Need some extra support. Feeling vulnerable.

overeatingperfectionist

Hi, All:
Does anyone have any tips for getting through the times when you're discouraged? I'm such an emotional eater that when I'm feeling down, like right now, I want to eat whatever to feel better. I've been over calories all weekend because we were camping and I indulged in some s'mores. I'm back to work this morning and I have a particularly stressful week coming up and one of the people I work with was cold to me this morning. I am in a very vulnerable position to emotionally eat. I need some support. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance

juliegilburd

Sorry you're going through this. It's something I struggle with too - opting to eat when it's not necessary, usually because of stress. I recommend a combination of the following:
1. Find a few teas in various flavors you enjoy. Sometimes the flavor is enough to satisfy the urge to eat.
2. Take a brisk walk on your break(s), if you can.
3. Google "cute (favorite animal) videos" and watch a few short ones... distractions can be wonderful! And if they make you laugh, all the better at kicking your doubts to the curb!
4. Deep breaths and/or find a calming mantra to repeat to yourself. "This stress will pass", etc.
5. Make room in your calorie allotment for treats and savor every bite of them so that you truly enjoy them.

Hang in there!!

dubird

When I'm discouraged, I find something else to focus on. That got me to mostly break habit snacking and stress eating. If stress eating is how you relive stress, look into other ideas. For some, meditation works. For me, first person shooter video games work. If nothing else, look into a hobby that requires your hands. Arts, sewing, writing, anything that requires hands. When you're feeling stressed, consciously do that first. If you're focusing on that, you can switch that habit to the hobby instead of eating. Hard to do when working, I agree, but juliegilburd's suggestion of cute animal videos works for me. I have many youtube channels on my favorites that provide short videos of stress relief!

Trish1c

Get a mantra that you can say to yourself like I am a good person or a competent person. Whatever you need to hear.

Learn to do affirmations. Work out a system where you can call somebody for a little extra TLC or get somebody to text you nice things every day.

tulips_and_tea

Be firm and consistent, and every time you start to feel like this say, "Food will not solve my problems." You may temporarily feel better, but then after that will feel worse. You know the cycle. Remind yourself of it and then switch your focus to either solving the problem you're facing (if that's an option at the moment) or take a short walk, take several slow deep breaths, take a moment to find something funny (as already mentioned) or whatever it takes to shift your focus.

It just takes practice, but you can do it!

azulvioleta6

It sounds like some counseling might be a good idea for you.

overeatingperfectionist

Thanks for the great feedback. With your encouragement I was able to pass by the binge and redirect to something different. One day at a time. I appreciate your recommendations