Re:some discoveries: *LONG*

[Guest guest]

Ann, This could have been written by me four months ago. I started IE on January 1 (ironic, huh), and it took me six months just to get to where you are now. The thing is, you are overeating, BUT AWARE OF IT. That is HUGE. You are consciously choosing to do it. That makes all the difference in the world. I, like you, postpone eating. It's my biggest challenge, because nine times out of ten, when that stomach grumbles, I'm doing something and can't stop. As you've discovered, planning is the key. I tend to eat crap when I don't have enough stuff in the house that I like to eat. This means that I have to *think* about breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and *plan* to go to the store and buy them, and then *pay attention* when my body gets hungry and eat, and *be aware* when I'm eating to stop when I'm full (took awhile to get this one), and for me *track* what I'm eating so I can stay at the calorie

level that will enable me to lose weight. This is a lot of energy! As I've said before, some people learn IE so that they can be free from thinking about food so much. I have a larger goal, which is to naturally return to my ideal weight, and I won't do that while consuming the 3000 calories a day that I was before I started IE. So, the process goes like this. You legalize all foods. This takes awhile. Then you start paying attention to fullness, and this takes awhile too. Then, you realize that if something tastes really good, you can have it again when you're hungry. This gives you the power to start stopping when you're full. Then, if you're like me, you do some research to figure out what foods you like, don't like, make you feel good, make you feel bad. Decide what you want to incorporate into your life. Not based on what Dr Atkins or Bob Greene or Oprah or my mother tells me

to eat, but what I want to eat. Then, you have to figure out how much you can eat and lose weight. This is a mathematical equation based on your ideal weight (or what you think it is), how active you are etc... Then, you use that number as a GOAL. Some days will be more, some days will be less. It's not a moral problem if you eat 500 calories more than you'd planned. You're not a saint if you ate less. It's gas in a car before you go on a drive. You wouldn't feel superior if you put 3/4 a tank of gas in your car, or guilty if you topped it off! Finally, you move. Move in ways you like. I feel intimdated by exercise classes, so I don't do them. That way, you are only eating foods you love, in quantities that feel good, moving your body in ways that make you feel good, loving yourself for the process, and losing weight. I

am down 21 pounds since August 1 using this method. So, look where you are in this process. It's a process, and you can't move on until you've mastered where you are.I thank You God for most this amazing day; for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes.-e.e. cummings __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

This was a great post. I wanted to write " awesome " but I've been over

using that word!

>

> Ann,

>

> This could have been written by me four months ago. I started IE

on January 1 (ironic, huh), and it took me six months just to get to

where you are now. The thing is, you are overeating, BUT AWARE OF IT.

That is HUGE. You are consciously choosing to do it. That makes all

the difference in the world.

>

> I, like you, postpone eating. It's my biggest challenge, because

nine times out of ten, when that stomach grumbles, I'm doing

something and can't stop. As you've discovered, planning is the key.

I tend to eat crap when I don't have enough stuff in the house that I

like to eat. This means that I have to *think* about breakfast,

lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and *plan* to go to the store and buy

them, and then *pay attention* when my body gets hungry and eat, and

*be aware* when I'm eating to stop when I'm full (took awhile to get

this one), and for me *track* what I'm eating so I can stay at the

calorie level that will enable me to lose weight. This is a lot of

energy!

>

> As I've said before, some people learn IE so that they can be

free from thinking about food so much. I have a larger goal, which is

to naturally return to my ideal weight, and I won't do that while

consuming the 3000 calories a day that I was before I started IE.

>

> So, the process goes like this. You legalize all foods. This

takes awhile. Then you start paying attention to fullness, and this

takes awhile too. Then, you realize that if something tastes really

good, you can have it again when you're hungry. This gives you the

power to start stopping when you're full.

>

> Then, if you're like me, you do some research to figure out what

foods you like, don't like, make you feel good, make you feel bad.

Decide what you want to incorporate into your life. Not based on what

Dr Atkins or Bob Greene or Oprah or my mother tells me to eat, but

what I want to eat.

>

> Then, you have to figure out how much you can eat and lose

weight. This is a mathematical equation based on your ideal weight

(or what you think it is), how active you are etc...

>

> Then, you use that number as a GOAL. Some days will be more, some

days will be less. It's not a moral problem if you eat 500 calories

more than you'd planned. You're not a saint if you ate less. It's gas

in a car before you go on a drive. You wouldn't feel superior if you

put 3/4 a tank of gas in your car, or guilty if you topped it off!

>

> Finally, you move. Move in ways you like. I feel intimdated by

exercise classes, so I don't do them.

>

> That way, you are only eating foods you love, in quantities that

feel good, moving your body in ways that make you feel good, loving

yourself for the process, and losing weight.

>

> I am down 21 pounds since August 1 using this method.

>

> So, look where you are in this process. It's a process, and you

can't move on until you've mastered where you are.

>

>

> I thank You God for most this amazing day; for the leaping greenly

spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything

which is natural which is infinite which is yes.

>

> -e.e. cummings

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Traci and all,

I totally concur that just being aware of overeating and actually

making the choice to do it, are huge steps in IE. There's a big

difference between overeating guiltily and feeling like you're " bad " ,

and telling yourself this is what you are choosing to do right now,

and just making a concious choice is great.

You are really moving through the IE steps quickly & getting results

quickly, but I think it should be said that that's somewhat unusual.

I don't want people to read that and feel frustrated and that

something is " wrong " because they're not losing weight, or losing so

much so quickly.

IE is about eating, not losing weight. Figuring out how much you can

eat and lose weight, and tracking your calories, is definitely not

part of the Intuitive eating process and is more diet mentality. IE

is not just for people who want to lose weight, there are folks here

that are struggling with just getting themselves to eat. It's

working for you, and that's great, but I don't want people to

misunderstand what IE is.

IE is all about " normalizing " one's eating and weight loss can be a

side effect, but it's not a goal of IE.

I'm taking a 3-part class with nutrional and psychotherapists and the

3 parts span a period of 9 months, so I know they expect this to be a

long, slow process. I started private sessions in Feb. and the

classes in August. I'm still working on legalizing some foods, and

at the same time working on not eating when I'm not physically

hungry. I'm also about 5-8 pounds heavier than I was when I started.

However, I know I'm making progress! I feel so differently about

food than I did before I started. I feel relieved, freed, and

unburdened by diet thoughts. I know I'm on my way, I just have to

keep reminding myself to be patient and kind to myself!

~Jen S.

>

> Ann,

>

> This could have been written by me four months ago. I started IE

on January 1 (ironic, huh), and it took me six months just to get to

where you are now. The thing is, you are overeating, BUT AWARE OF IT.

That is HUGE. You are consciously choosing to do it. That makes all

the difference in the world.

>

> I, like you, postpone eating. It's my biggest challenge, because

nine times out of ten, when that stomach grumbles, I'm doing

something and can't stop. As you've discovered, planning is the key.

I tend to eat crap when I don't have enough stuff in the house that I

like to eat. This means that I have to *think* about breakfast,

lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and *plan* to go to the store and buy

them, and then *pay attention* when my body gets hungry and eat, and

*be aware* when I'm eating to stop when I'm full (took awhile to get

this one), and for me *track* what I'm eating so I can stay at the

calorie level that will enable me to lose weight. This is a lot of

energy!

>

> As I've said before, some people learn IE so that they can be

free from thinking about food so much. I have a larger goal, which is

to naturally return to my ideal weight, and I won't do that while

consuming the 3000 calories a day that I was before I started IE.

>

> So, the process goes like this. You legalize all foods. This

takes awhile. Then you start paying attention to fullness, and this

takes awhile too. Then, you realize that if something tastes really

good, you can have it again when you're hungry. This gives you the

power to start stopping when you're full.

>

> Then, if you're like me, you do some research to figure out what

foods you like, don't like, make you feel good, make you feel bad.

Decide what you want to incorporate into your life. Not based on what

Dr Atkins or Bob Greene or Oprah or my mother tells me to eat, but

what I want to eat.

>

> Then, you have to figure out how much you can eat and lose

weight. This is a mathematical equation based on your ideal weight

(or what you think it is), how active you are etc...

>

> Then, you use that number as a GOAL. Some days will be more, some

days will be less. It's not a moral problem if you eat 500 calories

more than you'd planned. You're not a saint if you ate less. It's gas

in a car before you go on a drive. You wouldn't feel superior if you

put 3/4 a tank of gas in your car, or guilty if you topped it off!

>

> Finally, you move. Move in ways you like. I feel intimdated by

exercise classes, so I don't do them.

>

> That way, you are only eating foods you love, in quantities that

feel good, moving your body in ways that make you feel good, loving

yourself for the process, and losing weight.

>

> I am down 21 pounds since August 1 using this method.

>

> So, look where you are in this process. It's a process, and you

can't move on until you've mastered where you are.

>

>

> I thank You God for most this amazing day; for the leaping greenly

spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything

which is natural which is infinite which is yes.

>

> -e.e. cummings

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Jen!

I needed to read this. I haven't gained weight since doing IE, but I

haven't lost weight and I think people, including myself, forget that

IE isn't about all about weight loss. Weight loss will result if you

need it. If your body needs it.

Someone, in my case coming from anorexia, may need to carry some

extra weight in order for the body to heal.

Then it may stabilize and come off later..if it wants to.

Some of us are turning to IE for sanity.

> >

> > Ann,

> >

> > This could have been written by me four months ago. I started

IE

> on January 1 (ironic, huh), and it took me six months just to get

to

> where you are now. The thing is, you are overeating, BUT AWARE OF

IT.

> That is HUGE. You are consciously choosing to do it. That makes all

> the difference in the world.

> >

> > I, like you, postpone eating. It's my biggest challenge,

because

> nine times out of ten, when that stomach grumbles, I'm doing

> something and can't stop. As you've discovered, planning is the

key.

> I tend to eat crap when I don't have enough stuff in the house that

I

> like to eat. This means that I have to *think* about breakfast,

> lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and *plan* to go to the store and

buy

> them, and then *pay attention* when my body gets hungry and eat,

and

> *be aware* when I'm eating to stop when I'm full (took awhile to

get

> this one), and for me *track* what I'm eating so I can stay at the

> calorie level that will enable me to lose weight. This is a lot of

> energy!

> >

> > As I've said before, some people learn IE so that they can be

> free from thinking about food so much. I have a larger goal, which

is

> to naturally return to my ideal weight, and I won't do that while

> consuming the 3000 calories a day that I was before I started IE.

> >

> > So, the process goes like this. You legalize all foods. This

> takes awhile. Then you start paying attention to fullness, and this

> takes awhile too. Then, you realize that if something tastes really

> good, you can have it again when you're hungry. This gives you the

> power to start stopping when you're full.

> >

> > Then, if you're like me, you do some research to figure out

what

> foods you like, don't like, make you feel good, make you feel bad.

> Decide what you want to incorporate into your life. Not based on

what

> Dr Atkins or Bob Greene or Oprah or my mother tells me to eat, but

> what I want to eat.

> >

> > Then, you have to figure out how much you can eat and lose

> weight. This is a mathematical equation based on your ideal weight

> (or what you think it is), how active you are etc...

> >

> > Then, you use that number as a GOAL. Some days will be more,

some

> days will be less. It's not a moral problem if you eat 500 calories

> more than you'd planned. You're not a saint if you ate less. It's

gas

> in a car before you go on a drive. You wouldn't feel superior if

you

> put 3/4 a tank of gas in your car, or guilty if you topped it off!

> >

> > Finally, you move. Move in ways you like. I feel intimdated by

> exercise classes, so I don't do them.

> >

> > That way, you are only eating foods you love, in quantities

that

> feel good, moving your body in ways that make you feel good, loving

> yourself for the process, and losing weight.

> >

> > I am down 21 pounds since August 1 using this method.

> >

> > So, look where you are in this process. It's a process, and you

> can't move on until you've mastered where you are.

> >

> >

> > I thank You God for most this amazing day; for the leaping

greenly

> spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything

> which is natural which is infinite which is yes.

> >

> > -e.e. cummings

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Jen!

I needed to read this. I haven't gained weight since doing IE, but I

haven't lost weight and I think people, including myself, forget that

IE isn't about all about weight loss. Weight loss will result if you

need it. If your body needs it.

Someone, in my case coming from anorexia, may need to carry some

extra weight in order for the body to heal.

Then it may stabilize and come off later..if it wants to.

Some of us are turning to IE for sanity.

> >

> > Ann,

> >

> > This could have been written by me four months ago. I started

IE

> on January 1 (ironic, huh), and it took me six months just to get

to

> where you are now. The thing is, you are overeating, BUT AWARE OF

IT.

> That is HUGE. You are consciously choosing to do it. That makes all

> the difference in the world.

> >

> > I, like you, postpone eating. It's my biggest challenge,

because

> nine times out of ten, when that stomach grumbles, I'm doing

> something and can't stop. As you've discovered, planning is the

key.

> I tend to eat crap when I don't have enough stuff in the house that

I

> like to eat. This means that I have to *think* about breakfast,

> lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and *plan* to go to the store and

buy

> them, and then *pay attention* when my body gets hungry and eat,

and

> *be aware* when I'm eating to stop when I'm full (took awhile to

get

> this one), and for me *track* what I'm eating so I can stay at the

> calorie level that will enable me to lose weight. This is a lot of

> energy!

> >

> > As I've said before, some people learn IE so that they can be

> free from thinking about food so much. I have a larger goal, which

is

> to naturally return to my ideal weight, and I won't do that while

> consuming the 3000 calories a day that I was before I started IE.

> >

> > So, the process goes like this. You legalize all foods. This

> takes awhile. Then you start paying attention to fullness, and this

> takes awhile too. Then, you realize that if something tastes really

> good, you can have it again when you're hungry. This gives you the

> power to start stopping when you're full.

> >

> > Then, if you're like me, you do some research to figure out

what

> foods you like, don't like, make you feel good, make you feel bad.

> Decide what you want to incorporate into your life. Not based on

what

> Dr Atkins or Bob Greene or Oprah or my mother tells me to eat, but

> what I want to eat.

> >

> > Then, you have to figure out how much you can eat and lose

> weight. This is a mathematical equation based on your ideal weight

> (or what you think it is), how active you are etc...

> >

> > Then, you use that number as a GOAL. Some days will be more,

some

> days will be less. It's not a moral problem if you eat 500 calories

> more than you'd planned. You're not a saint if you ate less. It's

gas

> in a car before you go on a drive. You wouldn't feel superior if

you

> put 3/4 a tank of gas in your car, or guilty if you topped it off!

> >

> > Finally, you move. Move in ways you like. I feel intimdated by

> exercise classes, so I don't do them.

> >

> > That way, you are only eating foods you love, in quantities

that

> feel good, moving your body in ways that make you feel good, loving

> yourself for the process, and losing weight.

> >

> > I am down 21 pounds since August 1 using this method.

> >

> > So, look where you are in this process. It's a process, and you

> can't move on until you've mastered where you are.

> >

> >

> > I thank You God for most this amazing day; for the leaping

greenly

> spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything

> which is natural which is infinite which is yes.

> >

> > -e.e. cummings

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

Press, I'm so glad you found this helpful. I feel like I've been

helped so much by all the collective wisdom on this board. I just love

reading the posts and hearing the thoughts and experiences of everyone

else. What a great support group!

>

>

> Thank you, Jen!

>

> I needed to read this. I haven't gained weight since doing IE, but I

> haven't lost weight and I think people, including myself, forget that

> IE isn't about all about weight loss. Weight loss will result if you

> need it. If your body needs it.

> Someone, in my case coming from anorexia, may need to carry some

> extra weight in order for the body to heal.

> Then it may stabilize and come off later..if it wants to.

> Some of us are turning to IE for sanity.

[Guest guest]

Press, I'm so glad you found this helpful. I feel like I've been

helped so much by all the collective wisdom on this board. I just love

reading the posts and hearing the thoughts and experiences of everyone

else. What a great support group!

>

>

> Thank you, Jen!

>

> I needed to read this. I haven't gained weight since doing IE, but I

> haven't lost weight and I think people, including myself, forget that

> IE isn't about all about weight loss. Weight loss will result if you

> need it. If your body needs it.

> Someone, in my case coming from anorexia, may need to carry some

> extra weight in order for the body to heal.

> Then it may stabilize and come off later..if it wants to.

> Some of us are turning to IE for sanity.

[Guest guest]

Sometimes I get the impression that people think they're doing IE

wrong if they're NOT losing weight.

It seems like some people turn it into a diet or put all kinds of

rules on it-- " the correct IE way is to not be a plate cleaner, take 2

bites, only eat when your stomach is hollow and your colon is empty "

What the hell is a normal eater anyway? If YOU are a plate cleaner,

that's how you are. Instead of trying to change your behavior to fit

someone else's idea, work with it instead.

If you only want a bite of something, great, but it doesn't mean the

sky will open up and a ray of light will shine on ya.

Don't know if I'm making sense?

> >

> >

> > Thank you, Jen!

> >

> > I needed to read this. I haven't gained weight since doing IE,

but I

> > haven't lost weight and I think people, including myself, forget

that

> > IE isn't about all about weight loss. Weight loss will result if

you

> > need it. If your body needs it.

> > Someone, in my case coming from anorexia, may need to carry some

> > extra weight in order for the body to heal.

> > Then it may stabilize and come off later..if it wants to.

> > Some of us are turning to IE for sanity.

>

[Guest guest]

Sometimes I get the impression that people think they're doing IE

wrong if they're NOT losing weight.

It seems like some people turn it into a diet or put all kinds of

rules on it-- " the correct IE way is to not be a plate cleaner, take 2

bites, only eat when your stomach is hollow and your colon is empty "

What the hell is a normal eater anyway? If YOU are a plate cleaner,

that's how you are. Instead of trying to change your behavior to fit

someone else's idea, work with it instead.

If you only want a bite of something, great, but it doesn't mean the

sky will open up and a ray of light will shine on ya.

Don't know if I'm making sense?

> >

> >

> > Thank you, Jen!

> >

> > I needed to read this. I haven't gained weight since doing IE,

but I

> > haven't lost weight and I think people, including myself, forget

that

> > IE isn't about all about weight loss. Weight loss will result if

you

> > need it. If your body needs it.

> > Someone, in my case coming from anorexia, may need to carry some

> > extra weight in order for the body to heal.

> > Then it may stabilize and come off later..if it wants to.

> > Some of us are turning to IE for sanity.

>

[Guest guest]

My biggest problem in applying IE is insisting on eating the same

amount at every meal. This is probably a throwback to my WW points-

counting days when I was limited to no more than 20 points a day and

had to fit my appetite into that tight box. So now when I feel

hungrier and need to eat more on certain days, I get nervous and

second-guess myself. This has even blown up into a near-binge as I

punish myself for " violating " IE principles by not eating the same two

bites at this meal that I did the day before. Again, transforming

this into a diet-like program...I'm not quite " intuitive " at this

process yet.

[Guest guest]

My biggest problem in applying IE is insisting on eating the same

amount at every meal. This is probably a throwback to my WW points-

counting days when I was limited to no more than 20 points a day and

had to fit my appetite into that tight box. So now when I feel

hungrier and need to eat more on certain days, I get nervous and

second-guess myself. This has even blown up into a near-binge as I

punish myself for " violating " IE principles by not eating the same two

bites at this meal that I did the day before. Again, transforming

this into a diet-like program...I'm not quite " intuitive " at this

process yet.

[Guest guest]

Yes, thank you, complete sense. I admit to being a little confused by some of what I've been reading over the past week or so that I've been around, vis a vis the "rules" still in evidence. I guess we are so programmed to regiment that it's a hard habit to break.

-- Re:some discoveries: *LONG*

Sometimes I get the impression that people think they're doing IE wrong if they're NOT losing weight.It seems like some people turn it into a diet or put all kinds of rules on it--"the correct IE way is to not be a plate cleaner, take 2 bites, only eat when your stomach is hollow and your colon is empty"What the hell is a normal eater anyway? If YOU are a plate cleaner, that's how you are. Instead of trying to change your behavior to fit someone else's idea, work with it instead.If you only want a bite of something, great, but it doesn't mean the sky will open up and a ray of light will shine on ya.Don't know if I'm making sense?> >> > > > Thank you, Jen!> > > > I needed to read this. I haven't gained weight since doing IE, but I > > haven't lost weight and I think people, including myself, forget that > > IE isn't about all about weight loss. Weight loss will result if you > > need it. If your body needs it. > > Someone, in my case coming from anorexia, may need to carry some > > extra weight in order for the body to heal.> > Then it may stabilize and come off later..if it wants to.> > Some of us are turning to IE for sanity.>

[Guest guest]

Yes, thank you, complete sense. I admit to being a little confused by some of what I've been reading over the past week or so that I've been around, vis a vis the "rules" still in evidence. I guess we are so programmed to regiment that it's a hard habit to break.

-- Re:some discoveries: *LONG*

Sometimes I get the impression that people think they're doing IE wrong if they're NOT losing weight.It seems like some people turn it into a diet or put all kinds of rules on it--"the correct IE way is to not be a plate cleaner, take 2 bites, only eat when your stomach is hollow and your colon is empty"What the hell is a normal eater anyway? If YOU are a plate cleaner, that's how you are. Instead of trying to change your behavior to fit someone else's idea, work with it instead.If you only want a bite of something, great, but it doesn't mean the sky will open up and a ray of light will shine on ya.Don't know if I'm making sense?> >> > > > Thank you, Jen!> > > > I needed to read this. I haven't gained weight since doing IE, but I > > haven't lost weight and I think people, including myself, forget that > > IE isn't about all about weight loss. Weight loss will result if you > > need it. If your body needs it. > > Someone, in my case coming from anorexia, may need to carry some > > extra weight in order for the body to heal.> > Then it may stabilize and come off later..if it wants to.> > Some of us are turning to IE for sanity.>

[Guest guest]

Marguerite:

I totally know what you're talking about. It's not quite " intuitive "

for me either--Yet. Or if I feel like I ate too much then I feel like

I've blown something.

>

> My biggest problem in applying IE is insisting on eating the same

> amount at every meal. This is probably a throwback to my WW points-

> counting days when I was limited to no more than 20 points a day and

> had to fit my appetite into that tight box. So now when I feel

> hungrier and need to eat more on certain days, I get nervous and

> second-guess myself. This has even blown up into a near-binge as I

> punish myself for " violating " IE principles by not eating the same

two

> bites at this meal that I did the day before. Again, transforming

> this into a diet-like program...I'm not quite " intuitive " at this

> process yet.

>

[Guest guest]

Marguerite:

I totally know what you're talking about. It's not quite " intuitive "

for me either--Yet. Or if I feel like I ate too much then I feel like

I've blown something.

>

> My biggest problem in applying IE is insisting on eating the same

> amount at every meal. This is probably a throwback to my WW points-

> counting days when I was limited to no more than 20 points a day and

> had to fit my appetite into that tight box. So now when I feel

> hungrier and need to eat more on certain days, I get nervous and

> second-guess myself. This has even blown up into a near-binge as I

> punish myself for " violating " IE principles by not eating the same

two

> bites at this meal that I did the day before. Again, transforming

> this into a diet-like program...I'm not quite " intuitive " at this

> process yet.

>

[Guest guest]

Jen - I agree with you. IE is not about weight loss, calories or rules. It is about normalizing your relationship with food, learning to love your body THE WAY IT IS RIGHT NOW AT THIS VERY MOMENT and taking good care of yourself because you are worth it. And you are worth it just because you exist, for no other reason. Diet mentality still creeps in for me, even though I work really hard at not counting things, bargaining for food (if I eat this now, I'll have carrots later) or beating myself up when I eat when I'm not hungry. It is a long slow process, and I've had more downs than ups lately, but the thing that keeps me trying is the support on this board, a great IE support group run by an IE therapist and reminding myself that the other way never worked, so I should give this a chance to develop. Thanks for the great way you posted a gentle reminder for me about what I'm aiming

for. Peace, CW __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Jen - I agree with you. IE is not about weight loss, calories or rules. It is about normalizing your relationship with food, learning to love your body THE WAY IT IS RIGHT NOW AT THIS VERY MOMENT and taking good care of yourself because you are worth it. And you are worth it just because you exist, for no other reason. Diet mentality still creeps in for me, even though I work really hard at not counting things, bargaining for food (if I eat this now, I'll have carrots later) or beating myself up when I eat when I'm not hungry. It is a long slow process, and I've had more downs than ups lately, but the thing that keeps me trying is the support on this board, a great IE support group run by an IE therapist and reminding myself that the other way never worked, so I should give this a chance to develop. Thanks for the great way you posted a gentle reminder for me about what I'm aiming

for. Peace, CW __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Traci, how good you must be feeling about yourself and you have a

reason to be proud of this too I could be envious, but that

wouldn't be as good as me finding such a way that suits myself like

you did yourself. Good job! - Katcha

> Finally, you move. Move in ways you like. I feel intimdated by

exercise classes, so I don't do them.

>

> That way, you are only eating foods you love, in quantities that

feel good, moving your body in ways that make you feel good, loving

yourself for the process, and losing weight.

>

> I am down 21 pounds since August 1 using this method.

>

> So, look where you are in this process. It's a process, and you

can't move on until you've mastered where you are.

[Guest guest]

I wanted to comment on this. I may have been

insensitive in posting my current weight loss

accomplishment, especially for those who really aren't

using this as a form of weight loss.

I can see how it can be stressful to those who need to

heal themselves with food (anorexic's or bulimic's or

whatever label you want to use).

I just wanted to say I am sorry if I have been

insensitive to others' journeys and not thought how it

made others feel to be proud.

Michele

--- press182 wrote:

>

> Thank you, Jen!

>

> I needed to read this. I haven't gained weight since

> doing IE, but I

> haven't lost weight and I think people, including

> myself, forget that

> IE isn't about all about weight loss. Weight loss

> will result if you

> need it. If your body needs it.

> Someone, in my case coming from anorexia, may need

> to carry some

> extra weight in order for the body to heal.

> Then it may stabilize and come off later..if it

> wants to.

> Some of us are turning to IE for sanity.

>

> > >

> > > Ann,

> > >

> > > This could have been written by me four months

> ago. I started

> IE

> > on January 1 (ironic, huh), and it took me six

> months just to get

> to

> > where you are now. The thing is, you are

> overeating, BUT AWARE OF

> IT.

> > That is HUGE. You are consciously choosing to do

> it. That makes all

> > the difference in the world.

> > >

> > > I, like you, postpone eating. It's my biggest

> challenge,

> because

> > nine times out of ten, when that stomach grumbles,

> I'm doing

> > something and can't stop. As you've discovered,

> planning is the

> key.

> > I tend to eat crap when I don't have enough stuff

> in the house that

> I

> > like to eat. This means that I have to *think*

> about breakfast,

> > lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and *plan* to go to

> the store and

> buy

> > them, and then *pay attention* when my body gets

> hungry and eat,

> and

> > *be aware* when I'm eating to stop when I'm full

> (took awhile to

> get

> > this one), and for me *track* what I'm eating so I

> can stay at the

> > calorie level that will enable me to lose weight.

> This is a lot of

> > energy!

> > >

> > > As I've said before, some people learn IE so

> that they can be

> > free from thinking about food so much. I have a

> larger goal, which

> is

> > to naturally return to my ideal weight, and I

> won't do that while

> > consuming the 3000 calories a day that I was

> before I started IE.

> > >

> > > So, the process goes like this. You legalize

> all foods. This

> > takes awhile. Then you start paying attention to

> fullness, and this

> > takes awhile too. Then, you realize that if

> something tastes really

> > good, you can have it again when you're hungry.

> This gives you the

> > power to start stopping when you're full.

> > >

> > > Then, if you're like me, you do some research

> to figure out

> what

> > foods you like, don't like, make you feel good,

> make you feel bad.

> > Decide what you want to incorporate into your

> life. Not based on

> what

> > Dr Atkins or Bob Greene or Oprah or my mother

> tells me to eat, but

> > what I want to eat.

> > >

> > > Then, you have to figure out how much you can

> eat and lose

> > weight. This is a mathematical equation based on

> your ideal weight

> > (or what you think it is), how active you are

> etc...

> > >

> > > Then, you use that number as a GOAL. Some days

> will be more,

> some

> > days will be less. It's not a moral problem if you

> eat 500 calories

> > more than you'd planned. You're not a saint if you

> ate less. It's

> gas

> > in a car before you go on a drive. You wouldn't

> feel superior if

> you

> > put 3/4 a tank of gas in your car, or guilty if

> you topped it off!

> > >

> > > Finally, you move. Move in ways you like. I

> feel intimdated by

> > exercise classes, so I don't do them.

> > >

> > > That way, you are only eating foods you love,

> in quantities

> that

>

=== message truncated ===

Currently Reading: Songs Without Words

Recently Read: Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I wanted to comment on this. I may have been

insensitive in posting my current weight loss

accomplishment, especially for those who really aren't

using this as a form of weight loss.

I can see how it can be stressful to those who need to

heal themselves with food (anorexic's or bulimic's or

whatever label you want to use).

I just wanted to say I am sorry if I have been

insensitive to others' journeys and not thought how it

made others feel to be proud.

Michele

--- press182 wrote:

>

> Thank you, Jen!

>

> I needed to read this. I haven't gained weight since

> doing IE, but I

> haven't lost weight and I think people, including

> myself, forget that

> IE isn't about all about weight loss. Weight loss

> will result if you

> need it. If your body needs it.

> Someone, in my case coming from anorexia, may need

> to carry some

> extra weight in order for the body to heal.

> Then it may stabilize and come off later..if it

> wants to.

> Some of us are turning to IE for sanity.

>

> > >

> > > Ann,

> > >

> > > This could have been written by me four months

> ago. I started

> IE

> > on January 1 (ironic, huh), and it took me six

> months just to get

> to

> > where you are now. The thing is, you are

> overeating, BUT AWARE OF

> IT.

> > That is HUGE. You are consciously choosing to do

> it. That makes all

> > the difference in the world.

> > >

> > > I, like you, postpone eating. It's my biggest

> challenge,

> because

> > nine times out of ten, when that stomach grumbles,

> I'm doing

> > something and can't stop. As you've discovered,

> planning is the

> key.

> > I tend to eat crap when I don't have enough stuff

> in the house that

> I

> > like to eat. This means that I have to *think*

> about breakfast,

> > lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and *plan* to go to

> the store and

> buy

> > them, and then *pay attention* when my body gets

> hungry and eat,

> and

> > *be aware* when I'm eating to stop when I'm full

> (took awhile to

> get

> > this one), and for me *track* what I'm eating so I

> can stay at the

> > calorie level that will enable me to lose weight.

> This is a lot of

> > energy!

> > >

> > > As I've said before, some people learn IE so

> that they can be

> > free from thinking about food so much. I have a

> larger goal, which

> is

> > to naturally return to my ideal weight, and I

> won't do that while

> > consuming the 3000 calories a day that I was

> before I started IE.

> > >

> > > So, the process goes like this. You legalize

> all foods. This

> > takes awhile. Then you start paying attention to

> fullness, and this

> > takes awhile too. Then, you realize that if

> something tastes really

> > good, you can have it again when you're hungry.

> This gives you the

> > power to start stopping when you're full.

> > >

> > > Then, if you're like me, you do some research

> to figure out

> what

> > foods you like, don't like, make you feel good,

> make you feel bad.

> > Decide what you want to incorporate into your

> life. Not based on

> what

> > Dr Atkins or Bob Greene or Oprah or my mother

> tells me to eat, but

> > what I want to eat.

> > >

> > > Then, you have to figure out how much you can

> eat and lose

> > weight. This is a mathematical equation based on

> your ideal weight

> > (or what you think it is), how active you are

> etc...

> > >

> > > Then, you use that number as a GOAL. Some days

> will be more,

> some

> > days will be less. It's not a moral problem if you

> eat 500 calories

> > more than you'd planned. You're not a saint if you

> ate less. It's

> gas

> > in a car before you go on a drive. You wouldn't

> feel superior if

> you

> > put 3/4 a tank of gas in your car, or guilty if

> you topped it off!

> > >

> > > Finally, you move. Move in ways you like. I

> feel intimdated by

> > exercise classes, so I don't do them.

> > >

> > > That way, you are only eating foods you love,

> in quantities

> that

>

=== message truncated ===

Currently Reading: Songs Without Words

Recently Read: Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Michele.

You should feel proud of your weight loss and I know you were posting

it to reassure people who were having doubts.

However, I'm starting to take issue with the " normal eaters " thing.

My husband is a normal eater and I've never seen him " suck on a

hershey's kiss for 10 minutes " .

It still seems like " criteria " to me. If that makes sense.

So you're only a " together normal eater " if you 1. throw away food 2.

only eat at a set table (which to me puts that special magic on

food), never eat in front of the t.v.

3. treat food like soilent green and never, ever celebrate with it

4. never over eat 5.never keep eating because it tastes good--all

over eating is tied to some emotional weakness, etc. 7.

come to this startling " revelation " that you no longer eat chocolate,

candy, or pizza because you're so emotionally strong.

Some of the IE stuff is starting to sound like things I did when I

was anorexic or like 'diet tips from WW " .

> > > >

> > > > Ann,

> > > >

> > > > This could have been written by me four months

> > ago. I started

> > IE

> > > on January 1 (ironic, huh), and it took me six

> > months just to get

> > to

> > > where you are now. The thing is, you are

> > overeating, BUT AWARE OF

> > IT.

> > > That is HUGE. You are consciously choosing to do

> > it. That makes all

> > > the difference in the world.

> > > >

> > > > I, like you, postpone eating. It's my biggest

> > challenge,

> > because

> > > nine times out of ten, when that stomach grumbles,

> > I'm doing

> > > something and can't stop. As you've discovered,

> > planning is the

> > key.

> > > I tend to eat crap when I don't have enough stuff

> > in the house that

> > I

> > > like to eat. This means that I have to *think*

> > about breakfast,

> > > lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and *plan* to go to

> > the store and

> > buy

> > > them, and then *pay attention* when my body gets

> > hungry and eat,

> > and

> > > *be aware* when I'm eating to stop when I'm full

> > (took awhile to

> > get

> > > this one), and for me *track* what I'm eating so I

> > can stay at the

> > > calorie level that will enable me to lose weight.

> > This is a lot of

> > > energy!

> > > >

> > > > As I've said before, some people learn IE so

> > that they can be

> > > free from thinking about food so much. I have a

> > larger goal, which

> > is

> > > to naturally return to my ideal weight, and I

> > won't do that while

> > > consuming the 3000 calories a day that I was

> > before I started IE.

> > > >

> > > > So, the process goes like this. You legalize

> > all foods. This

> > > takes awhile. Then you start paying attention to

> > fullness, and this

> > > takes awhile too. Then, you realize that if

> > something tastes really

> > > good, you can have it again when you're hungry.

> > This gives you the

> > > power to start stopping when you're full.

> > > >

> > > > Then, if you're like me, you do some research

> > to figure out

> > what

> > > foods you like, don't like, make you feel good,

> > make you feel bad.

> > > Decide what you want to incorporate into your

> > life. Not based on

> > what

> > > Dr Atkins or Bob Greene or Oprah or my mother

> > tells me to eat, but

> > > what I want to eat.

> > > >

> > > > Then, you have to figure out how much you can

> > eat and lose

> > > weight. This is a mathematical equation based on

> > your ideal weight

> > > (or what you think it is), how active you are

> > etc...

> > > >

> > > > Then, you use that number as a GOAL. Some days

> > will be more,

> > some

> > > days will be less. It's not a moral problem if you

> > eat 500 calories

> > > more than you'd planned. You're not a saint if you

> > ate less. It's

> > gas

> > > in a car before you go on a drive. You wouldn't

> > feel superior if

> > you

> > > put 3/4 a tank of gas in your car, or guilty if

> > you topped it off!

> > > >

> > > > Finally, you move. Move in ways you like. I

> > feel intimdated by

> > > exercise classes, so I don't do them.

> > > >

> > > > That way, you are only eating foods you love,

> > in quantities

> > that

> >

> === message truncated ===

>

>

>

> Currently Reading: Songs Without Words

> Recently Read: Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Michele.

You should feel proud of your weight loss and I know you were posting

it to reassure people who were having doubts.

However, I'm starting to take issue with the " normal eaters " thing.

My husband is a normal eater and I've never seen him " suck on a

hershey's kiss for 10 minutes " .

It still seems like " criteria " to me. If that makes sense.

So you're only a " together normal eater " if you 1. throw away food 2.

only eat at a set table (which to me puts that special magic on

food), never eat in front of the t.v.

3. treat food like soilent green and never, ever celebrate with it

4. never over eat 5.never keep eating because it tastes good--all

over eating is tied to some emotional weakness, etc. 7.

come to this startling " revelation " that you no longer eat chocolate,

candy, or pizza because you're so emotionally strong.

Some of the IE stuff is starting to sound like things I did when I

was anorexic or like 'diet tips from WW " .

> > > >

> > > > Ann,

> > > >

> > > > This could have been written by me four months

> > ago. I started

> > IE

> > > on January 1 (ironic, huh), and it took me six

> > months just to get

> > to

> > > where you are now. The thing is, you are

> > overeating, BUT AWARE OF

> > IT.

> > > That is HUGE. You are consciously choosing to do

> > it. That makes all

> > > the difference in the world.

> > > >

> > > > I, like you, postpone eating. It's my biggest

> > challenge,

> > because

> > > nine times out of ten, when that stomach grumbles,

> > I'm doing

> > > something and can't stop. As you've discovered,

> > planning is the

> > key.

> > > I tend to eat crap when I don't have enough stuff

> > in the house that

> > I

> > > like to eat. This means that I have to *think*

> > about breakfast,

> > > lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and *plan* to go to

> > the store and

> > buy

> > > them, and then *pay attention* when my body gets

> > hungry and eat,

> > and

> > > *be aware* when I'm eating to stop when I'm full

> > (took awhile to

> > get

> > > this one), and for me *track* what I'm eating so I

> > can stay at the

> > > calorie level that will enable me to lose weight.

> > This is a lot of

> > > energy!

> > > >

> > > > As I've said before, some people learn IE so

> > that they can be

> > > free from thinking about food so much. I have a

> > larger goal, which

> > is

> > > to naturally return to my ideal weight, and I

> > won't do that while

> > > consuming the 3000 calories a day that I was

> > before I started IE.

> > > >

> > > > So, the process goes like this. You legalize

> > all foods. This

> > > takes awhile. Then you start paying attention to

> > fullness, and this

> > > takes awhile too. Then, you realize that if

> > something tastes really

> > > good, you can have it again when you're hungry.

> > This gives you the

> > > power to start stopping when you're full.

> > > >

> > > > Then, if you're like me, you do some research

> > to figure out

> > what

> > > foods you like, don't like, make you feel good,

> > make you feel bad.

> > > Decide what you want to incorporate into your

> > life. Not based on

> > what

> > > Dr Atkins or Bob Greene or Oprah or my mother

> > tells me to eat, but

> > > what I want to eat.

> > > >

> > > > Then, you have to figure out how much you can

> > eat and lose

> > > weight. This is a mathematical equation based on

> > your ideal weight

> > > (or what you think it is), how active you are

> > etc...

> > > >

> > > > Then, you use that number as a GOAL. Some days

> > will be more,

> > some

> > > days will be less. It's not a moral problem if you

> > eat 500 calories

> > > more than you'd planned. You're not a saint if you

> > ate less. It's

> > gas

> > > in a car before you go on a drive. You wouldn't

> > feel superior if

> > you

> > > put 3/4 a tank of gas in your car, or guilty if

> > you topped it off!

> > > >

> > > > Finally, you move. Move in ways you like. I

> > feel intimdated by

> > > exercise classes, so I don't do them.

> > > >

> > > > That way, you are only eating foods you love,

> > in quantities

> > that

> >

> === message truncated ===

>

>

>

> Currently Reading: Songs Without Words

> Recently Read: Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Jen, thank you so very much for your post. I too reacted in a 'split'

way to the success that Traci is achieving. I laud her drive and being

able to apply IE in this manner for herself. This is not something I

could or would try for myself as I retain too much 'rebel' to tolerate

such a constraint as she seems comfortable working within. Its hard to

not feel a 'failure' when exposed to the success of another. However I

remind myself that if I want something, I can and will find a way to

get it for myself, in my own manner. So far IE, slow and re-learning

as it is, is the way I feel I need to go.

Best wishes on your classes - what a fabulous way to incorporate this

for you. ehugs, Katcha

>

> Traci and all,

>

> I totally concur that just being aware of overeating and actually

> making the choice to do it, are huge steps in IE. There's a big

> difference between overeating guiltily and feeling like you're " bad " ,

> and telling yourself this is what you are choosing to do right now,

> and just making a concious choice is great.

>

> You are really moving through the IE steps quickly & getting results

> quickly, but I think it should be said that that's somewhat unusual.

> I don't want people to read that and feel frustrated and that

> something is " wrong " because they're not losing weight, or losing so

> much so quickly.

>

> IE is about eating, not losing weight. Figuring out how much you can

> eat and lose weight, and tracking your calories, is definitely not

> part of the Intuitive eating process and is more diet mentality. IE

> is not just for people who want to lose weight, there are folks here

> that are struggling with just getting themselves to eat. It's

> working for you, and that's great, but I don't want people to

> misunderstand what IE is.

>

> IE is all about " normalizing " one's eating and weight loss can be a

> side effect, but it's not a goal of IE.

>

> I'm taking a 3-part class with nutrional and psychotherapists and the

> 3 parts span a period of 9 months, so I know they expect this to be a

> long, slow process. I started private sessions in Feb. and the

> classes in August. I'm still working on legalizing some foods, and

> at the same time working on not eating when I'm not physically

> hungry. I'm also about 5-8 pounds heavier than I was when I started.

> However, I know I'm making progress! I feel so differently about

> food than I did before I started. I feel relieved, freed, and

> unburdened by diet thoughts. I know I'm on my way, I just have to

> keep reminding myself to be patient and kind to myself!

>

> ~Jen S.

>

[Guest guest]

Jen, thank you so very much for your post. I too reacted in a 'split'

way to the success that Traci is achieving. I laud her drive and being

able to apply IE in this manner for herself. This is not something I

could or would try for myself as I retain too much 'rebel' to tolerate

such a constraint as she seems comfortable working within. Its hard to

not feel a 'failure' when exposed to the success of another. However I

remind myself that if I want something, I can and will find a way to

get it for myself, in my own manner. So far IE, slow and re-learning

as it is, is the way I feel I need to go.

Best wishes on your classes - what a fabulous way to incorporate this

for you. ehugs, Katcha

>

> Traci and all,

>

> I totally concur that just being aware of overeating and actually

> making the choice to do it, are huge steps in IE. There's a big

> difference between overeating guiltily and feeling like you're " bad " ,

> and telling yourself this is what you are choosing to do right now,

> and just making a concious choice is great.

>

> You are really moving through the IE steps quickly & getting results

> quickly, but I think it should be said that that's somewhat unusual.

> I don't want people to read that and feel frustrated and that

> something is " wrong " because they're not losing weight, or losing so

> much so quickly.

>

> IE is about eating, not losing weight. Figuring out how much you can

> eat and lose weight, and tracking your calories, is definitely not

> part of the Intuitive eating process and is more diet mentality. IE

> is not just for people who want to lose weight, there are folks here

> that are struggling with just getting themselves to eat. It's

> working for you, and that's great, but I don't want people to

> misunderstand what IE is.

>

> IE is all about " normalizing " one's eating and weight loss can be a

> side effect, but it's not a goal of IE.

>

> I'm taking a 3-part class with nutrional and psychotherapists and the

> 3 parts span a period of 9 months, so I know they expect this to be a

> long, slow process. I started private sessions in Feb. and the

> classes in August. I'm still working on legalizing some foods, and

> at the same time working on not eating when I'm not physically

> hungry. I'm also about 5-8 pounds heavier than I was when I started.

> However, I know I'm making progress! I feel so differently about

> food than I did before I started. I feel relieved, freed, and

> unburdened by diet thoughts. I know I'm on my way, I just have to

> keep reminding myself to be patient and kind to myself!

>

> ~Jen S.

>

[Guest guest]

LUV this press :) So very true too - ehugs, Katcha

>

> Sometimes I get the impression that people think they're doing IE

> wrong if they're NOT losing weight.

> It seems like some people turn it into a diet or put all kinds of

> rules on it-- " the correct IE way is to not be a plate cleaner, take 2

> bites, only eat when your stomach is hollow and your colon is empty "

>

> What the hell is a normal eater anyway? If YOU are a plate cleaner,

> that's how you are. Instead of trying to change your behavior to fit

> someone else's idea, work with it instead.

> If you only want a bite of something, great, but it doesn't mean the

> sky will open up and a ray of light will shine on ya.

> Don't know if I'm making sense?