michbe1's Notizen, 28 Sep 07

I cannot imagine what that would be like. I think I would be eating Ben & Jerry's every day because I handle stress through food. My suggestions would be to: 1) make sure you have lots of YUMMY healthy choices around 2) your profile says you are in school (I am too) and it's especially tough to sit down and study for long periods without snacks. I try to "earn" my treats by finishing a chapter, or taking a break to walk around the block (although I have a toddler and that can be a chore, so sometimes I take him to the park and study while he plays). I also try not to study in place (like the kitchen table) where I automatically go for food. 3) on-line support is great, but I need a real person or two (I have my sister) to talk to when I'm stressed or frustrated (and not just about food, about my husband, about my job, about my classes, whatever). Other people to commiserate, who understand what you are feeling are a real help. 

Hey! We are a military family too, but my husband is not depolyed right now. I know it is very difficult emotionally. You worry all the time and want to eat. You need to do things that will keep you very busy. When your mind is busy, you don't worry as much. I don't know if you work or stay at home, but developing hobbies can be really good. Maybe try out new things like taking a class your have always wanted. Make sure you exercise because it helps with the stress. Maybe plan out your meals for the week, so that your don't have to think about food. It will all be written out for you. I love to read and watch funny movies. It takes me away from the stess for a little while. Good luck!  

I agree - exercise - go for walks. I don't know if you have kids, but if you do, connecting with them sometimes can help ease the stress. I was an army wife once upon a time, so I do understand. I exercised relentlessly and set a goal - if I finished one of my aerobics tapes, I would let myself take a bath (instead of a shower), or if I walked around the village where we lived with the one kid in the backpack, I would go get a new movie at the PX. Set little goals. If you are anywhere near a base, get connected with other military wives who are on WW or any other weight loss and/or exercise program. Keep up faith! 

Well, I am very busy. I go to school full time and I work part time. I have Friday thru Sunday off school and work and that's when I do errands and clean the house. I know keeping busy helps but I have to get used to the idea that my husband can't be here to do things with me and the kids. Thanks for all the words of encouragement. I will try really hard to do better. Monday I will start again fresh and remind myself that I want to surprise hubby with a new body when he comes home.  

I understand about a busy schedule...it does make a difference in how much time you can commit to yourself, as well as making sure you keep up with your home and child-related responsibilities.However, the little bit of time I take for myself makes me a much nicer person when I am through! Perhaps you can combine things--treadmill while you read for your classes, walk while the kids are at a lesson or sports practice--I walk on TUes and Wed. while my kids go to gymnastics and religion class. It's not perfect, but better than nothing! I also think that the idea to have little rewards is good--maybe a snack size Mr. Goodbar? I can't "ban" certain foods...dosn't work for me. Hope this helps.  

Thanks for the ideas  

Aw, I can fully empathise as my hubby is forces too and just spent the last 3 years on board a ship that was never here. :o( He's here at the moment, but I'm just the same as you are when he's away and comfort eating was certainly one of the reasons that I put on weight. It's good that you are already busy, I just wondered though if there are any support networks where you could get together with other military wives whose hubby's are deployed, if you aren't in touch with any already? I used to find it quite difficult with no family around me or having others that understood how I was feeling. I know I took up loads of new hobbies, family history and taught myself how to do loads of new computer things, such as web-building! All helped pass the time away... now I have trouble fitting him in... hee-hee!! That's a great focus though reminding yourself of your new body to surprise hubby with... keep taking lots of photo's of your progress, but don't show him! Anyway's I wish you the best of luck - you can do it!! :o)