Ex - Slimming World Disordered Eating Recovery

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I don’t know where to begin..: diet culture is ingrained into us as women from a young age. I’ve always been a chubby kid but never thought much of it. Anyways, about 6/7 years ago I joined SW. I lost a lot of weight (not my “goal” weight, but at a place where I felt good about myself and everyone commented on how good I looked) and I felt good. But I’ve always struggled with binging, and I focussed way too much in syns then in image therapy having to state what you would like to lose the following week felt like a competition. I couldn’t maintain it. I stopped going, then re-joined but I didn’t understand calories or nutrition and it gave me a skewed view on food… lockdown happened and like many, I put on weight. I’ve put so much weight back on and I’m struggling. CC wouldn’t work for me as I would just eat and eat and eat. My mum is currently on SW and loving it and suggested I join again, but how do I explain I don’t want to do that anymore? I’m looking into therapy to get a handle on my MH atm - part of me is tempted to join again just so I have a plan/structure but I’m hesitant, for obvious reasons. It’s really really horrible.I just don’t know what to do for the best.
 
happylife32 said:
I don’t know where to begin..: diet culture is ingrained into us as women from a young age. I’ve always been a chubby kid but never thought much of it. Anyways, about 6/7 years ago I joined SW. I lost a lot of weight (not my “goal” weight, but at a place where I felt good about myself and everyone commented on how good I looked) and I felt good. But I’ve always struggled with binging, and I focussed way too much in syns then in image therapy having to state what you would like to lose the following week felt like a competition. I couldn’t maintain it. I stopped going, then re-joined but I didn’t understand calories or nutrition and it gave me a skewed view on food… lockdown happened and like many, I put on weight. I’ve put so much weight back on and I’m struggling. CC wouldn’t work for me as I would just eat and eat and eat. My mum is currently on SW and loving it and suggested I join again, but how do I explain I don’t want to do that anymore? I’m looking into therapy to get a handle on my MH atm - part of me is tempted to join again just so I have a plan/structure but I’m hesitant, for obvious reasons. It’s really really horrible.I just don’t know what to do for the best.
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I didn’t like having to state how much you wanted to lose, rather than fire me up I just felt like a failure if I didn’t do it.
I don’t know what to suggest other than a gradual switch to calorie counting by maybe trying to cut back on one thing at a time?
 
happylife32 said:
I don’t know where to begin..: diet culture is ingrained into us as women from a young age. I’ve always been a chubby kid but never thought much of it. Anyways, about 6/7 years ago I joined SW. I lost a lot of weight (not my “goal” weight, but at a place where I felt good about myself and everyone commented on how good I looked) and I felt good. But I’ve always struggled with binging, and I focussed way too much in syns then in image therapy having to state what you would like to lose the following week felt like a competition. I couldn’t maintain it. I stopped going, then re-joined but I didn’t understand calories or nutrition and it gave me a skewed view on food… lockdown happened and like many, I put on weight. I’ve put so much weight back on and I’m struggling. CC wouldn’t work for me as I would just eat and eat and eat. My mum is currently on SW and loving it and suggested I join again, but how do I explain I don’t want to do that anymore? I’m looking into therapy to get a handle on my MH atm - part of me is tempted to join again just so I have a plan/structure but I’m hesitant, for obvious reasons. It’s really really horrible.I just don’t know what to do for the best.
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I think you’d be surprised how once you get into the swing of calorie counting, it’s quite motivational. I was also a binge eater (still am, at times). My biggest weakness was crisps and if I’d pass a shop at any time of day especially if I was feeling tired/low/stressed my go-to would be two big sharing bags of monster munch. Id always tell myself I wouldn’t eat much for dinner after having them which never happened. Same with chocolate, could never just have a handful/a few squares.

With CC I’ve been so motivated to hit my goal because it’s based on science. I know now after 10 months my rate of weight loss, and that’s being “sensible/strict” 80% of the time, with 20% having whatever I fancy.

Last week I had a crappy day at work and ate a sharing bag of maltesers. Didn’t feel great afterwards but “got it out my system.” Tracked them, moved on with life. Still lost 0.5kg this week and on track with my goal.

One of the most important things I’ve learnt from my coach (which I think SW does terribly) is that your weight each day/week is mostly dictated by your eating habits and behaviour 14-21 days ago. It fluctuates daily and weekly due to hormones, stress, water retention, taking a flight, eating salty food. You have to focus on the big picture and not a weekly weigh in. It’s about the long game!
 
happylife32 said:
CC wouldn’t work for me as I would just eat and eat and eat.
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This is going to sound harsh but if you dismiss things with the 'it won't work' attitude they never will.

You say CC 'wouldn't' work rather than 'hasn't' suggesting you've never tried it.

It's easier to overeat on SW than CC. With CC no foods are 'free' or 'unlimited' which forces you to learn portion sizes.

If you do down the therapy route there's is still going to be a point where you are told to or need to get a grip on your calories and portions, no therapist can do that for you.

Losing weight is something you can only do for yourself. There's no diet that can wave a magic wand where you can eat what you like and still lose weight.
Yes it's hard but true.
That's where diet culture fails women. It teaches women that they need to spend ££££ on the latest equipment, diet groups, foods, books, crash diet, personal trainers or surgery to lose weight.

When in reality all it takes for anyone is eating in a deficit.
If you eat in a sensible deficit from using a calorie allowance you get from a calculator and are honest about your height, weight and activity levels YOU WILL LOSE WEIGHT.
It's scientifically impossible not to.
 
I spent my life on a diet, worried about what I would eat, bullied by my ex calling me fat at size 12.

Then an illness and a dose of steroids, the devils tic-tacos, made me put on three stone and I’ve only managed to lose one. The other two just won’t budge,
But my current husband just shrugs and says all the more of me to love.
 
JustWonderingIf said:
This is going to sound harsh but if you dismiss things with the 'it won't work' attitude they never will.

You say CC 'wouldn't' work rather than 'hasn't' suggesting you've never tried it.

It's easier to overeat on SW than CC. With CC no foods are 'free' or 'unlimited' which forces you to learn portion sizes.

If you do down the therapy route there's is still going to be a point where you are told to or need to get a grip on your calories and portions, no therapist can do that for you.

Losing weight is something you can only do for yourself. There's no diet that can wave a magic wand where you can eat what you like and still lose weight.
Yes it's hard but true.
That's where diet culture fails women. It teaches women that they need to spend ££££ on the latest equipment, diet groups, foods, books, crash diet, personal trainers or surgery to lose weight.

When in reality all it takes for anyone is eating in a deficit.
If you eat in a sensible deficit from using a calorie allowance you get from a calculator and are honest about your height, weight and activity levels YOU WILL LOSE WEIGHT.
It's scientifically impossible not to.
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I have actually tried it.
I do know that I have to put in the work… 🙃
But thank you for your input. I’ve actually just been out for a mile long walk.
 
I found Leizl Jayne Strydom when I was watching something on youtube. She is basically calorie counting but makes it so simple and has loads of meal plans on her blog and yt which are free. Quite inspirational.
Do SW consultants make anything from Target memebers attending and weighing in every week ?
 
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Mollywobbles said:
I spent my life on a diet, worried about what I would eat, bullied by my ex calling me fat at size 12.

Then an illness and a dose of steroids, the devils tic-tacos, made me put on three stone and I’ve only managed to lose one. The other two just won’t budge,
But my current husband just shrugs and says all the more of me to love.
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Do it for yourself - if you’re happy at your weight and with how active you are/can be, then try not to stress over it!
 
Mollywobbles said:
I spent my life on a diet, worried about what I would eat, bullied by my ex calling me fat at size 12.

Then an illness and a dose of steroids, the devils tic-tacos, made me put on three stone and I’ve only managed to lose one. The other two just won’t budge,
But my current husband just shrugs and says all the more of me to love.
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glad to hear you dropped 14 stone or so the day he became your ex. I'm so lucky. My husband has been with me at 10 stone and 16 stone. He would never ever comment or make me feel unattractive. In fact he would lecture me for being so hard on myself. (also lucky he happens to like a bit of boob and arse on a girl)!
 
happylife32 said:
I have actually tried it.
I do know that I have to put in the work… 🙃
But thank you for your input. I’ve actually just been out for a mile long walk.
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Is it that it doesn't "work" for you or is it that you struggle to stick to it?
Because if it's that it doesn't seem to work when you do stick to it, then adjustments can easily be made, different things to try 😊
 
Reading this thread has actually slowly made me realise that SW has fucked my eating habits too. I lost 2 stone with it years ago and used it again successfully to lose my baby weight. But for the past 3 years I’ve been stuck at the same weight, maybe shifting a few pounds either way. I eat the same breakfast and lunch every day and rotate maybe 6/7 dinners. No snacks except fruit. And im terrified to mix it up 😓 Im maintaining my weight which I guess is good but i do want to lost a bit more, but I’m scared to come off SW and all it’s rules as it’s so ingrained in me now. Pretty horrible realisation to come to tbh.
 
and nothing happens said:
Reading this thread has actually slowly made me realise that SW has fucked my eating habits too. I lost 2 stone with it years ago and used it again successfully to lose my baby weight. But for the past 3 years I’ve been stuck at the same weight, maybe shifting a few pounds either way. I eat the same breakfast and lunch every day and rotate maybe 6/7 dinners. No snacks except fruit. And im terrified to mix it up 😓 Im maintaining my weight which I guess is good but i do want to lost a bit more, but I’m scared to come off SW and all it’s rules as it’s so ingrained in me now. Pretty horrible realisation to come to tbh.
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Stay with me on this...but what is one of your most used SW meals?
List the ingredients
Also what do you have for the breakfast and lunch
 
and nothing happens said:
Reading this thread has actually slowly made me realise that SW has fucked my eating habits too. I lost 2 stone with it years ago and used it again successfully to lose my baby weight. But for the past 3 years I’ve been stuck at the same weight, maybe shifting a few pounds either way. I eat the same breakfast and lunch every day and rotate maybe 6/7 dinners. No snacks except fruit. And im terrified to mix it up 😓 Im maintaining my weight which I guess is good but i do want to lost a bit more, but I’m scared to come off SW and all it’s rules as it’s so ingrained in me now. Pretty horrible realisation to come to tbh.
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It may be a case of you're not even eating enough, so your body is storing fat instead
 
I was the same for years with restrictive foods I would eat. I also wouldn't sit down and eat dinner with my family. If Id quantify what I picked along the way it would have been way worse. My husband is slim but doesn't pick only eats at meal times. He eats whatever he fancies. When we are out he'll have as many courses as he fancies and sometimes will look for the cheeseboard. I am trying to ape how he approaches food now. (Obviously not the quantity or calories) but with the help of ozempic I will eat cereal, bread. I try and use the fist method of measuring carbs/protein/veg. I also do a him on it and stay away from cheap processed dinners with SW approval or badge. Its worked. A weekend away. Meals out and my weight is the same as it was friday morning. I seem to know when to stop.
 
caremum said:
I was the same for years with restrictive foods I would eat. I also wouldn't sit down and eat dinner with my family. If Id quantify what I picked along the way it would have been way worse. My husband is slim but doesn't pick only eats at meal times. He eats whatever he fancies. When we are out he'll have as many courses as he fancies and sometimes will look for the cheeseboard. I am trying to ape how he approaches food now. (Obviously not the quantity or calories) but with the help of ozempic I will eat cereal, bread. I try and use the fist method of measuring carbs/protein/veg. I also do a him on it and stay away from cheap processed dinners with SW approval or badge. Its worked. A weekend away. Meals out and my weight is the same as it was friday morning. I seem to know when to stop.
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My partner is exactly the same as this.
He says he hates eating as its a chore.
Where as for me, I think about food and what I'm going to eat next, 24/7.
One thing I've done is to let him lead in the kids with food.
Done similar to what his Mum did with him and his siblings. Because none of them have food issues in the slightest and are all slim.
I was restricted and binge ate from the age of 6.
He was never restricted. Was more so taught "Well if you eat it all now, you won't have any for later/another day. It's your choice"
It's very hard to let go. But it's worked so far. I have a 10 year old, 5 year old and almost 2 year old and they don't care about food, choose fruit over sweets/chocolate, eat vegetables ect. I've never restricted them!
When I was the same age as my 10 year old, I was 13 stone and obsessed over food and sneaking it!
 
WhatABore said:
My partner is exactly the same as this.
He says he hates eating as its a chore.
Where as for me, I think about food and what I'm going to eat next, 24/7.
One thing I've done is to let him lead in the kids with food.
Done similar to what his Mum did with him and his siblings. Because none of them have food issues in the slightest and are all slim.
I was restricted and binge ate from the age of 6.
He was never restricted. Was more so taught "Well if you eat it all now, you won't have any for later/another day. It's your choice"
It's very hard to let go. But it's worked so far. I have a 10 year old, 5 year old and almost 2 year old and they don't care about food, choose fruit over sweets/chocolate, eat vegetables ect. I've never restricted them!
When I was the same age as my 10 year old, I was 13 stone and obsessed over food and sneaking it!
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Meet your sister. I was always told by extended family I was the fat one. Looking back I wasn't at all but I ate my way into fulfilling the prophesy and really gave them something to call fat. I've 3 kids and they are pretty balanced with food. But I never discuss their bodies to either praise or criticise. Its so not right to comment on anyones body. Hard to get that through to them as the obsession with image is so prevalent now. Teens so they eat me out of house and home but none are overweight and seem to be pretty balanced about their diets and activity levels.
 
Greencatfysh said:
Depends completely what you mean by “dieting”. Being in a calorie deficit for a period to reach a goal weight and then maintaining it is a “diet” to me, but obviously the word has been skewed by all these charlatan schemes like SW and Noom. It’s a total overhaul on your view of food, exercise and your own mental attitude, not a quick fix.
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Well this book talks about every type of “diet” whether it’s CC, SW, WW, Atkins, low carb, low fat etc. Anything that involves restriction, counting, measuring etc. I haven’t finished the book yet so I’m no expert but it’s definitely changing my mindset.
 
JustWonderingIf said:
Stay with me on this...but what is one of your most used SW meals?
List the ingredients
Also what do you have for the breakfast and lunch
Click to expand...

Breakfast is always two slices of small brown bread with eggs (scrambled or fried in fry light). Lunch is always a salad - lettuce, cucumber, chicken, cous cous, lighter than light Mayo and grated cheese. Dinners can be spag Bol, stir fry, pasta meatballs, garlic beef with rice, sausages and “slimming world” chips, etc. So I’m deffo eating enough but I’m just scared to eat outside of the limited menu of what I know, it’s frustrating.
 
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