Emotional reaction to food

stitchfan626

I've been working with a counselor for about two years now, working on issues other than my weight but it's all interconnected (aren't we all?) and I've talked with her a little about my food issues, how I will wake up in the middle of the night and eat whatever I can find, or some of the other addictive tendencies I have with food. She was the one who suggested I might join something like Overeaters Anonymous or something which is why I'm so glad to have found this group on here!

I am back on the bandwagon trying to lose weight, although I've been over my 'suggested calorie intake' every single day - granted I haven't been *as* committed as I probably should be but we won't get into me 'shoulding' to death.

What I want to know is, does anyone else out there struggle with emotional reactions to their trigger foods? For example, I know I shouldn't buy that cinnamon roll or muffin or candy bar or whatever and I know when I do and when I eat it I'll be frustrated with myself and beat myself up about it. However, if I get that craving for one of my triggers, and I don't give into it, instead of feeling accomplished and stronger, I feel sad and deprived. It can effect me for considerable amounts of time even, like the rest of the day. Does anyone else experience this? What are some strategies you've tried to get past that? Thanks guys!

superj016

I haven't developed any strategies for this yet but if I don't give in to the trigger, I also don't have this bad of a reaction. Typically, it's just a voice that goes to the back of my head but will then get louder the next day until I eventually give in to it. Or, not having something will make me think about the trigger continuously until I have it. But it's more of a rush/need/urge than a feeling of sadness that's involved.

stitchfan626

Thanks for the reply =0) I'm thinking this is something I should maybe discuss with my therapist.......it seems like it may be more of an issue than just simply a trigger and binge.