It seems that one of the most common pitfalls to caregiving is"STRESS-EATING". Let's talk about it and how to overcome it. Post questions, frustrations, success stories, tips and encourage each other as we pursue more healthy life-styles. Excess weight damages our health and if we don't take care of ourselves - who will take care of our loved-ones and also who will take care of Us??? Share your journey here...
I have probably gained 30 lbs in the past year (I was about 110 before). I feel awful and my blood pressure is now high. I am certain I am eating due to stress-it is sometimes the only thing that feels positive! That is bad & I need to get control...
Good news for some, maybe. If you happen to be qualified for Medicare there is a program called Silver Sneakers you can use. It is a very low cost membership to the YMCA and many other gyms.......it is too hot to walk outside where I am........and besides, the YMCA has some really cool machines to work my flabby thighs.
Check the AARP website for Medicare Supplemental insurance. The Silver Sneakers program is even available on some of the no-cost supplementals from AARP ......no, I do not work for AARP, in fact, I think my membership has expired but you do not have to be a member to purchase your insurances thru them..........
Now, to get out of the house.............
Me, I look at food and gain weight. So, in my own home I never had junk food, Never. Not even with the kids growing up.
Now, this is Moms house and she has, cookes, cakes, chocolate,etc. I eat it.
For the past two months Mom has been between the hospital and the NH. I got rid of all the junk food. All of it. I eat Healthy Choice meals, I snack on frozen fruit, I cut my soda intake by more than 1/2.
And I have not lost a single pound! Two months! Not a pound.
.Yes, I have depression. I have a good doctor, I have good meds. I am honest with my doctor.........
.Staying in my room is my way of crawling inside my shell and protecting myself. ....
.People = stress and I am maxed out on stress........
Illogical, I know.....self-defeating, I know. But I just want to stay in my room and be alone. Can't lose weight by staying in my room.
Another bit of info I got from her is sugar doesn't slow our hunger it actually blocks the message to the brain that we're full and we don't need to eat, so we continue to eat even when we're full.
Rioblu this is a really great topic to start. You are hitting on something that is common for caregivers. We all have so much stress and we handle it in different ways but I'm sure that eating is a common problem. Mary213 I'm sorry you haven't had success but I would suggest that you might want to investigate WW. They have a great program that helps to remind us of the things we are supposed to eat as well of the ones we need to be careful of. I would like to suggest you watch the sodium in the foods you buy. If you have any concern with it the frozen foods are a likely source of your troubles. But there are things like drinking 6-8 glasses of water or other drinks (hopefully noncaffeinated), good oils, veggies, vitamins, dairy and whole grains. I don't mean to be preachy. I just want to help. I know it's hard to do the job we do. I found AgingCare.com because of the caretakers group on the WW sight. It's given me so much support. When I have a problem or just need a good word I get it there. I just want to spread the word. Thanks for letting me share.
Thank you for the suggestion about WW. I have used that program in the past and was very happy with the results.............
I use that specific brand of frozen food because it is generally low in sugar, salt and fat. And yes, I try to get that much water down every day. It is easy to forget the basics while under stress..............
Frankly, I also deal with depression and the best foods, fresh fruits and veggies, require going to the story frequently, and I am still "hibernating".............
I am pleased that I got rid of the junk food and that, since I still crave the junk, I have so far been able to avoid driving up to Wendys for a Frostie...............
I suspect my solution will be exercise, and as I said before, I am hibernating..........
Thanks for the ideas, and I will look into that book, too.
What exercise do you like, or will you be doing when you decide to venture out. My personal fav is bicycle riding, the real thing. I like to actually get somewhere when I'm working so hard, hehehe
No worries, no offense taken.
I am in SW Florida. I like walking, I like hiking, but it is too hot and humid here for me. I will need the gym. And, I am in the process of getting out of my caretaking - I am burned out, and have started the crying/panicking stage. I feel like a total loser for leaving, for abandoning my mother. Maybe when I get back home, have grandkids to play with, I will come out of my hibernation cave.,,,,,,,
...
Oh, helpful hint. Mom likes those veggies in a bag with cheese or sauce. I find them greasy and heavy, so, I zap them as usual, then when done cooking, I open the bag, add some water, swish it around, and then pour out the cheesy-water. I am getting rid of most of the cheese sauce (and a goodly number of the calories) and have a nice pile of reasonably good tasting veggies............. This is not an economical solution and is only good for me - Mom needs the added calories and the added cheese makes it more likely she will eat.
Mary. I understand. I'm in california, desert to be exact. I can't do humidity. I vacationed at disneyworld a few years ago in July. I had a difficult time enjoying the walking with the humidity so high. I never experienced anything like it. That in itself would make me want to hibernate. And the veggie idea is great. Mom doesn't eat veggies, she refuses to eat much of anything healthy. Loves dessert. I have to keep the bulk of it in the outside freezer so I don't see it all the time. I try to have fresh veggies in the fridge and I put EVOO and spices on them after microwaving. I'm more of a fruit lover. Veggies are a struggle. I agree though that they need flavor. Let me know how you're doing.
The book we are using is "A Course In Weight Loss" by Marianne Williamson
Cricket
Mary, sending you support and courage with your decision.
Hugs, Cattails