Brand new member here. Woo-hoo! Have always maintained a healthy weight, until Covid/Quarantine/WFH. Although I have been back at work many months, I managed to gain 13+ pounds during that time, and am up a total of nearly 17 pounds from where I'd like to be altogether. I feel as though I have zero willpower. I have always had a giant sweet-tooth (never really interested in fried foods, fast food) and have been vegetarian (occasionally vegan) for over 20 years. I like to think I generally eat pretty well, but it's the snacking, stress eating, and portion control that have done me in. I also wolf down meals since I am always on the run - so never allow myself time to feel full.
SO, I am hoping to work towards losing this newly added weight, fitting back into my clothes, and just feeling better about myself. I feel like a bloated, tired, sloth. Thanks for listening :-)
Hi and welcome!
I can’t find the exact quote but your post reminded me about it. Something along the lines of a healthy weight is the weight you happen to be at when you are living a meaningful and fulfilling life. So rather than focusing on weight consider focusing on things you enjoy and decrease your stress. You may find you go back to your previous weight without trying, or you may not. It’s natural for people’s weight to change throughout their lifetime due to a number of factors including lifestyle and genetics rather than willpower. I think a lot of people gained weight during the pandemic for a number of reasons including stress and not doing as much physical movement since working from home and going out less. While it may be uncomfortable or new I think it’s important to remember that weight gain is not necessarily unhealthy, and weight loss is not necessarily healthy. Your body has been keeping you alive through a pandemic! That’s pretty amazing by itself. Typically when people restrict the amount of food they eat or cut out or avoid certain foods like sugar and dessert it tends to lead to overeating those same foods later. Your best bet is to let yourself eat what is satisfying to you. As someone recovering from an eating disorder I can relate to your feelings of wanting to get back to a lower weight. Maybe none of this is what you want to hear but it may be helpful to find new clothes that make you feel more comfortable. I know when I am wearing tight fitting clothes I think about my body and my weight constantly even when I am at a healthy weight it can be hard to me to see it. Better fitting clothes can make a big difference. Best of luck and hang in there!
@seamoonstars
THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time to write such a lovely and meaningful message! I appreciate every word you said, and take it to heart. I do need to work on decreasing stress. I noticed this morning that right after a stressful conversation at work, my very first thought was to pick up a snack size bag of M&Ms from the jar on a colleagues desk (but I didn’t - I ate a banana, instead). I am also planning on taking a 15-20 minute break during the workday (I usually eat lunch at my desk) and WALK outside. I have my sneakers under my desk ready to go and am going to set my phone alarm each day. Thank you, again, for your kindness 
@KTCATS Good for you for recognizing all of this hard stuff. I do not know if you agree with this or not but, I really feel sugar is an addictive substance. I have an extremely bad sweets issue. However, when I have gone sugar free it really has changed my life. I am trying to get back there again because I want to get out of being prediabetic to healthy again. Good luck to you for any healthy changes you make!!!
@Bogwoman
Thank you I totally agree that sugar is addictive. I am now realizing that it is my “go to” in times of stress, if I am tired or down, if I need some energy, if I’m bored, and so forth. For now, I am trying to give up (or severely cut back, at least) refined sugar. I am still eating fruits and other things that contain natural sugar, for now. Hoping to get some momentum going to make better choices, and fill those types of needs with a walk/fresh air, a cup of tea, having a few crackers or carrots or an apple instead.
Hey @KTCATS
I saw your post and honestly I was in the same boat a few weeks ago, but I think I can help. May I ask what are your immediate weight loss goals?
HI - apologies for the delay. I am hoping to lose about 15 pounds. Cutting refined sugar is a big goal, and I am about 10 days in with very limited sugar intake, extra exercise, and watching what triggers my snacking. It is tough! I'd be open to any suggestions :-) Thank you!