How To Over Come Emotional Eating!

How To Overcome Emotional Eating!

Emotional eating is the process where a person, either subconsciously or consciously, uses food to mask an underlying emotional need. It is a difficult challenge because many times the person who suffers with this knows only that they are compelled to eat; they do not understand why they can’t control it or the underlying emotion that is triggering such an event.

The truth is, emotional eating occurs at a time when “feeling-wise” you’re at your weakest point, when you’re faced with a difficult choice or because you are bored. It can be brought on by feelings of anger, sadness, loneliness, boredom, stress and defeat.

While initially the strong craving for food is viewed as the answer, it perpetuates the same feelings we are trying to flee from. You don’t think so???

How do you feel afterwards?
Are you happy or sad?
Do you feel compelled to continue with your weight loss goals or are you more inclined to give up??
Is your stress relieved or have you compounded the situation and it feels worse?
Are you more apt to go out and meet people or are you more than ever convinced you are alone?

In allowing the stronger feelings of food to dictate our behavior, we tend to feel we are somehow easing our pain by “treating” ourselves to decadent desserts, feasts set for a king or a trip to a fine restaurant or greasy burger joint. The truth is … we are sabotaging our weight loss efforts!

Part of the learning process comes when we begin to think of ways to avoid this behavior. We need to realize that emotional eating isn’t helping the situation; it provides only momentary pleasure. Later, and lasting much longer, are feelings of sadness, discouragement and disappointment in our choices ... as well as the resulting increase in our weight.

An offensive plan is needed to correct our behavior, but first we have to identify the cause.A food journal holds the key! Writing down everything we eat, the portions and the calories is what is called for. Then, beside each meal, write down your emotions. Are you happy, sad, tired, loved, lonely, angry or happy? Write down enough of the events of the day to be able to recall it later as you review your entries. Do this for approximately two weeks to a month. I know it seems like a lot of work ... and it is ... but YOU are WORTH it!!! As you review this information, you will begin to see a pattern develop.

For me, I discovered the feelings of “loneliness” and “feeling unloved and unappreciated” were the times I turned to food for comfort. The act of eating was trying to fill the void in my life.

The feeling of being full and satiated provides a false sense of comfort. When we are full, we feel content … we use food to feel “content” when emotionally we are “not content”.

As we realize "what" the underlying feelings are, we are able to develop a plan of action to change our behavior.

1. We must learn to STOP and THINK and decide IF we are truly hungry. If the answer is “yes”, then we owe it to ourselves to make healthy food choices. If the answer is “no,” then we need to find another way of expressing our feelings.

2. Ultimately, we have to decide "how" to handle these situations. For instance ... if we are "lonely" ... we need to remove ourselves from home and the temptations of senseless eating. We need to get more involved with people, which results in a widening circle of friends and activities. It is a very "healthy" response to our emotions.

3. We have to realize that we are NOT being kind to ourselves. We have to LEARN to "Feed the Good Wolf" and realize that WE are doing more harm to ourselves than anyone else possibly could. How can we expect someone else to love us if I don't love ourselves? We also need to realize that it is up to US to change it! Realizing that gives us "Power" over our life and our happiness!

4. We have to learn that each failure leads to success; if it is used as a learning tool, it is not wasted. Forgive yourself quickly, study the situation, make plans as to how to handle it the next time ... and the emotional eating episodes will get farther and farther apart. Soon there will come a day when you succeed in beating one. This will give you the fortitude and self-confidence to KNOW that YOU HAVE CONTROL of this!

5. We must reach out to gain support, knowledge, compassion and encouragement from our friends. An online support community is an awesome resource.

Finally, emotional eating is a "symptom" to an underlying problem. It will continue until you address the problem and work to resolve it. In many ways it is the body's "alarm" to pay attention!

As I am faced with this now ... I have learned to look at what is going on in my life ... to FEEL the EMOTIONS (emotions will not hurt you) ... and deal with the situation. YOU, TOO, CAN DO THIS!!!

Need an Exercise Buddy? Try Losing Weight with Your Pet!

Need an Exercise Buddy? Try Losing Weight With Your Pet!

Do you feel the stress or the depression of having to lose a lot of weight slowly creeping up your nerves? Well then ... it's your body saying you need to go have a workout and get some sweat on your t-shirt!

I know sometimes you feel reluctant to leave the comfort of your home for many reasons. For some people, it is their domain and for others their command center! While the TV room, the computer that goes online and the video games can keep you entertained, it can also be as if you are under house arrest for such a long time, the word "exercise" becomes a distant memory in your vocabulary.

But, somewhere in your mind, in a silent corner of your brain, you can sometimes hear a faint voice crying ... "You need to get some exercise .." This may happen several times before you really feel the urge to go work out! But, as soon as the thought appears, I hear you say, "If only I had a friend to exercise with me, I would definitely go out ..." Don't worry, I am not eavesdropping on your complaints or reading your mind! I know that because it was my excuse, and that of many others, to continue to hide behind the walls and hope all these pounds will melt away without a bead of sweat!

Eliminate the excuse - "If I only had a friend, an exercise buddy, it would not be so boring!"

I know a friend to go out jogging would be a great proposition! But not all of our friends have the time for a walk.So what do we do? Do we continue the same way for the rest of our life?No, of course not!

I thought I wanted to get out and change my life, the way I looked and the way I felt about myself. I knew that unless I was willing to try new experiences and commit myself to exercise, I would always feel as if I was failing and not living up to my potential. The determination and the urge to become successful made me innovative.

I found a friend who, although he could not talk, was every bit a companion and just as real as a person! If the absence of an exercise buddy is the only thing stopping you, then it's time to stop the excuses and look around your house. Maybe you forgot the fact that you have always had a dear friend around you, who needs some real exercise as much as you do! By now, you must know whom I am talking about! Yes, of course, it is your pet!

For me, pets have been always been fascinating! As an animal lover, I admire and adore them.They will never say no to you and they will never back away. They are lively, energetic and ever ready! Well, the thought of your pet being an exercise buddy may be amusing to you, but try taking a walk with your pet and see your spirits rise!

Don't be afraid to go out and feel that winter chill or the mid summer sun on your face! In taking these little steps and implementing these new innovations, you are going to change that bit of laziness within us to a person of action!

Exercise, pet and innovative? I know what you are thinking! I hear you say "Are you crazy? lol..
I Know. I am with you mate!

Why do I stress exercise so much? Well, if you are to lose weight, exercise plays a great part in that goal and could be the major deciding factor in your journey to success! There are countless reasons why exercise is good; here are some you will want to explore a little further.


Stress - it will fly out the window!

Depression - well,it too will exit out another window!

Active - you will feel a spring in your feet.

Composed - you will feel your mind thinking clearly and making decisions will become easier and more concise.

Concentration - you will become an expert at this!

Healthier heart - you will have given your heart a new lease on life!

Stronger bones - they, too, will enjoy the benefits of exercise!

Toned muscles - well, do i need to elaborate more?

A Healthier, whole new you - I think you get the picture!

Here are some out door activities that you can do with your pet. Remember, it is not only healthier for you but healthier for your pet to get some exercise!

Suggestions for fun time with your pet-

*Throw a frisby and feel the movement in your arms and biceps; you are nearer to seeing them toned!

*Run a 100 meter sprint ... on your mark, set, go!

*Throw a ball and see who fetches it first!

*While you are getting to be good sprinter, challenge yourself to 200 meters and see who pants more!

*When you stop feeling your heart pumping at 200 meters, increase your distance.

*Gradually test your endurance, and your pets, and see who is stronger!"

*Want to try a tug of war? Well, that is a real challenge!

*Get on your bike and see if you can paddle faster than your pet..

The options are endless and i know you have a very creative mind.Know each time you go out and get some activity, you are one step closer to achieving your dreams, one step closer to
your goals!

Throughout the competition with your pet, make sure you both stay hydrated. It is essential your fluid levels are replenished and remain at a healthy level! As the exercise routines and fun continue with your inseparable companion, you will feel exercise much more rewarding. Your pet will smile too and you will be happier and more inspired each time you head out the door.

While your self esteem climbs up the ladder, your TV room and the comfy sofa will seem like the arch villains! You will want to spend more and more time with your lively companion! The park or the side-walk will seem like a safe haven and "the place" to be! You will often admire your courage and your determination! You will learn to look forward to exercise.When ever you wear your workout out fit you will feel empowered!

Soon you will start to love exercising and it will not feel like a chore anymore! Look yourself in the mirror and you will start smiling and see those pounds disappear! When you take your pet out the next time you will hear yourself saying, "Aren't we an awesome exercise duo!"

Eating Healthy or Unhealthy ~ The Choice and the Consequences are Yours!

Eating Healthy or Unhealthy ~ The Choice and the Consequences are Yours!

Want to continue eating unhealthy day-to-day? Stop reading. Want to learn and make the choice to eat healthy, knowing you’re human and may have an occasional day where this doesn’t happen? Read on and open your mind to some new possibilities!

Put a “STOP and THINK” sign on your cupboard and refrigerator doors to remind yourself to ask these questions before proceeding. Then choose your plan of action and proceed knowing the decisions and the consequences are yours!

Are you hungry? Is there a gnawing and growling in your tummy?

• If no, then examine why you are at the cupboard or the refrigerator looking for something to eat.

• What emotions are you feeling? Sad? Happy? Depressed? Angry? Bored?

• Has a specific incident just happened? A fight? A disappointment?

• What activity were you just doing?

• Is going in search of food a habit you have developed whether you are hungry or not?

• If so, then examine the reason why you are at the cupboard or the refrigerator

• Have you given any thought to what motivated you to begin your journey? Your health? Lowering your blood pressure or your cholesterol? Living to see your children or grandchildren? Wanting to share more time with your spouse? Being able to be active? To wear pretty clothes? To improve your self-esteem? To feel better?

If you are hungry and you feel a gnawing and growling in your tummy, then examine if you want to make a healthy choice or an unhealthy choice.

• If electing to eat healthy, then select good nutritional items that contain acceptable caloric content . Eat protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, non-fat or low-fat dairy. Eat in moderation.

• If electing to eat unhealthy foods, then realize what you are doing by understanding what it will cost you to make this choice. Your health goals may be affected; your weight and cholesterol numbers may increase.

You may have a larger relapse following this choice. You may die earlier due to associated health related issues. You may not live to see your children raised or enjoy your grandchildren. You may have to resort to wearing over-sized clothing or tight clothing and those pretty clothes you yearn to wear simply won’t fit. Your self-esteem may suffer. You may feel worse, physically and mentally.

By this time, if you’re truly hungry and elected a healthy option, you are on your way to the success you desire; Congratulations! If you’re not hungry but wish to eat anyway or if you continue to be challenged with the urge to eat in an unhealthy manner, there are a few more thoughts to consider.

• Not hungry? Then try implementing these changes.

• Sad? Go do something you know will make you happy, get your nails done, call a friend, go for a walk, get out of your present location, read motivational thoughts, get online and talk to your support group friends.

• Happy? Yeah you .. go somewhere where you don’t eat, like a walk in the park, skip around the block, take a candlelit bath … you don’t eat in the tub, do you?

• Depressed? Read the article about the good wolf and the bad wolf and feed the good wolf.
Join a support group. Get out and do something new. Go shopping for a self-help book and read it. Get outside and feel the sunshine on your face. Watch the clouds move. Listen to the birds sing. Count your blessings.

• Angry? Go work out at the gym and run on the treadmill, ride a bike, or hit a punching bag. Go for a long, fast-paced walk. Take a pad of paper and go sit outside in the sunshine or a library and write down your feelings. Journal your feelings online in your support group ~ they can be shared with all to gain assistance and knowledge from others within the site. You can elect to share your journal site-wise, with only those you’ve elected to be your online friends or you can keep your entries private ~ for your eyes only. I would recommend not handing them to the person you’re angry at … sometimes we say and/or write things in anger we wouldn’t say otherwise and might regret later.

• Bored? Come to my house, I’ve got LOTS to DO! LOLLL Find a new activity or interest. Take a class at a community college or local university; they’re inexpensive and you meet new people. Start a new project or finish an old one that you’ve been meaning to do. Exercise. Volunteer to help others; it will bless your life.

• A fight? We all do from time to time. Be sure you “fight fair”.

-State the action: “When you yelled …”

-State how YOU feel, you are entitled to your feelings … “…it made me feel like I wasn’t important. …”

-State what you would have liked to have had happen (sometimes it’s good to give two options) “… I would have preferred that we talk quietly about what was bothering you and ways to make improvements” OR” I would have preferred there had been no yelling and that we planned a later time to discuss this when tempers had cooled”

• A disappointment? Disappointments are unfortunate but not a reason to be unkind to you; they are a part of life as well. Believe it or not, without disappointment we would not know pleasure, happiness and contentment. It is all about balance. Perhaps when feeling disappointment, you can find another activity to do that brings you joy or you can simply think of the pleasure and joy you’ve shared before and count your blessings.

Now, all that said, if you still elect to make a choice that is unhealthy, then by all means do NOT beat yourself up for it! Realize you are human, you will make and choose decisions that may be contrary to your goals, but they are for that day. Accept the choice, enjoy what you are going to eat, forgive yourself and start the next day out without guilt and a renewed commitment to live healthier and make better choices. Life is a learning process for all of us and while we enjoy and share the company of others along our path, our journey is of our making and leads us where we wish to go. I’ll restate a favorite quote and a few others that helped me many times when faced with these decisions …


“Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be?” Nelson Mandela


“The only limits to our realization of our tomorrow are our doubts of today.” Franklin D Roosevelt

”To achieve the seemingly impossible, you must first dream it possible.” Victor Havel

”As long as a man stands in his own way, everything seems to be in his way.” Emerson

”Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” Henry Ford


To quote a dear friend, “Too many times we have a dream and we have voices that tell us why it can't be done or how hard it will be, explaining to us in great detail the obstacles and the difficulty. In doing so they are well meaning yet damaging beyond measure.

Too many times we listen to those voices - too many times ours is one of the voices.

It is our dream no one has a right to prevent us from reaching it, least of all us.”

Sunshine wishes and many heartfelt hugs … always … Ranae

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Positive Thoughts from Becky …

Affirmation: My past does not control my future.

Truth Be Known: Other people's opinions are just their opinions.

Quote: “Happiness never comes to those who don’t appreciate what they already have.

Unknown Latin Proverb: It is the part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not to skin it.

Funny: Every morning is the dawn of a new error.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ranaesheart Recipe Search Engine!

If you are looking for healthy recipes we made a search engine that looks through twelve favorite sites and provides you with a host of flavorful recipes!

Enjoy!!!

Introduction To Ranaesheart Weightloss Blog - FAQS

What is this blog about?

This blog was born as the result of a 143-pound weight loss and the commitment to “pay it forward” in helping others achieve the same success. The blog is new and growing and all aspects to assist in your transition to a healthy lifestyle will be addressed – from motivation, to nutrition, to exercise, to emotional support, to sharing in the journeys of others and answering questions …

How will it help me?

You will find many useful resources and articles here on healthy weightloss. I have shared my own personal experience and knowledge in this blog, which is a proven formula to healthy weight loss. Additional topics will be researched and reported to provide an ever increasing database of information designed to assist you along your journey and help you achieve your goals.

Do you offer services for further advice?

Apart from the information and services provided in the blog, we also have a successful weight loss group hosted at DailyStrength where you will find a friendly, caring, supportive community of people who are walking in your same shoes. You can participate anonymously and get involved in, or start, discusson topics. The community provides a wealth of information including recipes, motivation, ongoing encouragement, regular weight loss challenges and more! My personal favorite, and one I'm sure you'll love, are the virtual hugs! This community was a crucial element in my journey to successsful weight loss and I believe it will play a major role in your success!

Why recommend DailyStrength?

Well..You need to watch this video to see why we recommend it.

Is there a fee for all of your services?

Absolutely NOT. This Blog And Weight loss group are 100 percent free to particpate.

Do You Have A post on ________?

Perhaps! Use the blog search function in the sidebar to try and find a post on the topic you're interested in. If nothing relevant comes up, then email me with your question and either I'll help you out via email or write a full post on it.

I am struggling with my weight loss! Help!

The word "Weight loss" has taken the world by storm. With so many people out there wanting to lose weight, the options seems to be endless. There is a lot to learn about healthy living and weight loss. Thankfully, there is a lot of help! Weight loss doesn't need to be a chore; it can actually be fun, especially when joining with a network of friends with the same goals!

This article will help get you started on what healthy weight loss is all about. After that, you can use the resources in the blog or the weight loss community to find the answer to just about any question.

Once you know the basics, subscribe to a site, like this one and join a weight loss community if you want to take things a little further and use your newfound knowledge in your own weight loss journey!