

I remember so clearly the hopelessness I felt beause I had no control over my impulses. I would literally sit down to a pint of Haagan Daaz every day and swear that tomorrow I would start my diet.There are also vivid memories of me downing an entire bag of Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies and an entire big bag of Doritios! I had those moments of sitting in my car, opening a jar of peanut butter, and polishing off almost  half of it, and then driving to a fast food place for a burger and fries. And let's not forget the CHEESE!  I am a cheesehead afterall, and I would eat blocks of it at a time.When I think of that now, it truly makes me sick to my stomach. How could my poor body handle that?  No wonder my digestion was so screwed up and why I have cellulite so bad even now.

You can't possibly expect to abuse your body like that and put such demands on your digestion system and not have major issues. I remember jogging around my block at 4:00 a.m. desperate to burn off those calories and then dropping down to the ground in to a heap of tears praying for control and the strength to get my life on track. I do know that I was eating out of emotion...not knowing how to cope with certain feelings I was having. I knew I had to confront my demons head on and figure it out.I'm not sure of the exact moment I decided to change.  It was an accumulation of emotion and just being fed up of feeling and looking bad.  Enough was enough! So, I joined Weight Watchers.  It was through that program that I learned how to eat properly.  I learned about portion control.

Growing up I was never  taught any of those things. My Mother had been severely overtweight when I was growing up, and she loved to bake. And I mean BAKE EVERYTHING you can possibly think of.  I would wake up every Saturday morning to hot chocolate chip cookies, gooey brownies, pies, homemade bread, you name it.  I would stuff myself until I couldn't eat another bite.

Through Weight Watchers and having that support group, it made me accountable and got me on track. The first 12 pounds came off pretty easily.  Then, it was a bit slower, but because I stuck with the program, it  consistently came off.

When I moved to Los Angeles at 21, I was on my way to better health and felt more in control. I was a secretary at that time, so sat most of the day. I definitely had bumps and challenges along the way, but I was determined to get my once lean fit body back that I had when I was in high school as a cheerleader, gymnast and sprinter!It was when I joined a gym and began working out with weights that I really started to see the changes. Unfortunately, I made alot of mistakes that many women do when they don't really understand how to exercise properly.

I worked with heavy weights and didn't do enough cardio. So, I got really strong, but I was very bulky! Also, I still was in the bad habit of eating 3 big meals a day instead of the small little mini-meals throughout the day.It really wasn't until I was in my late 30's that I figured it out. The last thing I needed to get control of was my love for sweets, and it wasn't easy....

I decided to just starve myself of all carbs and sugars for about 2 weeks.  It was truly amazing what happened.  I sincerely didn't crave them anymore! I would never have believed in a million years that I would actually desire a delicious piece of fish with vegetables over a pizza!

I think having so much energy, feeling my body toned and lean also gave me extra incentive. Then when I became a personal trainer at the gym I was working out at, I was literally exercising with my clients all day long doing ab and midsection routines with them.

Before I knew it, my waist was tiny and my abs were ripped.  I had a 6 pack for the first time, and I was pumped!! Now if I really want to have a chocolate chip cookie, I'll have one....but only one.  And sometimes, I don't even eat the whole thing.  I am satisfied with a bite or two.

For me, it was a major shift in the way I associated and looked at food. Also, the more educated and aware I became, the easier it was to treat my body with respect. I got into "right thinking" mode and didn't want to sabatoge myself anymore. Some of the tools that helped me along the way were thought provoking, motivational and inspirational books and tapes that would put me in the present moment.Now, there is such a wealth of extra support at your finger tips.

Beachbody has developed such an amazing community that you are crazy if you don't take advantage of it. Get involved in the live chats and the message boards.Log into Team Beachbody and join the WOWY VIRTUAL GYM. Keep that journal every day to help you stay accountable.

Empower yourself with knowledge and invest in YOU!

You deserve it.  You deserve to be happy and healthy!!

I know if I could do it, you can too...

We are all here to help cheer you on and support you to live your best life!

Now.....GO PUSH PLAY!!

XXOO

DEBBIE