tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83706875187924918952024-02-19T00:49:34.463-08:00One Meal SerenityThe personal journey of a recovering compulsive overeater. Information regarding Overeaters Anonymous and links to helpful information about eating disorders and other addictions.Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-2997703572234945622009-03-23T19:31:00.001-07:002009-03-23T19:31:02.133-07:00information vs. affirmation<p>Tonight’s meeting was <strong>so</strong> good.  i am excited to tell you all about it, but first I need to confess what happened before the meeting.</p> <p>Right after I finished writing the post from earlier this evening, I went into the kitchen and realized I was missing half of the ingredients to my planned dinner- I had used them in a recipe and completely forgotten I was out.</p> <p><strong>a bare bones kitchen is killer for me.</strong> Not only was I completely out of most of the ingredients in my planned dinner, there was NOTHING remotely healthy in my kitchen- I knew I was getting low yesterday, but I didn’t take the time to see just how low until it was too late.</p> <p>Instead of running to the store or subway, I completely caved and ate too much of one of my husband’s family sized frozen meals-something I shouldn’t have eaten at all in the first place.  I wish I could throw out all of my husband’s unhealthy food, but my marriage might suffer a tad :) I need to figure out a strategy for situations like this, my first safeguard being a well stocked kitchen.</p> <p>After the incident, I didn’t even want to go to the meeting tonight.  It’s amazing how quickly my mentality can go from focusing on recovery to focusing on food.. i hate it!</p> <p><strong>The good news is, I went the meeting! I am so glad I did.</strong></p> <p>The focus tonight was on Physical Recovery. The woman leading the meeting is someone I really respect- she has been in program for a long time and has had a very steady abstinence.  </p> <p>She talked about how our program is three fold- emotional, spiritual and physical… but we often forget the importance of the last category.  Weight loss is often when brings us to program in the first place, but it gets lost along the way.</p> <p>I know that any of the three parts alone will not work without the other two, so it was really great to have the reminder.  However, I also know that my program is strongest when i put the most emphasis on the emotional and spiritual aspects of recovery.  </p> <p>so what does that look like? I don’t really know.  </p> <p>For me, it takes being really honest and trying new things when one stops working for my program.  The scale is something I need to use to track my progress- but I have to be very careful not to abuse it.  </p> <p>Someone in the meeting summed it up like this:</p> <p><strong>The scale should be used for information and not affirmation.</strong></p> <p>wow! how powerful.  How many times have I let the scale dictate the way I feel about myself? </p> <p>I have decided to try weighing myself no more than once a week- but I a committed to monitoring that and changing to once a month should it become an issue.</p> <p>anyways, just wanted to share my thoughts from the meeting :)  I will write more tomorrow!</p> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-84585471898709374342009-03-23T15:16:00.001-07:002009-03-23T15:16:45.574-07:00one loyal reader :)<p>Good afternoon, bloggies!</p> <p>I am really enjoying this whole blog thing.  I am pretty sure I am the only person who actually reads it, but regardless- the personal accountability has been so precious to me.</p> <p>Having an outlet to reflect and strategize about recovery has made all of the the difference to me! and who knows? maybe one day another person will actually read this and find some encouragement that they are not alone :)</p> <p>I have a meeting tonight and I am so excited.  It’s amazing how much easier recovery is when I attend at least one meeting per week… the strength I pull from being in those rooms is incredible.</p> <p>I hope to log back on tonight to recap the meeting and share any hope and experience I learn… until then, a food plan!</p> <table border="4" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70">Breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="281">Vita Muffin</td> <td valign="top" width="48">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">Coffee</td> <td valign="top" width="48">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="281">Subway Turkey on Whole Wheat</td> <td valign="top" width="48">5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">Parmesan Cheese, Light Mayo, Veggies</td> <td valign="top" width="48">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">FF Pringles</td> <td valign="top" width="48">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">1 Square Dark Chocolate</td> <td valign="top" width="48">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="281">Low Point Chili (2 Cups)</td> <td valign="top" width="48">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">Baked Tostitos</td> <td valign="top" width="48">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">Shredded Lettuce</td> <td valign="top" width="48">0</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">Fat Free Refried Beans</td> <td valign="top" width="48">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">Fat Free Sour Cream</td> <td valign="top" width="48">0</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">Salsa</td> <td valign="top" width="48">0</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">1 Slice Pound Cake</td> <td valign="top" width="48">8</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281">8oz Almond Breeze</td> <td valign="top" width="48">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="70"> </td> <td valign="top" width="281"><strong>TOTAL</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="48"><strong>29</strong></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-18828505964308126722009-03-22T18:10:00.001-07:002009-03-22T18:10:08.415-07:00progress, not perfection…<p>oh my land.  today was a near disaster.  totally abandoned my food plan and went a little crazy on the buffet spread at my sister in laws baby shower :( not so good.</p> <p>Usually, my response to overdoing it at brunch would mean a free for all for the rest of the day, with a heart felt commitment to “start over” the next day.  the trouble with that is that tomorrow usually doesn’t come for at least a week, usually longer than that! when I finally get my act together it’s because i am physically sick and emotionally exhausted and food is no longer appealing.  What’s worse it that I am usually 10 pounds heavier at that point as well.</p> <p>It’s really a tempting situation for me to start my abstinence over every time I mess up- but I can’t do that.  I know in my heart the difference between a slip and relapse.  My journey won’t be perfect or error free, but it has to be continuous.  </p> <p>A popular slogan in OA is <strong>“one day at a time”</strong> or <strong>“for today”.</strong>  I don’t know about anyone else, but I have to scale it back to <strong>“one meal at a time”</strong></p> <p>I over did it at lunch, but dinner doesn’t have to be the same story.  Keep me in your prayers, if anyone reads this :)</p> <p>speak with you soon!</p> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-5163209926889114282009-03-22T06:10:00.001-07:002009-03-22T06:10:53.309-07:00another short post..<p>eek, this is another short post as I have to get ready for church and prepare for my sister in law’s baby shower this afternoon!</p> <p>I promise, I take some time for reflection at some point this afternoon- <strong>i need it.</strong></p> <p>I am struggling this morning! it started last night when I got hungry after dinner and ate something not in my plan of eating.  akk! it’s crazy how one change in plan can throw my mentality completely off.</p> <p>I will talk more about that later.. but, for now- a food plan!</p> <table border="4" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81">Breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="258">Granola</td> <td valign="top" width="60">7</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258">Unsweetened Almond Milk</td> <td valign="top" width="60">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258">Egg Whites</td> <td valign="top" width="60">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258">Reduced Fat Cheese</td> <td valign="top" width="60">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258">WW Arnold Sandwich Thin</td> <td valign="top" width="60">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="258">Fruit Salad, Veggies and Hummus</td> <td valign="top" width="60">5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="258">WW Pita</td> <td valign="top" width="60">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258">Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="60">0</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258">Cheese</td> <td valign="top" width="60">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258">Broccoli</td> <td valign="top" width="60">0</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258">Ricotta</td> <td valign="top" width="60">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258">Ice Cream</td> <td valign="top" width="60">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258"> </td> <td valign="top" width="60"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258"> </td> <td valign="top" width="60"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="258">TOTAL</td> <td valign="top" width="60">25</td> </tr> </tbody></table> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-69188160396814013962009-03-21T09:34:00.001-07:002009-03-21T11:37:38.128-07:00just a food plan.<p>Hi bloggies!</p> <p>I’ve got a really busy Saturday, so I don’t have a ton of time.. but wanted to at least get in a food plan this morning.  </p> <p> </p> <table border="4" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="483"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51">Brunch</td> <td valign="top" width="391">Whole Wheat Protein Waffle</td> <td valign="top" width="33">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Sugar Free Syrup</td> <td valign="top" width="33">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Butter</td> <td valign="top" width="33">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Unsweetened Coconut</td> <td valign="top" width="33">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Small Bite of My Hubby’s Cinnamon Roll :( (bad, i know!)</td> <td valign="top" width="33">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Egg Whites</td> <td valign="top" width="33">.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Whole Wheat Arnold Sandwich Thin</td> <td valign="top" width="33">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Cheese</td> <td valign="top" width="33">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51">Snack</td> <td valign="top" width="391">Medium Chai Tea from Caribou Coffee</td> <td valign="top" width="33">3.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Vita Muffin</td> <td valign="top" width="33">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="391">4oz Extra Lean Ground Turkey</td> <td valign="top" width="33">2.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Low Fat Cole Slaw (recipe to come)</td> <td valign="top" width="33">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Whole Wheat Bun</td> <td valign="top" width="33">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Cheese and Veggies</td> <td valign="top" width="33">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391">Fat Free Pringles</td> <td valign="top" width="33">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="51"> </td> <td valign="top" width="391"><strong>TOTAL</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="33"><strong>22.5</strong></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><strong>Dear Lord,</strong></p> <p><strong>Please guard my thoughts and emotions today, let them be controlled only by you.  I pray that you will but a hedge of protection around my life and that I will only hear your voice and follow your leading.  Only you can restore broken relationship with food and turn it into what you intended it to be.  I desire to be a slave to no one but you, please guide me through today.</strong></p> <p><strong>i love you, amen.</strong></p> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-48218695958448892792009-03-20T17:23:00.001-07:002009-03-20T17:23:22.130-07:00drum roll please…<p>Ladies and Gentlemen of the blog world- I am pleased to announce that I have jumped over a hurdle in my personal recovery…<strong><insert drum roll here></strong></p> <p><strong>I GOT A SPONSOR!</strong></p> <p>on a less exciting side, I’ve been terrible about contacting my sponsor.  in fact, since this is all about honesty- the whole sponsorship announcement probably should have been made <strong>2 weeks ago</strong> because that’s when I first took the plunge and called her up.</p> <p>..and that was the last time I called her.  bad, i know! I have seen her at meetings since, but I really need to incorporate this tool of recovery into my weekly, if not daily, recovery.</p> <p>so, if anyone out there even reads this- expect to see a post tomorrow talking about how I reached out to her.  </p> <p>just needed the accountability :)</p> <p><strong>dear Lord,</strong></p> <p><strong>please be with me today and control my thoughts and emotions.  Thank you for who you are- your character and your strength.  Only you can take my broken relationship with food and turn it into what you designed it to be.  I desire to be a slave to nothing but you, please give me strength and guidance to get through each day abstinent.</strong></p> <p><strong>amen!</strong></p> <p>im out! have a great night.</p> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-87856681727817873202009-03-20T08:07:00.001-07:002009-03-20T16:56:06.996-07:00i have returned.<p>oh.my.goodness. </p> <p>I must be the most stubborn person in the history of the universe. These last few months, it seems like it has been almost impossible to get it together- it has been such a struggle.</p> <p>There is a quote in the big book that says something like <strong>“half measures availed us nothing.”</strong> I’ve heard it a million times and always liked it, but never really applied it to my life. Sure, I’ve been dedicated before, motivated. But- when things get hard or the OA honeymoon ends, dedication and motivation tend to waver. </p> <p>I am working on the 3rd step right now: <strong>turned our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. </strong>All that is nice, warm and fuzzy on paper- but what does it look like in every day life? I really had no idea until this weekend.</p> <p>Something clicked at church on Sunday, though. My pastor was speaking about wrestling sin to the ground and what that meant. He asked a simple question, but it really answered a lot of questions for me.</p> <p><strong>imagine the sin you are struggling with most in your life right now. Think back on the last year, month, week, day… what actions have you taken to wrestle it to the ground? beating sin takes sacrifice- it takes going to war with your flesh. It’s you verses the giant in your life- one of them is going to die.</strong></p> <p>ahhh. that make so much sense!! the third step has always confused me, because on the surface it’s almost like an excuse to be lazy- since I’m incapable of controlling this disease, I’ll just let God do all the work.</p> <p>BUT- that’s not what it’s about. The third step isn’t about letting God do everything while you do nothing… it’s about making your mind, body and spirit over to Him to USE. Letting Him dictate your actions and recovery.. and that’s a lot of hard work.</p> <p>I need to make sacrifices on an hourly basis to grow in recovery, that’s what it’s about.</p> <p></p> <table border="4" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="454"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="71"><strong>Breakfast</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="353">Vita Muffin</td> <td valign="top" width="22">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="71"> </td> <td valign="top" width="353">Coffee</td> <td valign="top" width="22">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="71"><strong>Lunch</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="353">Whole Wheat Pita</td> <td valign="top" width="22">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="71"> </td> <td valign="top" width="353">Cheese, Turkey Pepperoni and Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="22">5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="71"> </td> <td valign="top" width="353">4oz Greek Yogurt, Strawberries and .5oz Cereal</td> <td valign="top" width="22">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="71"><strong>Snack</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="353">Vita Muffin</td> <td valign="top" width="22">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="71"><strong>Dinner</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="353">2 Chicken Lean Pockets</td> <td valign="top" width="22">10</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="71"> </td> <td valign="top" width="353">Sugar-Free Pudding</td> <td valign="top" width="22"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="71"> </td> <td valign="top" width="353"> </td> <td valign="top" width="22"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="71"> </td> <td valign="top" width="353"><strong>TOTAL</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="22"><strong>26</strong></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-16503673571923130102009-02-05T09:17:00.001-08:002009-02-05T13:25:09.434-08:00making a little tweak.<p>So, I am having the hardest time getting started.  Most OA veterans recommend cutting the sugar and flour from your diet when you find yourself having a hard time, so I tried it.</p> <p>While I did notice that some of my physical cravings went away, my mental cravings only increased.  My problem with food is so psychological that when I cut an entire food type out of my life, there was too much stress. I couldn’t turn off the thoughts about “never eating sugar or white flour again” and the negatives out weighed the benefits for me.  Recovery is something I need to be comfortable doing for the rest of my life, and my prior food plan was making me really uncomfortable. </p> <p>After talking to an OA friend, I am modifying my food plan.  Instead of no sugar/white flour, I am going to focus on making healthy choices and limiting my intake of both substances.  I have learned to like eating healthy food and I don’t think this will be too much of a problem.  I am still eating only 3 meals a day with nothing in between and using the Weight Watchers points system to help monitor portions.</p> <p>I will let you know how today goes :) for now, I leave you with my food plan! it’s still geared toward the healthy end of things and looks a lot like my no sugar/white flour days!</p> <p> </p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="4"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68">Breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="303">Chocolate Whole Wheat Muffin</td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68"> </td> <td valign="top" width="303">SF Coffee</td> <td valign="top" width="28">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="303">South Beach Diet Whole Wheat Pizza</td> <td valign="top" width="28">7</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68"> </td> <td valign="top" width="303">SF Jello Pudding</td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68"> </td> <td valign="top" width="303">Whole Wheat Crackers with Cheese</td> <td valign="top" width="28">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="303">Morningstar Riblet</td> <td valign="top" width="28">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68"> </td> <td valign="top" width="303">Arnold Thin</td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68"> </td> <td valign="top" width="303">Alexia Sweet Potato Fries</td> <td valign="top" width="28">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68"> </td> <td valign="top" width="303">SF Jello Pudding</td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68"> </td> <td valign="top" width="303"><strong>TOTAL</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="28"><strong>23</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="68"> </td> <td valign="top" width="303"> </td> <td valign="top" width="28"> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-11071355886548037122009-02-03T11:19:00.001-08:002009-02-03T11:19:38.070-08:00Mexican Layered Casserole<p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw35Ogpvvuh1u5wswHvVCKmpXpVMl5OwxuqdgmuR9RU2PAuTZk2o29HpKzaYrO-d7ZY1bzKaFOIZ9BNRUJkqfaxrzHtrVdBT5BSZczJpuq6eIstk2so25NbJbukf8XRwRR98IOEhyphenhyphenwqdjV/s1600-h/mexi%20cass%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="mexi cass" border="0" alt="mexi cass" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc4ehKYAdy59orZgUQD2Qv_OKadSN_0kMmIMbWGAWd-FMWr2Xg4Nj4hr0NM2Do5A_6Q_SD86LvnnKM57gbdkUac7vdt8o4KE7LYmY15rZnL_xDGCOWWHAcfRDBZ9ov1hH_aLQou92DvDg/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <p>8 whole wheat tortillas</p> <p>2 cups fat free refried beans</p> <p>1 cup fat free sour cream</p> <p>2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded</p> <p>1 cup low fat shredded cheese</p> <p>1 cup chopped onions</p> <p>1/2 cup low fat shredded cheese</p> <p>1/2 cup fat free sour cream</p> <p>shredded lettuce</p> <p>1/2 cup salsa</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p> <p>Layer 2 tortillas, 1/2 cup refried beans, 1/4 of the shredded chicken, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup chopped onions and 1/4 cup shredded cheese in a casserole dish.  Repeat 3 more times until first 5 ingredients are gone.</p> <p>Spread 1/2 cup refried beans and 1/2 cup cheese on top of casserole and bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through. Top with shredded lettuce, remaining sour cream and salsa.</p> <p>Makes 8 servings, 5 <em>units</em> each.</p> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-40144391180673103452009-02-03T06:11:00.001-08:002009-02-03T09:27:21.999-08:00food plan and meeting recap :)<p>what a great meeting last night! as much as I love phone meetings as part of my program, I really need to be in the same room as other compulsive eaters at least once a week for me to work recovery to the best of my ability.</p> <p>there’s something about the presence of someone who understands.  There are a few people in my life outside of <br />OA who know about my struggles.. and while they sympathize, they can’t possibly understand.  That’s ok though, I’m really glad they don’t know first hand.  </p> <p>My OA friends need no explanation though.  what a blessing to have found this group! </p> <p>Last night we read step two from the <strong>12 and 12.</strong>  If you haven’t picked up a copy of this book yet, i highly recommend it.  The chapter talked much about the crazy things compulsive eating had lead us to do with food… the eating out of trash cans, from the floor, stealing food, lying to loved ones about what and how much we had eaten.</p> <p>I’m pretty sure I have done all of those things at least once, many of them way more than once.  </p> <p>It also talked about how our compulsive eating had negatively effected our lives outside of weight gain…. the half-hearted way of living, the dishonesty to friends and family, the limited social life, barely getting by in all aspects of life.  </p> <p>To me, this is so tragic.  I know I am young, but I have let so many years and experiences pass me by because of my poor self image and destructive habits.  </p> <p>God only gives us one life for a reason, He has given me such a gift in each day and I need to start appreciating it.  I’m am so glad God has allowed me to find OA :)</p> <p> </p> <p>Food plan for today:</p> <table border="4" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="61">Breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="316">SF granola bar</td> <td valign="top" width="22">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="61"> </td> <td valign="top" width="316">1oz of pork</td> <td valign="top" width="22">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="61">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="316">SB Diet pizza w/mushrooms</td> <td valign="top" width="22">7</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="61"> </td> <td valign="top" width="316">Apples</td> <td valign="top" width="22">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="61"> </td> <td valign="top" width="316">Laughing Cow Cheese</td> <td valign="top" width="22">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="61">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="316">Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stew (no more left!)</td> <td valign="top" width="22">5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="61"> </td> <td valign="top" width="316">WW Wasa Crackers</td> <td valign="top" width="22">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="61"> </td> <td valign="top" width="316">Laughing Cow Cheese</td> <td valign="top" width="22">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="61"> </td> <td valign="top" width="316">SF granola Bar</td> <td valign="top" width="22">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="61"> </td> <td valign="top" width="316"><strong>TOTAL</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="22"><strong>23</strong></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-91017435243818935692009-02-02T12:36:00.001-08:002009-03-20T17:13:07.424-07:00My Story (First Step Inventory)<p><strong>My Compulsive Overeating History:</strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>I can remember being self-conscious about my weight from 2nd grade on. We went swimming as a class every Friday and I would cringe whenever my mom packed the two piece bathing suit…and I was not a heavy child, whatsoever!</p> <p>As I got older and moved from Elementary into Middle School, my feelings toward my weight didn’t change. I was a little on the heavier side, but not big by any means. However, I was anything but comfortable in my own skin! I hated walking in front of the class, would spend hours perfecting my hair before school and wore lose clothes to cover my body. I remember going on vacation and asking my grandmother if she thought i was fat, looking for encouragement more than honesty… I completely expected her to say no, but she surprised me by calling me “chubby” --I started my first diet that day. Looking back at pictures, I can’t believe how small I actually was… it just reminds me how instrumental self-image really is. </p> <p>Towards the end of Middle School I hit puberty and started to thin out quite a bit. I didn’t really change anything I was doing, it just naturally happened. Those few years were the only years i felt truly beautiful. Even so, when my friends picked out mid-drift baring bikinis, I opted for ones with more coverage as I still thought I needed to lose a few pounds. Again, looking back, I didn’t need to lose a thing- I looked fine. </p> <p>As High School approached, I became increasingly more aware that I had put on a few pounds, it couldn’t have been more than 5. As small a deal as that sounds now, I became obsessed. I fell back into not being comfortable in my own skin and lived a life of “if I could only lose weight”. I don’t know where I got the idea, but I began going days eating as little as possible and watching the scale obsessively. If I had a date, or some social event that I wanted to look “pretty” for, I would essentially starve myself to see how much weight I could lose. Of course, as soon as the event was over, I would eat anything I could get my hands on and thus gain it all back. Sound familiar? this is definitely when I first fell into the habit of binging. The line was drawn in my mind- </p> <p><strong>my days were divided into two categories:</strong> </p> <ol> <ol> <li><strong>1) days when I ate nothing </strong></li> <li><strong>2) days when I ate everything.</strong></li> </ol> </ol> <p>Into my high school years, my home life was less than comfortable. I lived in a very high stress environment and began to cherish my alone time. My house was always full of food and that coupled with my dysfunctional eating habits made for disaster. My mom was(is) an alcoholic and I took it hard. I ate to ease the anxiety and to keep myself from thinking about the problems I was facing, dealing with my mom’s addiction by developing one of my own. <strong>That is when I learned to use food as a crutch to take the edge off of my emotions.</strong></p> <p>This was the turning point for me. From than on, I gained weight very quickly and learned to use diets to try and deal with it. I tried many of them- low carb, low fat, low calorie…. they all worked for a short while but than I would eventually fall back into my old behaviors. </p> <p>That brings us to where I am now. I found OA about a year ago and had a good 4 months of abstinence and lost 20 pounds. However, my downfall came when I got too focused on the weight loss and turned my recovery into another diet. I stopped attending regular meetings and got lose with my food plan- my thought process turned it to: it’s ok as long as it’s within the perimeters of my diet. Whew- that lasted 3 weeks and soon I was back where I started. </p> <p>Now, I am taking this seriously. My recovery has to be the most important thing to me. <strong>My hope for this blog is two-fold: accountability and a way to carry the message of OA to other suffering compulsive overeaters.</strong></p> <p>:)</p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-85171759049038832982009-02-01T18:51:00.001-08:002009-02-02T12:39:02.273-08:00quick food plan for tomorrow<p>taking a break from the super bowl festivities to record my food plan for tomorrow :) </p> <p> </p> <table border="4" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81">Breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="290">WW Bread w/Pepper Jack Cheese<br /></td> <td valign="top" width="28">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="290">Coffee</td> <td valign="top" width="28">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="290"><a href="http://onemealserenity.blogspot.com/2009/01/sweet-and-spicy-crockpot-chicken-stew.html">Sweet Chicken Chili</a></td> <td valign="top" width="28">5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="290">WW bread with Pepper Jack Cheese</td> <td valign="top" width="28">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="290">No Sugar Orange Juice<br /></td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="290">SB Diet Pizza</td> <td valign="top" width="28">7</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="290">Carrots and Apples</td> <td valign="top" width="28">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="290">SF Pudding</td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="81"> </td> <td valign="top" width="290"> <p align="right"><strong>TOTAL</strong></p> </td> <td valign="top" width="28"><strong>23</strong></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p> </p> <p>Tomorrow I plan to put just as much, if not more, effort into my recovery than I put into anything else!</p> <p>have an abstinent night :) go steelers!</p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-74638236288857295152009-02-01T06:18:00.001-08:002009-02-01T06:19:30.769-08:00how will i chose to live the rest of my life?<p>side by side comparison of the life i am living now, and the life i want to live:</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>       In The Food                            In Recovery</strong></p> <ul> <ul> <ul> <table border="4" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="138">insecurity</td> <td valign="top" width="262">self-confidence</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="138">physical sickness</td> <td valign="top" width="262">vitality and health</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="138">depression</td> <td valign="top" width="262">comfort in your own skin</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="138">a life lived alone</td> <td valign="top" width="262">a life enjoyed without fear of others</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="138">untruthfulness</td> <td valign="top" width="262">honesty with both yourself and others</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="138">a wasted life</td> <td valign="top" width="262">a life lived to much higher standards</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="138">underused potential</td> <td valign="top" width="262">a realization of your worth</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </ul> </ul> </ul> <p> </p> <p>I could go on and on, but I will stop there.  with it laid out in front of me, im just baffled that I have let food take force me to live in the first column instead of the second.  I am 22 years old… I have much of my life in front of me.</p> <p><font size="6">how am i going to live the rest of it?</font></p> <p> </p> <p>i’ll tell you how.. I am going to make recovery the most important thing because the stakes are much higher than a few vanity pounds.. this is the rest of my life.</p> <p>i am going to focus on ignoring the voice of food and listening to the voice of my creator- the one who has come to bring me life.  although my weight isn’t considered terrible by any means, and I haven’t seen the full force effect of the physical problems this disorder brings, it’s only a matter of time!  i will get there.. unless i do something about it now.  </p> <p>food plan for today:</p> <p> </p> <table border="4" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="75">Breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="300">Luna Chai Tea Bar</td> <td valign="top" width="24">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="75"> </td> <td valign="top" width="300">Chicken</td> <td valign="top" width="24">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="75">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="300">South Beach Diet Pizza</td> <td valign="top" width="24">7</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="75"> </td> <td valign="top" width="300">carrots</td> <td valign="top" width="24">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="75">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="300">sweet and spicy chicken stew</td> <td valign="top" width="24">5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="75"> </td> <td valign="top" width="300">pepper jack cheese and WW crackers</td> <td valign="top" width="24">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="75"> </td> <td valign="top" width="300">SF pudding</td> <td valign="top" width="24">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="75"> </td> <td valign="top" width="300"><strong>TOTAL</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="24"><strong>23</strong></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-59319094254603664792009-01-30T14:04:00.001-08:002009-03-23T09:24:55.928-07:00My Physical Recovery (Health and Weight Loss)<p>OA believes that recovery is 3 fold: spiritual, emotional and <strong>physical… </strong>and they have to fall in that order. For me, I know that if I focus on the spiritual and emotional part of my recovery, the physical will follow. My entire life, I’ve tried to treat my eating disorder by trying diet after diet and focusing on the physical only. Of course, they never worked :) now that I am focused on recovery instead of dieting- I’m finally getting down to business!</p><p></p><p>Part of my Plan of Action is to only weigh once a week (i used to weigh once an hour!) to keep my focus off of weight loss and on emotional and spiritual recovery. If at any time I become too focused on the scale, I will drop down to once a month. So, if you are curious about my progress, I will record my stats below :) </p><p></p><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="4"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><p align="center"><strong>Date</strong></p></td><td valign="top" width="117"><p align="center"><strong>Weight</strong></p></td><td valign="top" width="87"><p align="center"><strong>Pounds Lost</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><p align="center">March 16, 2008</p></td><td valign="top" width="117"><p align="center">181.2</p></td><td valign="top" width="87"><p align="center">--</p></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><p align="center"><br />March 23, 2008</p></td><td valign="top" width="117"><p align="center"><br />178</p></td><td valign="top" width="87"><p align="center"><br />-3.2</p></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="117"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="87"><br /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="117"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="87"><br /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="117"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="87"><br /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="117"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="87"><br /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="117"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="87"><br /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="117"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="87"><br /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="117"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="87"><br /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="117"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="87"><br /></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="195"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="117"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="87"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-39370355359633357932009-01-30T08:56:00.001-08:002009-01-30T09:03:25.011-08:00Sweet and Spicy Crockpot Chicken Stew<p>So, this is one of my favorite no sugar, no flour recipes. So filling and doesn’t cause me any cravings! Don’t let the diet coke thing scare you off.. you can’t even taste it in the end.</p> <p>I typically make a big batch of this and freeze it in individual portions for the rest of the week.  Hope you enjoy!</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <p>8oz Diet Coke</p> <p>1.5 cup Low Carb Ketchup</p> <p>4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts</p> <p>16oz bag frozen spinach</p> <p>16oz bag frozen bell peppers</p> <p>8oz bag frozen chopped onions</p> <p>5 Tbsp garlic chili sauce (or to taste)</p> <p>4oz water</p> <p>garlic salt to taste</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p> <p>Combine all ingredients except for peppers and onions in the crock pot, making sure to layer the chicken on the bottom.  Cook on high for 4-5 hours or until chicken is cooked through.</p> <p>Add the remaining frozen veggies and cook on low for 1 hour.  Shred chicken, stir and serve!</p> <p> </p> <p>Makes 6 servings, 4 <em>units</em> per serving.</p> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-64237069742484209072009-01-30T07:10:00.001-08:002009-01-30T14:12:14.603-08:00hanging on by a thread…<p><strong>oh.my.goodness.</strong> you may have noticed (or maybe not, i might be the only one who reads this thing, hehe) that I haven’t been posting over the last few days. well, the reasoning behind that is that I have been absolutely and completely <strong>in the food.</strong> To be fair, each morning started off great… but by 11am i was ditching the food plan and totally binging.</p> <p>i think it’s been about 3 straight days of it. <strong>I am done.</strong> I have a face to face meeting tomorrow morning, and today I am going to attend a few phone meetings. I can already feel my disease trying to whisper in my ear- but I’m not listening! </p> <p>When it tries to tell me that<strong> “one bite wont hurt”… “you are just going to fail again, why even try?”… “just start tomorrow..”</strong> I simply say (outloud- crazy, i know): </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:180%;">I don’t do those things anymore, I am a new person.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></p> <p>for some reason, this really works. I guess you could call it my tip of the day :) I have to run to work, but I really wanted to get a quick post in, as this blog really helps me.</p> <p>Today I am going to start working through the OA Step Workbook and will post my answers here, get ready! :)</p> <p>I leave you with my food plan:</p> <p> </p> <table border="4" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76">Breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="295">Luna Bar</td> <td valign="top" width="28">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="295"><a href="http://onemealserenity.blogspot.com/2009/01/sweet-and-spicy-crockpot-chicken-stew.html">Sweey and Spicy Chicken Stew</a></td> <td valign="top" width="28">5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76"> </td> <td valign="top" width="295">RF Pepper Jack Cheese Slice</td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76"> </td> <td valign="top" width="295">100% WW Arnold Sandwich Thin</td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76"> </td> <td valign="top" width="295">SF Pudding Cup</td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="295">Pita Pizza</td> <td valign="top" width="28"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76"> </td> <td valign="top" width="295"> 100% WW Pita</td> <td valign="top" width="28">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76"> </td> <td valign="top" width="295"> Crushed Tomato and Other Veggies</td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76"> </td> <td valign="top" width="295"> RF Shredded Cheese</td> <td valign="top" width="28">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76"> </td> <td valign="top" width="295">Chicken Stew</td> <td valign="top" width="28">4</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76"> </td> <td valign="top" width="295">SF Pudding Cup</td> <td valign="top" width="28">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="76"> </td> <td valign="top" width="295"><strong>TOTAL</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="28"><strong>23</strong></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p> </p> <p>Have an abstinent day!</p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-84431595593147590022009-01-27T20:05:00.001-08:002009-01-28T07:06:56.565-08:00Day One.. again.<p>bummer. I wish I could tell you guys that I had a full day of abstinence today, but it didn’t happen for me. I started the day prepared, with a food plan and everything. however, having the plan doesn’t do anything unless you stick to it.</p> <p>I got loose with my plan and had a few bites here and there… and even a snack (i don’t do snacks!). My willpower and my disease were battling all day, and guess who won? I got off work, and it was all down hill from there. </p> <p>I did attend a phone meeting today, but even that was half hearted. I got on the call late and didn’t really pay attention. </p> <p>good thing is, tomorrow is a new day. I’m going to take what i learned from my mistakes and cling to my food plan. I am going to attend another meeting and this time I’m taking notes.</p> <p>Living half heartedly is what got me where I am today.. but I made a decision that I was no longer going to live like that… no more! I need to give recovery my full attention.</p> <p>Anyways, i need to get to bed so I’m operating at full capacity tomorrow, I leave you with my food plan for tomorrow :)</p> <p> </p> <table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133"><strong>MEAL</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="199"><strong>FOOD</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="66"><strong>POINTS</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="131">Breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="196">100% WW Bread<br /></td> <td valign="top" width="71">1<br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="130">Breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="193">SF Coffee</td> <td valign="top" width="75">2</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="129">Breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="191">2 poached eggs</td> <td valign="top" width="78">3.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="129">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="189">Carrots</td> <td valign="top" width="80">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="128">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="188">100% WW Bread</td> <td valign="top" width="82">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="128">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="187">2 eggs, poached</td> <td valign="top" width="83">3.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="127">Lunch</td> <td valign="top" width="187">SF Jello Pudding</td> <td valign="top" width="84">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="127">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="186">100% WW Pasta (1 2/3 cup)</td> <td valign="top" width="85">5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="126">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="186">Crushed Tomato (1 cup)</td> <td valign="top" width="86">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="127">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="185">100% WW Bread</td> <td valign="top" width="86">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="127">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="185">4oz. Chicken w. veggies</td> <td valign="top" width="86">2.5</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="127">Dinner</td> <td valign="top" width="185">SF Jello Pudding</td> <td valign="top" width="86">1</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="127"> </td> <td valign="top" width="185"><strong>TOTAL</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="87"><strong>23.5</strong></td> </tr> </tbody></table>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-4655997748748607992009-01-27T19:15:00.001-08:002009-01-27T19:51:03.321-08:0012 Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous<p>The Twelve Traditions are the means by which OA remains unified in a common cause. These Twelve Traditions are to the groups what the Twelve Steps are to the individual. They are suggested principles to ensure the survival and growth of the many groups that compose Overeaters Anonymous.</p> <p>Like the <a href="http://www.oa.org/twelve_steps.html">Twelve Steps</a>, the Twelve Traditions have their origins in Alcoholics Anonymous. These Traditions describe attitudes which those early members believed were important to group survival.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="4">The Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous</font></strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon OA unity. </strong></li> <li><strong>For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern. </strong></li> <li><strong>The only requirement for OA membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. </strong></li> <li><strong>Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or OA as a whole. </strong></li> <li><strong>Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers. </strong></li> <li><strong>An OA group ought never endorse, finance or lend the OA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose. </strong></li> <li><strong>Every OA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. </strong></li> <li><strong>Overeaters Anonymous should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers. </strong></li> <li><strong>OA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve. </strong></li> <li><strong>Overeaters Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the OA name ought never be drawn into public controversy. </strong></li> <li><strong>Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television and other public media of communication. </strong></li> <li><strong>Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all these Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities. </strong></li> </ol> <p><em>Permission to use the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous for adaptation granted by AA World Services, Inc.</em></p> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-19429254594352715152009-01-27T19:10:00.001-08:002009-01-27T19:10:08.873-08:0012 Steps of Overeaters Anonymous<p>The Twelve Steps are the heart of the OA recovery program. They offer a new way of life that enables the compulsive overeater to live without the need for excess food.</p> <p>The ideas expressed in the Twelve Steps, which originated in Alcoholics Anonymous, reflect practical experience and application of spiritual insights recorded by thinkers throughout the ages. Their greatest importance lies in the fact that they work! They enable compulsive overeaters and millions of other Twelve-Steppers to lead happy, productive lives. They represent the foundation upon which OA is built.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="4">The Twelve Steps of Overeaters Anonymous</font></strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>We admitted we were powerless over food — that our lives had become unmanageable. </strong></li> <li><strong>Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. </strong></li> <li><strong>Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. </strong></li> <li><strong>Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. </strong></li> <li><strong>Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. </strong></li> <li><strong>Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. </strong></li> <li><strong>Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. </strong></li> <li><strong>Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. </strong></li> <li><strong>Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. </strong></li> <li><strong>Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. </strong></li> <li><strong>Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God <i>as we understood Him</i>, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. </strong></li> <li><strong>Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and to practice these principles in all our affairs. </strong></li> </ol> <i></i> <p><i>(reprinted with permission from the World Service Organization of Overeaters Anonymous)</i></p> Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-81738036596945231742009-01-27T18:56:00.001-08:002009-03-20T17:12:34.742-07:00My Plan of Eating<p>I’ve gotten a lot of requests to post my plan of eating, so i thought I would share! This is the plan that works for me right now… OA neither endorses or supports any particular plan of eating, rather they encourage you to find one that works for you using the program, sponsorship and self-searching. For more information about what a plan of eating is and how to develop one that works for you, visit <a href="http://onemealserenity.blogspot.com/2009/01/basics-of-plan-of-eating.html">OA Basics: Plan of Eating.</a> </p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Basics:</span></strong></p><ul><li><strong>three meals +one optional snack a day with nothing in between</strong></li><li><strong>absolutely no fast food</strong></li><li><strong>keep portions in check by following the Weight Watchers points system</strong></li></ul><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Plan Explained: </span></strong></p><p><strong>three meals a day with nothing in between:</strong></p><p>this is part of my POE is pretty simple… I only eat at 3 planned meals per day with an optional anck between lunch and dinner, nothing more and nothing less. This has been so helpful because it minimizes the amount of time I have to think about food each day. Without this part of my plan, my eating disorder and willpower would be in constant battle… and my disorder would win every time. Now, when and if I eat is already mapped out and neither my willpower or my disease has any say.</p><p><strong>absolutely no fast food:</strong></p><p>it doesn’t matter if it is a salad or french fries, I know beyond a doubt that I cannot handle it. drive-thru’s and the anonymity they provide are toxic to my recovery. when i was still “in the food,” it was the way i fed my addiction without anyone knowing. because it played such a big part in the development of my disorder, I don’t think it has any place in my recovery.</p><p><strong>keep portions in check by following the weight watchers point system:</strong></p><p>this is the part of my plan that is a little unique. like many of you, I have been in and out of weight watchers with short lived success. however, i don’t think my struggle was the fault of weight watchers… i was simply treating the symptom (being overweight) instead of the real issue (my eating disorder). a normal diet will never work for me because I am not a normal eater. </p><p>that being said, weight watchers really works for me as a tool to keep my portions in check when used in conjunction with my other tools of recovery and the rest of my POE. I do have to be careful and keep myself in check to make sure my recovery doesn’t turn into a diet.. if that starts to happen, I will have to rethink this part.</p><p> </p><p>so, that’s it :) i really encourage you all to attend a meeting and find a sponsor who will be able to help you develop your own plan of eating! it’s been SO helpful to me!</p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-61246068600519854342009-01-27T15:21:00.001-08:002009-01-27T19:03:39.464-08:00the basics of a plan of eating.<p><strong>What is a plan of eating?: (from anonymousone.com)</strong></p> <p>Using a plan of eating is the beginning of freedom from compulsive overeating, bingeing, or food cessation. Instead of depending on resolutions and willpower to help make good decisions in front of the refrigerator or in the restaurant, we develop a sensible plan of eating in advance. Initially, many of us use a daily plan of eating which includes what, when, where and how much. This daily plan serves to separate our eating from our emotions and relieves us of making the decisions we formerly had to make throughout the day. Reducing the time we think about food clears our heads of the ongoing conflict between our self-will and the disease. We also find that we are more likely to stick to our plan if we commit it daily to a sponsor. As in the rest of the program, we do this one-day at a time. We do not have to think about doing it forever.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>How do you develop a plan of eating?</strong></p> <p>One of the first steps in developing our plan of eating is to take an honest and courageous look at our eating history. What is our past relationship with food, from childhood to the present? We took with rigorous honesty at our eating patterns. When did we begin eating compulsively? What was going on? What did we overeat? What do we overeat now? What foods do we think about most? What foods do we crave? When do we overeat? What is the relationship between our reactions to life events and our eating patterns? We find it necessary to examine our current and old eating patterns in order to begin building a new set of healthy eating habits. The questions in <i>Step One of the Twelve-Step Workbook of Overeaters Anonymous</i> are an excellent starting point for this inquiry.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Why avoid certain foods?</strong></p> <p>One of the first steps in developing our plan of eating is to take an honest and courageous look at our eating history. What is our past relationship with food, from childhood to the present? We took with rigorous honesty at our eating patterns. When did we begin eating compulsively? What was going on? What did we overeat? What do we overeat now? What foods do we think about most? What foods do we crave? When do we overeat? What is the relationship between our reactions to life events and our eating patterns? We find it necessary to examine our current and old eating patterns in order to begin building a new set of healthy eating habits. The questions in <i>Step One of the Twelve-Step Workbook of Overeaters Anonymous</i> are an excellent starting point for this inquiry.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Does Overeaters Anonymous Provide a Plan of Eating?</strong></p> <p>Overeaters Anonymous, does not promote, endorse, recommend or distribute any specific food plans. For nutritional guidance, we seek advice about healthy eating from a qualified health care professional, such as a doctor or nutritionist. In addition to professionals, 12 Step Sponsors understand your challenges. They are working and living the Compulsive Eating Twelve Step program to the best of their ability. Their purpose is to support us in our program and help us gain insight into our eating patterns, not to give specific medical or nutritional advice. Most importantly, they can share what does and does not work for them.</p> <p> </p> <p>This article is based on the Booklet, "<strong>A Plan of Eating, A tool for living—one day at a time"</strong><em> </em>prepared by Overeaters Anonymous.</p>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8370687518792491895.post-74393061715536386882009-01-26T20:30:00.000-08:002009-03-20T17:11:02.785-07:00Hi, I'm M and I'm a Compulsive Overeater.<p>Hey Bloggies!<br />Wow, so- I've been toying around with the idea of keeping an Abstinence blog for awhile now and finally took the plunge. I have been involved with Overeaters Anonymous for almost a year and had four good clean months of abstinence at the very beginning.</p><p><br />Unfortunately, I got it in my mind that I could somehow do this whole recovery thing without meetings, without support. Eventually that turned into me thinking I could handle no plan of eating, no accountability. Boy, was I wrong!</p><p><br />So begins my journey to abstinence once again. This time I am going to take everything I've learned from my successes and from my mistakes and use it to grab hold of serenity just a little (a lot) tighter than ever before. I will get into more detail tomorrow, but I have high hopes for this little blog of mine :)</p><p><br />I plan to post my plan of eating each night for the following day. I also plan to use this site to go through the questions in the Overeaters Anonymous Workbook and to reflect on things I am learning about my life through the clean eyes of abstinence. I hope that through my journey, this blog will also become part of my service and a way for me to carry the message on to other compulsive overeaters.</p><p><br />I am by no means (at all!) perfect. In fact, I am weak and and powerless over my disease... and I am happy to admit that. You see, the realization of powerlessness is the one thing that can bring me to recovery. I can't do this one my own, I need my Higher Power's help. My plan is simply that: my plan :)</p><p><br />this is not a diet, it's a journey to recovery. My plan of eating won't work for everyone and recovery is dependent on learning from others and attending meetings so that you can find what will work for you. All that said, I hope this blog is helpful and encouraging! I will post my plan of eating tomorrow as well as my "plan of action" dealing more with my compulsive tendencies. For now, I leave you with my Food Plan for tomorrow!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><table width="415" border="4" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="113"><strong>MEAL</strong></td><td valign="top" width="236"><strong>FOOD</strong></td><td valign="top" width="58"><strong>POINTS</strong></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="113">Breakfast</td><td valign="top" width="236">Sugar Free Oatmeal</td><td valign="top" width="58">2</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="113">Breakfast</td><td valign="top" width="236">Sugar Free Coffee</td><td valign="top" width="58">2</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="113">Lunch</td><td valign="top" width="236">100% WW Bread w/ FF Bologna</td><td valign="top" width="58">2</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="113">Lunch</td><td valign="top" width="236">100% WW Crackers w/Hummus</td><td valign="top" width="58">4</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="113">Lunch</td><td valign="top" width="236">SF Pudding</td><td valign="top" width="58">1</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="113">Dinner</td><td valign="top" width="236">100% WW Pasta w/Veggies</td><td valign="top" width="58">5</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="113">Dinner</td><td valign="top" width="236">Chicken Breast</td><td valign="top" width="58">5.5</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="113">Dessert</td><td valign="top" width="236">SF Pudding</td><td valign="top" width="58">1</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="113"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="236"><strong>TOTAL:</strong></td><td valign="top" width="58">22.5</td></tr></tbody></table>Abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991898624850975972noreply@blogger.com0