Emotional Eaters and Food Addictions Area
txfyreflye
Posts: 91 Member
This area is for those of us who are emotional eaters and suffer with food addiction. If none of this applies, please stop here. Later I will share my story but I thought maybe some others would like to go first.
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Replies
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In complete honestly, I'm pretty sure we all are - to different extents!
I'm a PT, I'm also qualified in sports nutrition and guess what - I'f I'm feeling down or having a bad day, I still feel like hitting Dominos pizza with a vengeance of a thousand hungry Guinea Pigs!
I think it's about pulling yourself around when you get into that mind frame and finding foods that leave you feeling more satisfied!
All the best!7 -
I agree, food can become a little "too" comforting. I used a computer journal to write out my thoughts and what foods I went for when I was emotional. It helped a lot.
I have to just not buy some foods. I have a whole list of foods that will trigger a 1000+ calorie binge, so I don't buy them very often. Some people definitely have more trouble with certain foods, so identifying them was key for me.6 -
AdamAthletic wrote: »In complete honestly, I'm pretty sure we all are - to different extents!
I'm a PT, I'm also qualified in sports nutrition and guess what - I'f I'm feeling down or having a bad day, I still feel like hitting Dominos pizza with a vengeance of a thousand hungry Guinea Pigs!
I think it's about pulling yourself around when you get into that mind frame and finding foods that leave you feeling more satisfied!
All the best!
Thanks!
Have you been a PT long?
Food addictions are a little more difficult than a craving. Maybe you can help someone who is a food addict, if ever you come across one (not on here- I mean in the course of your training people). Here's some info:
http://www.foodaddictsanonymous.org/are-you-food-addict
For those who think they could be a food addict:
https://authoritynutrition.com/8-symptoms-of-food-addiction/
A simple run down of symptoms.
#7 on that list has been a problem for me. I would hide food in my closet or wherever and go sneak the food.
http://www.doctoroz.com/quiz/quiz-are-you-food-addict2 -
I did that too but I wasn't a food addict. I was an anorexic (binge/purge subtype). Yup even anorexics binge and purge and I mean massively binge.2
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Although I understand generally where you're coming from with what you're saying -txfyreflye wrote: »AdamAthletic wrote: »In complete honestly, I'm pretty sure we all are - to different extents!
I'm a PT, I'm also qualified in sports nutrition and guess what - I'f I'm feeling down or having a bad day, I still feel like hitting Dominos pizza with a vengeance of a thousand hungry Guinea Pigs!
I think it's about pulling yourself around when you get into that mind frame and finding foods that leave you feeling more satisfied!
All the best!
Thanks!
Have you been a PT long?
Food addictions are a little more difficult than a craving. Maybe you can help someone who is a food addict, if ever you come across one (not on here- I mean in the course of your training people). Here's some info:
http://www.foodaddictsanonymous.org/are-you-food-addict
For those who think they could be a food addict:
https://authoritynutrition.com/8-symptoms-of-food-addiction/
A simple run down of symptoms.
#7 on that list has been a problem for me. I would hide food in my closet or wherever and go sneak the food.
http://www.doctoroz.com/quiz/quiz-are-you-food-addict
There isn't actually very much difference between food addiction and food craving, the only difference being the extent and self control.
When you consume something you enjoy, it releases certain hormones within your system - these hormones are no different between the people that are addicted than they are the people that simply crave something.
The difference being that some people take the release as a way to combat stress.
As a PT I'm more of a rigorous PT, I generally work with people that are trying to get into the armed forces or the police/fire brigade, etc
Nutrition is a difficult subject because 'addiction' is subjective.
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I know I am a food addict and it has been a life long thing. Just accepting that has helped me feel better and less uptight about the whole food/ weight issue. I also have discovered (like the poster said above) that there are certain foods to not have in my house because I can't always control my portions with them.
I'm trying to be kinder to myself when I don't always stick to a healthy diet and just try to do better the next day.
Good luck to everyone else who is struggling with this issue.4 -
elaineously wrote: »I know I am a food addict and it has been a life long thing. Just accepting that has helped me feel better and less uptight about the whole food/ weight issue. I also have discovered (like the poster said above) that there are certain foods to not have in my house because I can't always control my portions with them.
I'm trying to be kinder to myself when I don't always stick to a healthy diet and just try to do better the next day.
Good luck to everyone else who is struggling with this issue.
Thanks so much for your input.
I still beat myself up over things. I am also an emotional eater. When I get upset, instead of a good cry, I grab comfort food (today's was pizza). But on the up side, it was only 2 slices instead of four. So that was encouraging.
Do you find yourself getting others to go get things for you? And are they all too willing to do it?0 -
All the best to you!elaineously wrote: »I know I am a food addict and it has been a life long thing. Just accepting that has helped me feel better and less uptight about the whole food/ weight issue. I also have discovered (like the poster said above) that there are certain foods to not have in my house because I can't always control my portions with them.
I'm trying to be kinder to myself when I don't always stick to a healthy diet and just try to do better the next day.
Good luck to everyone else who is struggling with this issue.
The most important thing is being kind to yourself, it's important to be healthy both physically and mentally!
You got this!!!
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AdamAthletic wrote: »
Although I understand generally where you're coming from with what you're saying -txfyreflye wrote: »AdamAthletic wrote: »In complete honestly, I'm pretty sure we all are - to different extents!
I'm a PT, I'm also qualified in sports nutrition and guess what - I'f I'm feeling down or having a bad day, I still feel like hitting Dominos pizza with a vengeance of a thousand hungry Guinea Pigs!
I think it's about pulling yourself around when you get into that mind frame and finding foods that leave you feeling more satisfied!
All the best!
Thanks!
Have you been a PT long?
Food addictions are a little more difficult than a craving. Maybe you can help someone who is a food addict, if ever you come across one (not on here- I mean in the course of your training people). Here's some info:
http://www.foodaddictsanonymous.org/are-you-food-addict
For those who think they could be a food addict:
https://authoritynutrition.com/8-symptoms-of-food-addiction/
A simple run down of symptoms.
#7 on that list has been a problem for me. I would hide food in my closet or wherever and go sneak the food.
http://www.doctoroz.com/quiz/quiz-are-you-food-addict
There isn't actually very much difference between food addiction and food craving, the only difference being the extent and self control.
When you consume something you enjoy, it releases certain hormones within your system - these hormones are no different between the people that are addicted than they are the people that simply crave something.
The difference being that some people take the release as a way to combat stress.
As a PT I'm more of a rigorous PT, I generally work with people that are trying to get into the armed forces or the police/fire brigade, etc
Nutrition is a difficult subject because 'addiction' is subjective.
First, let me thank you for your service. Many people don't realize that there's someone who trains our police and military etc. You're doing a remarkable service to our communities and country.
I see what you're saying, yes. I actually get shakes and sweats (anxiety) when i can't have what I crave. I thought, for a long time, that there was something truly wrong in my noggin. Until I met up with a really good doctor who explained how, like any other addiction, food addiction is emotional,mental and physical. Once we got the diabetes out of the way, things simmered down but not totally gone.
So, whats your advice for people who come under a lot of life stress if they can't eat and aren't in good enough shape to do a hard core work out?0 -
txfyreflye wrote: »AdamAthletic wrote: »
Although I understand generally where you're coming from with what you're saying -txfyreflye wrote: »AdamAthletic wrote: »In complete honestly, I'm pretty sure we all are - to different extents!
I'm a PT, I'm also qualified in sports nutrition and guess what - I'f I'm feeling down or having a bad day, I still feel like hitting Dominos pizza with a vengeance of a thousand hungry Guinea Pigs!
I think it's about pulling yourself around when you get into that mind frame and finding foods that leave you feeling more satisfied!
All the best!
Thanks!
Have you been a PT long?
Food addictions are a little more difficult than a craving. Maybe you can help someone who is a food addict, if ever you come across one (not on here- I mean in the course of your training people). Here's some info:
http://www.foodaddictsanonymous.org/are-you-food-addict
For those who think they could be a food addict:
https://authoritynutrition.com/8-symptoms-of-food-addiction/
A simple run down of symptoms.
#7 on that list has been a problem for me. I would hide food in my closet or wherever and go sneak the food.
http://www.doctoroz.com/quiz/quiz-are-you-food-addict
There isn't actually very much difference between food addiction and food craving, the only difference being the extent and self control.
When you consume something you enjoy, it releases certain hormones within your system - these hormones are no different between the people that are addicted than they are the people that simply crave something.
The difference being that some people take the release as a way to combat stress.
As a PT I'm more of a rigorous PT, I generally work with people that are trying to get into the armed forces or the police/fire brigade, etc
Nutrition is a difficult subject because 'addiction' is subjective.
First, let me thank you for your service. Many people don't realize that there's someone who trains our police and military etc. You're doing a remarkable service to our communities and country.
I see what you're saying, yes. I actually get shakes and sweats (anxiety) when i can't have what I crave. I thought, for a long time, that there was something truly wrong in my noggin. Until I met up with a really good doctor who explained how, like any other addiction, food addiction is emotional,mental and physical. Once we got the diabetes out of the way, things simmered down but not totally gone.
So, whats your advice for people who come under a lot of life stress if they can't eat and aren't in good enough shape to do a hard core work out?
If I could have any other job in the world, I still wouldn't change it. It's something I love and it great knowing that something good comes of it!
What you're saying isn't wrong, your doctor is obviously not 'wrong' but addiction comes in many forms.
You're not addicted to the 'food', simply the feeling after the release of said hormone.
I'm not by any stretch of the imagination claiming its any 'easier' because of that, I'm simply stating that because of the nature of the 'addiction' - it can be shifted to another direction (exercise, etc).
As for vigorous workouts, a vigorous workout isn't set in stone. It's whatever is achievable and manageable safely to you.
That could easily be lite exercise, taking in views places - when you get a craving, it's changing habits.
I'd also suggest being sure to maintain hydration, a lack of adequate hydration can bring on 'cravings'.
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Thank you so much! Yes, he did mention the release of a particular hormone that, when one gets the food they desire, is released and makes you feel better. I drink a lot of water. I have a 32 ounce chill mug that goes just about everywhere with me.
Trying to figure out what I could do that would fill in those spots. I spend a lot of time at the computer because I monitor an online safety watch as a volunteer. It's not much but at least it keeps people from hurting others.
I've thought about yoga. What do you think? Does it help with toning like they say?0 -
Okay just trying this out:
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txfyreflye wrote: »Thank you so much! Yes, he did mention the release of a particular hormone that, when one gets the food they desire, is released and makes you feel better. I drink a lot of water. I have a 32 ounce chill mug that goes just about everywhere with me.
Trying to figure out what I could do that would fill in those spots. I spend a lot of time at the computer because I monitor an online safety watch as a volunteer. It's not much but at least it keeps people from hurting others.
I've thought about yoga. What do you think? Does it help with toning like they say?
There's nothing wrong with Yoga and some people get a great release from it!
Definitely worth giving a try!
Anything that works different muscular areas of your body can increase tone - yoga works pretty much every different area, if done correctly and instructed by someone that's experienced!
Feel free to drop me a friends request, I'm always more than happy to offer advice where I can!1 -
Thank you so much! I'm not sure how to do the friends request thing. But I'll find out and add you in.!0
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txfyreflye wrote: »Thank you so much! I'm not sure how to do the friends request thing. But I'll find out and add you in.!
I've sent you a request
Click to your MFP dashboard and you should see one new friends request pop up! 0 -
okee dokee! lol I just sent you one too!
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I believe I have issues with food. I've been overweight since around third grade and I'm 35 now. Been on every diet. Lose some weight, gain it back. Get into the all or nothing thinking. Sweets are a big problem for me. My mouth will water around it and I will try to say no but often give in and then eat much more than I should or intended. I think there must be some underlying issue that I'm not dealing with, so I just stuff down the feelings with food. I seriously feel more calm and almost high when I pig out on sweets, but then its followed by self loathing, guilt and shame....and how do I get rid of those feelings? Eat some more! Definitely the definition of addiction! I want to be sexy and healthy and happy, but I keep going through this vicious cycle. I want to exit this cycle of addiction permanently.2
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How do i become a member of this particular group and follow discussions.2
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Volkswagon_girl1960 wrote: »How do i become a member of this particular group and follow discussions.
I think you just participate on the forum here. Welcome! 0 -
Crystal_Can wrote: »I believe I have issues with food. I've been overweight since around third grade and I'm 35 now. Been on every diet. Lose some weight, gain it back. Get into the all or nothing thinking. Sweets are a big problem for me. My mouth will water around it and I will try to say no but often give in and then eat much more than I should or intended. I think there must be some underlying issue that I'm not dealing with, so I just stuff down the feelings with food. I seriously feel more calm and almost high when I pig out on sweets, but then its followed by self loathing, guilt and shame....and how do I get rid of those feelings? Eat some more! Definitely the definition of addiction! I want to be sexy and healthy and happy, but I keep going through this vicious cycle. I want to exit this cycle of addiction permanently.
Hi Crystal.
First, let me say that I am very proud to know you already. You're open and honest about something that is pretty much hidden in our society.
I am not an eating disorders expert. But I have lived, and still struggle with, the exact same thing you're describing.
A gentleman mentioned a hormone. I couldn't recall the name at the time, but it's called Ghrelin but in all honesty, from all I've read, the jury is still out on this issue. One thing we do know- insulin plays a major role in weight loss, especially for those who are undiagnosed diabetics or who are insulin reliant (type 2) diabetic. Has your doctor mentioned either of those?
My obesity began when I went into puberty. At least in terms of physiological. The psychological was far different. I had been systemically abused off and on for years. If the abuse wasn't sexual, it was physical and emotional. I believe (though I cannot prove) that this had a lot to do with the desire for food. My only really good childhood memories circulate around food. Food was my closest friend. As a young child I could run it off. Teen years hit, hormones went bonkers, and wham! Big girl bouncing!
And the abuse stopped.
That may be more than some think I should put out there, but I think it played a role.
The cycle I well understand. All I can say is try to applaud yourself (and see it from others) when you do overcome the eating cycle. Yesterday I was so depressed and deflated from events that I actually ate pepperoni pizza and some bacon/cheese bites. A few years ago it would've been the whole pizza- or at least half- and all of the bites. Yesterday it was 2 slices and 1/3 of the bites.
*pat on back*
Keep pluggin, gal! You're in my prayers!2 -
Thank you. I feel very alone sometimes in this. Support, even from people online, can be very helpful. I'm usually a private, closed off person to people in general. I don't know that I've quite put my finger on the source, or childhood traumatic experience that led me to these behaviors, but there were definitely problems in the household I grew up in that contributed to this. Dad mistreated mom. Them putting on a front in public, and something quite scary in private. Emotionally unavailable parents. I have a hunch I may have been sexually abused at some point, but have repressed any specific memories. I happened to be the only one, of my family, with a weight problem. Have always felt flawed or weak because of it.
Thanks again for opening up this topic.
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For anyone interested in this topic, there's a reasonably active emotional eaters group here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1012-emotional-eating
I consider myself an emotional/stress eater, although I am working on it, and definitely have a tendency to use eating behaviors to self-comfort (not good with emotional discomfort and it's one of many avoidant behaviors I fall back on too easily still). Don't consider that to be the same thing as a food addiction -- I don't think food addiction is a thing* except in that we ALL need it to live, of course, and would have major side effects, like death, without it, but I do think eating addiction is. I don't have that either, though, despite my various eating-related issues, as I see it as more extreme, like what some morbidly obese people struggle with, where eating and certain foods become priority one.
*I don't care if others do, though, or have any interest in arguing. Whatever works. Just saying how I feel about it. I do think some websites or gurus with hand out sometimes are too quick to try to convince people that normal human behaviors like having some trouble moderating tasty food=major problem/addiction/something wrong with you.3 -
I had to very suddenly and unexpectedly have one of my dogs put to sleep last week. I am an emotional eater and I ate junk food when I wasn't even hungry. All I wanted was to feel better and stop the hurt. it didn't work. Thanks for this post and the link to the group above. WHen things get tough I turn to bad food and I want to stop.
Last night I had an average gym session ( thai boxing sparring ) and so I ate a Chinese takeaway cos I was on a downer. UGH2 -
I am an emotional eater. I blindly eat when I'm bored or sad; but, hardly ever over eat when I'm angry or happy.
I've been overweight since puberty, before then I was a skinny tomboy. I can't remember a time that I was under 240 until now. I started the year at 246 and last Monday I weighed in at 226, so yay 20 lbs down.
Any way looking for friends trying to lose weight and get healthy. Any body feel free to add me4 -
Crystal_Can wrote: »Thank you. I feel very alone sometimes in this. Support, even from people online, can be very helpful. I'm usually a private, closed off person to people in general. I don't know that I've quite put my finger on the source, or childhood traumatic experience that led me to these behaviors, but there were definitely problems in the household I grew up in that contributed to this. Dad mistreated mom. Them putting on a front in public, and something quite scary in private. Emotionally unavailable parents. I have a hunch I may have been sexually abused at some point, but have repressed any specific memories. I happened to be the only one, of my family, with a weight problem. Have always felt flawed or weak because of it.
Thanks again for opening up this topic.
You're welcome Crystal.
You may or may not get completely to the root of it all. But knowing theres a problem and determining how to deal with it and overcome it is the start of a new life.
Being private and closed off obviously hasn't worked for you, either. It hasn't worked for me, I know. Some people- they're okay with keeping it all private. God bless 'em! They're lucky. Nobody knows when/if they mess up or slip. Us? If we hide it, we're doomed!
But not any more! We all have one another! And believe me, you're a welcome person in my life on here!
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lemurcat12 wrote: »For anyone interested in this topic, there's a reasonably active emotional eaters group here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1012-emotional-eating
I consider myself an emotional/stress eater, although I am working on it, and definitely have a tendency to use eating behaviors to self-comfort (not good with emotional discomfort and it's one of many avoidant behaviors I fall back on too easily still). Don't consider that to be the same thing as a food addiction -- I don't think food addiction is a thing* except in that we ALL need it to live, of course, and would have major side effects, like death, without it, but I do think eating addiction is. I don't have that either, though, despite my various eating-related issues, as I see it as more extreme, like what some morbidly obese people struggle with, where eating and certain foods become priority one.
*I don't care if others do, though, or have any interest in arguing. Whatever works. Just saying how I feel about it. I do think some websites or gurus with hand out sometimes are too quick to try to convince people that normal human behaviors like having some trouble moderating tasty food=major problem/addiction/something wrong with you.
Nobody can argue with your viewpoint really because there's many ways to see it.
One thing I find interesting is what you said about needing food to live. Absolutely! We do! Wish we could just walk around with "nutrition lines" attached to us but it doesn't work that way.
That's probably the rub. With cigarettes or drugs or booze, you don't need the thing to stay alive. With food you do.
And you can't make food an "enemy" and just go cold turkey. So you're stuck trying to figure out how to make food work for you instead of the other way around.
You mentioned comfort food or food to comfort. I decided the term "comfort food" was an insidious way of getting into our psyches. Words have power. And who doesn't want/need comfort every so often? Besides, it almost seems like everything that isn't a "comfort" food is, by default, a discomfort food. Not a very good message.
I'm trying to get free from that bugaboo myself. What techniques do you use?1 -
I know what you mean. After one of my furbabies had to be put down, I felt like part of me was gone and, like you, went into depression. I was already massively upset about an injury. This was just icing on the cake.IzzyBooNZ1 wrote: »I had to very suddenly and unexpectedly have one of my dogs put to sleep last week. I am an emotional eater and I ate junk food when I wasn't even hungry. All I wanted was to feel better and stop the hurt. it didn't work. Thanks for this post and the link to the group above. WHen things get tough I turn to bad food and I want to stop.
Last night I had an average gym session ( thai boxing sparring ) and so I ate a Chinese takeaway cos I was on a downer. UGH
Izzy I bet there's people on here who can tell you some of their tips and tricks. So far, I am still discovering potential ones, so I cannot actually offer any insight. But hey, you're making a great start!0 -
I am an emotional eater. I blindly eat when I'm bored or sad; but, hardly ever over eat when I'm angry or happy.
I've been overweight since puberty, before then I was a skinny tomboy. I can't remember a time that I was under 240 until now. I started the year at 246 and last Monday I weighed in at 226, so yay 20 lbs down.
Any way looking for friends trying to lose weight and get healthy. Any body feel free to add me
Hey thats awesome! Give yourself a huge hurrah!!!
And it seems theres a number of us with the same thing a-goin. As well as people willing to offer support! 0 -
I spent many years " eating my feelings." But it stopped working so went into counseling which I strongly reccomend.EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy helped identify and treat the anxiety that caused my over eating. Currently reading a book called change anything. It points out that " will power" is not an inherent trait but rather a set of skills that can be learned.1
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I spent many years " eating my feelings." But it stopped working so went into counseling which I strongly reccomend.EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy helped identify and treat the anxiety that caused my over eating. Currently reading a book called change anything. It points out that " will power" is not an inherent trait but rather a set of skills that can be learned.
As you read and learn, if you come across any insights from the book that you think could be helpful, feel free to share them!
Will power is something developed, I think. Some people have been so broken down in life that they never learned the skill as a constant in their lives. It seems to me that one thing people who have a problem with food limits have in common with people who are addicted to cigarettes, etc., is that they "enjoy" the item. Be it because of taste, or because of emotional need, the food, like the cigarette or whatever, offers a temporary satisfaction.
Adam is absolutely correct in saying we need to replace this with something else. I think the key is what you replace it with that gives one the same satiating sensation but without the guilt and, obviously, weight gain.
My husband smoked for 40 years. He quit "cold turkey" (without any patches or pills) but he did replace the hand motion with cut up plastic straws that were the same size as cigarettes. Ingenious! And he became a gum chewer.
He was able to pinpoint the hand motion, oral touch and of course, the need for something in his mouth (like sucking in smoke I guess) and replace them with make-shift replacements.
Anyone on here have any idea what the break down is with food and what to replace those elements with? I'm totally flummoxed on that one!0
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