Until I learned to recognize that overweight person in the mirror, I’d never given much thought to hunger and the fact there are different “kinds” of hunger.

Being able to recognize the differences between real and emotional hunger is a key step in learning to eat healthy.

As a whole, in society, we learn to eat when we are happy. We eat when we are bored and sometimes, we don’t realize we are eating at all – we just munch! This kind of eating is known as emotional eating and can create extra pounds your body doesn’t need.

Here is how to tell if your body really needs that food or if it’s tied to an emotional response:

REAL HUNGER

Grows gradually, you will eat anything, you can wait, you stop when you feel full, you feel good after eating, you feel energized

EMOTIONAL HUNGER

Hits suddenly, you crave a specific food, needs to be satisfied instantly, no amount of food fills you, you feel guilty after eating, you feel heavier

With a little attention, I plan to lose weight gradually by learning the right way to eat. By not caving in to the cravings and learning to substitute foods properly to achieve healthy, but satisfying results.

Some of the biggest battles I anticipate will be that half teaspoon of sugar that will be missing from my coffee now. That handful of potato chips and breads. I LOVE breads – all kinds. Especially my two pieces of toast that normally kick off my day – now replaced with a rightful serving of whole grain Cheerios.

What are some of the recognizable emotional attachments you have to foods?

On my journey to getting chunky, I discovered that I was suffering from exhaustion. When I began taking notice of my daily activity trying to pinpoint what I was doing that was contributing to my being so tired – I realized I was not getting the proper amount of sleep.

I’d toss and turn at night as thoughts raced through my mind. I’d even find myself making grocery lists in my head while laying awake staring at the pitch black ceiling.

The way I remedied these nagging thoughts and constant list making was to place a notepad next to my bed. Once I could put my thoughts and lists on paper, I was able to fall asleep free of those nagging thoughts.

This simple act ensures I won’t forget anything important so I can get right to the relaxing part of my day.

Just when I think I’m getting my head on straight, that life is finally leveling out after a year of emotional setback after setback – I take a stand, claim success and BAM! Another emotional hit!

Today I did SO well. I went to the store and bought my “healthy” and “crunchy” snacks for those times when I feel the need to munch. I kept my spirits high. That was until Gus and I returned from taking a drive so we could enjoy the first sunny, warmer day we’ve had this year. When we pulled in the drive, we saw my kids vehicle pulled in my bay of the garage. I knew then, this wasn’t going to be good.

It wasn’t – it looks like there’s something wrong in the fuel area and it sounds like it could be pricey. ARG!

Flashback – for several years, it’s been me and my kids. I’m a single mom and most of the time, I’m a strong one. Their dad isn’t in the picture much at all, which is just fine by me really. I’ve worked hard to provide for them – but now they are teenagers and it costs SO much more to provide for them. And, right at a year ago, I lost my full-time job.

With clothing, car insurance, orthodontist bills, eye care, asthma care and O My Gosh – the grocery bill – it gets overly stressful at times, just wondering how I’m going to keep going. It’s easy to fall into the stressed out mode of comfort eating and stress snacking.

It’s days like today I want to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa, a half a pack of cookies, a warm blanket and Lifetime Movie Network. To somehow get lost in a dream world until my problems disappear.

Tonight I struggle. I’m not giving into the cocoa and cookies urge – instead, I’m having a small glass of wine and then I’ll grab my 32 ounce water from the fridge with a couple of celery spears and peanut butter.

That’s sort of comfort food, right?

When you struggle with a downer day, what’s the drink and food combo you reach for?

Short version: Hi, my name is Gayla. I quit smoking 6 years ago. I was in a horrific relationship. I got depressed. I gained weight without knowing it. I’ve lost most of that since I saw the fat chick in our family photos and realized that was me! I reached a plateau and can’t seem to lose the remaining 25 I want to shed – so this is my placing myself in front of the world – for accountability, strength, encouragement and tracking.

I divorced over a year ago. Found an inner peace – got a great boyfriend and now, I really want to become the woman I used to be – when I was living life in skinny jeans.

You’ll also be hearing from my mother, Jody. About a year ago, my mom had back surgery. She’s reached a point that she doesn’t so much recognize the woman in the mirror either. I’ve talked her into sharing her personal journey with us too – here on Slim Fit Mama.

Slim Fit Mama is all about our journey – and a few other tidbits that have to do with weight loss and fitness we happen upon and find interesting.

Feel free to share your opinions, share in discussions and provide us with tips, stories and anything you find helpful in this oh-so-unhealthy world.