Marge,
It’s not the food. It’s not you. It’s “Your Coping Buddy”…
Until you find an HONEST replacement for YCP (Your Copoing Buddy), know that
your risk of relapse is high. [Dr. Cywes refers to going low carb as “Killing your Best Friend”.
And while he is being provocative, I don’t like the phrase. I would never kill my best friend!]
I would, however, recognize that the “Coping Buddy” who meets me at the bar, every day after work… Is likely NOT HELPING me kick alcohol.
And I would very much be willing to “Find a New Coping Buddy”.
Straight up. In fact, as I’ve been at this longer and longer, and run into other health issues.
I know that changing my Relationship with Food as AS IMPORTANT as changing the food itself.
Low-Carb just makes it CLEAR who your “Friends are”.
Real Friends can change your mood, too… They just don’t hijack your dopamine system, and keep you addicted.
So, like Dr. Cywes, I am going to encourage you to develop some relationships you can lean on. Some coping buddies. Have ONE or TWO people you can CALL and maybe “Get outside and walk” while talking. Have them set a timer for 15-30 minutes. Whatever they have, and vent it out.
One HUGE change I made was loading my YT videos to my phone, and WALKING while listening (I don’t watch the screens anyways). This gets me OUTSIDE for an hour. It helps me “cope” with my day.
Finally, a “snack” is an emotional event. This is another Dr. Cywes comments.
He is right on. I know that when I “need” a snack, I am actually “getting a high” or “changing my mood”. This is powerful:
S - See whats bothering you
N - Name the Feelings (don’t avoid them, name them)
A - Acknowledge that it is a Feeling, and be with it until it passes
C - Count it down. It takes about 10-15 minutes (eventually less). Vacuum/Walk. Do something.
K - Know that this gets easier if you get consistent
I love acrossticks… Place that WHERE YOU GO TO JONES for stuff…
Finally. Find a better why. Losing weight isn’t enough, as proven by your regain.
Dr. Boz mentions that when she changed her why to “Saving her moms life, by fasting with her”,
the height of the mountains she was willing to overcome were much higher. An excellent why is a great key.
I hope this helps!