Yeah I can totally relate - I think the fear of failure - but your fear of being hungry - in the western world many people have probably never experienced true hunger.

Dear LivingWater,

I can totally enter into that. I'm having a struggle losing weight because of the same reasons. My diet goes well for a day or two and then I can't seem to handle the hunger anymore. Do you find yourself maybe restricting your calorie intake too much? Because that's what I usually do and it doesn't work for me. Maybe allowing a few more calories and taking a little longer to lose weight is the best way to go.

LHerman

I beg to differ with the idea "in the Western world many people have never experienced true hunger." Well I have. Both when dieting and when homeless.

It's true that some people never restrict their food intake long enough to feel true hunger. But as someone who is currently 100 lbs. less than her top weight, I am no stranger to hunger, and it still frightens me.

I fear hunger too cause when I'm hungry I binge. If I am hungry now I eat good things to feel full and yet not add weight. It works!!!!

Fear is a very strong emotion which most time leads to panic. When we panic we lose our capabilities to react in a logic manner. Hence the binge when it involves our food intake. So we need to know our weaknesses and what sets us on the wrong path and have a plan so we do not panic (binge).

I guess when you are hungry you have the association with being homeless which I am guessing must have been an anxious time!! What is good I guess is that you can link your anxieties to the feeling of hunger then this could be something to work on!!

I understand. Since June I've struggled to recognize that I have a fear of successfully loosing weight and being in control as a diabetic. I'm aware when I doing it now. Sometimes I win out against the fear, sometimes I fail. I'm beginning to remember that fear is the abscense of faith. I'm not alone in this struggle. I will over come and so will you.

I try to keep myself occupied with my various teas and scheduled snacks. I know it's easier said than done sometimes but really having a plan and adjusting it as it meets your needs has been so helpful to me. For me, some of the values I grew up with just don't suit what's good for me. I'm actually having fun making my teas during the day and making vegetable broth is so nutrititious and helpful. If you like things like collard greens, that's a great snack too. (I don't use bacon or fattening meats - instead, some chicken broth which we make whenever we have roast chicken.)

I didn't elaborate on what I grew up with that I don't need anymore, lol. I have quit eating animal protein at lunch. I'm sticking to salads, fruits, vegetables and feeling much better for it. :)

My emotions are my enemy!
when I begin to loose weight I also fear , IDK why? Then eat it back to the same size... ughhh 5'10 size 24/26 ATM...
Maybe just used to being obese? for 38 yrs ...
I need help!
Good food { healthy food } is expensive food too.. at least it is here in Indiana .
I have to have salt free in my diet because I have CHF ...{ heart failure}
Last stage stage D.... Pacemaker too.
Fluid restriction also because of build up of water weight.
so i'm only supposed to only have 2 quarts a day... Heart doc's order.
Exercise is out because I have MS ...
Maybe to many excuses?
Always Silky ~
Comments and or ideas would be very much appreciated!

I have an anxiety disorder so I can identify with this. I get this attitude like "what's the point? I'm just gonna fail and gain the weight back, so why even try?" I think its really important to be kind to yourself. A therapist told me once "don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to a 2 year old." I know it doesn't solve every situation, but it helps when you know you have someone on your side that's gonna say "its gonna be ok" and "i believe you can" even when its yourself... especially when its yourself. Much love to you.

My suggestion would be to first start by limiting portion and not necessarily completely stop eating everything you like because you will feel deprived and then binge...speaking from experience.

I would also suggest saying no to at least one thing a day. Example: you normally eat two donuts at breakfast...eat one and then tell yourself no to the other one. or only buy one this time.

Small changes help lead you to BIG CHANGE!!

Your fear of being hungry is a fear for alot of people when dieting which is why I eat 6-7 times per day small meals. I am never hungry and it has completely changed my metabolism and helped with weight loss not to mention the fat that i have burned and the inches that have come off my waist.

Another tip is that if you always have something of good nutritional value around when you get hungry and start to snack it wont be such a bad thing because of the good selections

I think that you show how self-aware you are by identifying those feelings you associate with hunger. It may be helpful to dig a little deeper and find where those feelings of anxiety come from. If you are afraid of going hungry, perhaps you can fill the house with lots of fruits and veggies as well as other healthy snacks to help. Also, perhaps the issue has more to due with feeling out of control. If so, dealing with those issues may actually help you to figure it out.