Oh Gosh Coni, I would hate to have to pack up everything & move in a short time frame!!  That is a lot of work and stress!  I am sure you are reaching for the fast, convenient foods which may or may not include healthy items.  Is it possible to have chicken wraps with fresh veggies or fruits for a meal or two...low cal and healthy with protein to help with strength for the move?  You certainly have had a lot going on this past week and I am praying that you stay strong....don't let all that hard work go by the wayside...you made it a mile and I hope you can continue to improve on that....maybe with all the physical work of the move, the scale will not be as bad as you think...Once you get resettled into the new place, I do expect to see great progress coming from you!!  Hugs, SisterC

Yes most, if not all of us, are emotional eaters and stress holders. Moving is stressful enough and I can't imagine the stress in having to make an emergency move. I can understand why you need quick fixes (eight beers is not good for you), but keep your goals in the back of your mind. Don't let this derail you. We need you and we care.  This should be a lesson for all of us. We, each of us, needs to have an emergency stress handling plan. The best thing I can think of doing when i am stressed is workout but that is when it impossible for me to actually do. Maybe we can come up with ideas and plans that will help all of us. And when you need it the most it is bad to not have your  support group handy. Get back on track as quick as possible and keep us posted and have a better day today, Suzanne

Oh, I hope you don't have to move too far away from the beach.  I think your message is a reminder to all of us that unexpected stresses occur...to all of us.  Yes, priorities change...moving burns a ton of calories though right?  The 8 beer thing probably does some "numbing" along the way...sounds great at the time...not so great at the end of the crisis, I bet.  Your running has to be an alternative? 

Hmmm...let me think about this...What is your very favorite memory?  I mean VERY favorite?  Take a short time to close your eyes and think about that memory...what do you see?  What sounds are there?  Do you sense anything else?  Smells, touch, etc?  Let the details sort of unfold for you.  The next time you are overwhelmed by your stresses, you can take yourself there.  It's quick, it's easy and if it really is a super happy memory, it's sort of hard to continue being mad, sad etc. (for the moment)  The other thing you can remember is that getting good oxygen will help so just stop and take a deep breath.  So simple, but how often do we make our breath shallow when we are stressed?  When you breathe out, think about breathing into a cup full of water with a straw and you can see the bubbles at the bottom of the cup.  Continue breathing out until the bubbles stop...then you have emptied your lungs...a deep long sighing breath.  Is it better?  For the moment?  (Really beer and food is only for the moment too.)

Ok, I totally sound like a childbirth educator now, and I will say that some of this is hogwash for most women in labor, but these are lifeskills to use in other times of stress.  =)

I'm an emotional eater.. like many on this board.  I've been able to deal with many of my emotions in other ways than eating... this week has been OUT OF CONTROL.  I'm in a middle of an emergency move.. and just had so much going on.. eating right was not a priority.  It's like I need a "quick fix" when I feel stressed out.  I'm dealing well with sadness, anger, loss, happiness..when I encounter these emotions.. but STRESS.. I'm not finding new ways to deal with it.  I'm drinking.. over 8 beers a day since things started getting crazy.  Not expecting to lose weight this week.. but I need strategies for the future.  I still have no internet or phone, still am hating Comcast.. but will check any responses or help while I'm at work.   I'm moving now and just know the stress that will come this that.. I want to have a good week here soon.