I'm so sorry Michele...the end of a relationship is most times simular to a death in as much as there need to be a period of mourning.
Take this time to reinvent yourself and explore new avenues of adventure...they are out there..you just must be open to them.
Food is and was only a momentary oral satifactory pleasure...we can find new and exciting pleasure if we put our minds to it. d

I new physical activity? Tennis, swimming, yoga, etc.
I am so sorry for your loss. And it is like turning in a circle looking for what's missing when you no longer comfort yourself w/food.
You can do this!

Sorry about the break up..
have you tried writing/ reading/ walking/
I hope you find a new way of dealing..

Michele,
I am sorry to hear about your breakup. It is a new beginning for you not only in your personal life but you physcial life as well. This will give you the chance to find you underneath all of the excess baggage. I hope everything works out for you in your new journey. It is hard to find the same comfort we were able to get from food, we just need to find new ways to bring peace to ourselves with out turning back to the days gone by. You can do this, I have faith in you.

Hi Michelle,
It took me a moment in silence before I could reply to your post. I was faced with the same situation as you find yourself in right now. Then I can tell you that I felt lost and alone even with a host of friends and family around to comfort me. I can tell you that you will get through this just as I did. I found peace in walking and scrapbooking. You will find your way and it does not have to be in food.

Hang in there. I will continue to pray for you.

Sorry you have to go through this, Michele.

You bring up the big question for each of us to solve: how do we comfort ourselves without food? I wish I had all the answers for both of us.

I do know that sometimes it is just making it through today; Staying focused and present in this moment, not the future or the past. Sometimes I say to myself, "I am ok right now". And breathe.

These things don't give the comfort of food, but they help to make it through for me.

I used to drive when I was in a devestated mood. I remember one break up where I got in the car and ended up in Oregon at a Best Western for the night. The time alone with the radio (and no access to munchies) gave me chance to reflect and see new scenery that distracted me until I felt strong enough to turn the car around and say "I WILL be ok". By the time I arrived home from that Oregon trip I was a little intrigued to see what my future had in store for me. I started up some classes and it led to me meeting my new husband of two years so far eventually. I know you have got to be hurting but never forget that you have us to talk to, and remember you are beautiful.

So sorry about your situation. It is so stressful going through everything and adding this on top even if later it is a relief can derail your efforts. Make this time about yourself. Be selfish. You will be changing inside and out. Use this time to enjoy getting to know the new you.

Sorry to hear about the end of your relationship. As far as what to fill your time with. Go walking. Walking can be one of the best forms of meditation available. When we walk, our minds tend to wander, think on their own, and present different options to us. If you have a hard time with it at first, say to yourself "Lifting" as you lift your foot off of the ground. Say, "Moving" as you move your foot forward, and then say "Putting" as you put your foot on the ground. Don't do it after or before you move or put your foot but right when you're doing it. It keeps you in the present. After a short while of getting lost in that meditation of staying focused on the present moment, your mind will begin to explore the possibilities, options and other things you might not have thought of. It really sounds simplistic, but it is truly a great result. Monks around the world have been practicing 'walking meditation' like this for 1000's of years. But, you don't have to be a monk to get the positive results. I hope you'll try it and I hope it works for you. Even if you get off of the path of meditation while walking, the thought processes while you are alone can help you see many sides of many situations and can often help you see your future in an easier way. Best of luck to you and your future.

Exercise is a great way to release stress. Many gyms have classes you can participate in for a small fee and you dont have to belong to the gym. It is also a great place to socialize and meet new friends. You will cry, you will get frsutratred at the situation. Remind yourself that those feelings are all normal, then take a deep breath, pick yourself up and take a step forward into your new life. I learned the hard way, but even baby steps forward are better than not moving at all. Best of luck to you.

Thank you so much friends for your positive words and I have taken them all to my heart and I will be stronger because of them.

I woke up this morning feeling down but it was my weekly weigh day and I had dropped another 4 pounds so that put a smile on my face.

Thank you again for your support.

Love Michele
x

Exercise has been a great outlet for me when I'm stressed, angry or upset. I step up my routine and it really helps to take it out running or doing something.. sorry you're having a hard time, but hopefully things will look up for you soon.

Krista

>>>Feel like I am walking around lost at the moment

sorry, post got cut off...Walk on!

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}

why not try a compromise? Take a healthy cooking class......it will still give you the comfort of food, but instead of devouring the wrong food and too much, you can be around good food and learn to love it a whole new way!

If there aren't any classes in your area, go to world according to eggface and start trying her recipes. Hungry girl is another good one and of course we have our own recipe club here too!

good luck with this challenge and I know you will get thru this, you are stronger now, you are NOT the old you!!!!!