Emotional Eating

k_renee24

Hey ya’ll. I’m not new to MFP but I am definitely new to posting here! I know this thread has been done a million and a half times but I could use some support right now.

I have a really close best friend and our relationship has been on the rocks lately. I’m not sure if we’re going to make it or if I’m going to end the friendship as it’s taking a huge toll on my mental health. I love my friend but there’s only so much you can take, ya know? Anyway. This emotional turmoil is driving me to the comfort of food and I’m trying so, so hard to resist. The last thing I need right now is to hate myself for eating McDonald’s out of their nuggets when I’ve been doing well at watching what I’m eating.

Any tips or suggestions on other things to do? I’ve been mostly lurking through these boards to distract myself from the food cravings and heartbreak my friend situation is causing.

Thanks in advance for any input!

cory17

Similiar situation to me, except it's my dh. Oh the drama & the guilting. So tired of the way it drags you/me down. I try to brush it off and stay balanced to keep from being sucked into the craziness, because that's what it is! Emotional vampires! Put yourself FIRST (what's healthy for you?), just like on the airplane.

estherdragonbat

Hi! I'm a stress/boredom/emotional eater. The biggie for me has been trying to be more mindful. I do my best to log in advance of eating. That might be 30 seconds before. Sort of a reality check. I want that ice cream sandwich? It's 160 calories. Am I okay with that? And sometimes, the answer is "Yes." Sometimes it's "You know something? I don't really want to blow those calories right now. Or maybe I'll have something else." But that last-second check helps.

It really helps at social gatherings. I'm an introvert; small talk isn't my forte and I learned early on that if I didn't have anyone to talk to, I was going to gravitate toward the food. If I log in advance what I anticipate eating, I avoid the whole guilt/self-hatred/eating more cycle, because all of a sudden, a treat isn't a cheat; it's a choice. No more emotional baggage.

The other thing I've done is up my physical activity. First of all, it takes up a chunk of my time, so I don't spend it eating. Second, it helps my moods, so less emotional turmoil.

Other than that, I don't keep a lot of hard-to-resist foods around, but you mention your emotional go-to is fast food. Maybe check the calories and allow yourself to indulge once a week or however often you can accommodate. Sometimes (and I think I'm repeating my first point), just knowing that you can have something gives you the willpower to choose not to.

Good luck!