W2W's Journal, 02 February 2023

I’m so sorry that you are feeling so stressed and that this is such a difficult hurdle. What type of comfort foods are your usual go to? Are there ways to maybe convert them into similar but healthier versions? 

My favorite comfort foods are Chili Dogs Potato chips Greasy subs Fried Chicken Salty sweet combinations like caramel corn Stuff like that.  

I can see those feeling like they’re difficult to replace! Maybe instead of hotdogs you could use a vegan hotdog recipe/product (my mom uses carrot dogs lol, she said it took awhile to get used to and it’s not the same but it does satisfy the craving) or even Turkey or chicken sausages instead of real hot dogs and then a low sodium, less heavy version of the chili? Chips are so so hard but I’ve managed to replace most of ours with either baked ones from the store or homemade ones with as little salt as possible. My partner also has incredibly high blood pressure that is a constant worry of ours so I’ve turned to Pinterest to try and convert all his favorites into healthier versions using different types of oils/lower salts/different ingredient choices to try and keep the joy of eating while maintaining a healthier lifestyle. You have gone through something so hard and even though it feels so overwhelming I’m proud of you for being here and showing up and doing the work! 

Move your body today more than yesterday. Walking is a really good way to improve your mood as well as lowering BP. Step on those cravings. 

So sorry this is so difficult for you. I try to distract myself with things that keep my hands busy like jigsaw puzzles and adult coloring books. Helps me forget about food. Good luck on your journey to better health. 

I find that I really crave salty foods like chips. Instead I got radishes and celery and put fresh ground salt on those. It helps. Also parm cheese sprinkled on cooked veggies 

Hey I can’t believe you’ve lost as much as you have. I am at your starting weight and am so impressed by what you’ve achieved! I can imagine you’re feeling down since you got your news, and have been sick. But remember what you’ve done and keep your head up! 

So hard! I don't know your medical situation but maybe you can still have your comfort foods modified with healthier options? When I'm having cravings, soup helps a lot as it's in the comfort food category to me. Or i have cottage cheese with 13 blue chips. Or apples with a small amount of peanut butter. Lots of companies are making sugar free chocolates. Hopefully you can find a comfort food that will satisfy those cravings enough and be within your plan. 

Thanks to all of you for the support. It really does help.