thanks Chezz, I so agree, I have done quick fix diets before but for me I didn't really educate myself eating wise along the way so as soon as I came off them I was like "food food food" and started the binge cycle again as a recovering binge eater I was told that it was just not right for me to do a crash type diet as it will only increase the chance of me returning to my old ways, this way hopefully I am educating myself re healthier eating along the way. I have to say I have never had such a varied diet as I am having now that I have cut all the crappy foods out! I am shocked that I am actually really enjoying my food now and looking forward to my meal times.
I'm also calorie counting and my exercise is walking as well, my young collie dog keeps me active, she has at least two walks a day often three, she like my personal trainer ha ha We do sound like we are tackling this weight loss issue in very similar ways, you are doing great as well, I hope we can remain buddies on here as I think we could support each other along the way.
I only started the weight loss stage just over a week ago but I feel like its been a long time coming as I first put myself through therapy to work on the binge eating and underlying issues as I had developed a lifestyle of starvation all day and then massive binges every evening, then the next step for me was allowing myself to eat regularly and allowing myself to basically eat what I wanted to at meal times but no binges and I did that for quite a while and really helped me give up the starvation / binge pattern and then the next step was the one I am on now where I actually watch closely what I eat each day and also aim for no binges, I think if I had gone from massive binges straight to diet amount I would have given up so for me it was a bit of a slow process!
Re treating yourself, you def should do that, I think a treat now and again is a must, its always nice to have something to look forward to, I am off out for a meal at Bella Italia next Wed which I am very much looking forward to that will be my first treat since I have started, I am going with my friend and afterwards we are off to the theatre to watch "Sister Act", I can't wait! I am also doing non food treats alot more and that really helps.
Emma x