Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm new here and thought I'd introduce myself.

My name is Aidan, and I'm a single mom with four kids. Yes, I have a

lot of stress in my life! I'm learning a lot about coping and being

happy " anyway " , not just around food issues.

Some of my history with food. My mother has struggled with her weight

since she was a child. So I grew up immersed in diets, binging, severe

guilt over food choices- my mom really has this stuff running her

life. I have always had the diet mentality too, though until I had

four kids, I was very slim; so it never seemed like a problem. But it

IS a problem, and always was! Even though I was slim, that depended on

factors like the work I did, which was very physical, and keeping

myself out and busy so I never experienced eating from boredom or

loneliness. I don't want my own kids to have an unhealthy relationship

with food and with their own bodies.

My struggles right now are around eating unconsciously- I eat all day,

every day. I also soothe myself with treats. The guilt keeps me from

wanting to exercise, and I'm struggling to find hope and the

motivation to care for myself. I'm used to that coming from the desire

to be slim like I used to be, and thinking that if I could just work

up some more self discipline, I would lose weight, learn to love

myself (but not till I lose the weight!), and be happy.

I haven't read Intuitive Eating all the way through, but so far I like

what I've read. I am hoping to get some real-life advice and support

through this group. Thanks for having me!

Aidan