This is a bigger problem than I'd like to admit

K9008

I never realized how much i use food as a way to deal with stress until recently. I work night shift 4 days on/4 days off. Tonight is night 4 for this week of working. My fiancee works days. All i can think about now is how i want to go get all kinds of food i know i shouldn't have and do one last binge before i try to lose weight again.

I feel pathetic at the same time because i know I'm unhappy with the way i look and that using food as a way of "dealing" with my problems has only made things worse. I have been on track with eating for the past two days. I've stayed under my calorie goal and never really felt hungry. I have my meals planned out for today but i still have this desire to binge.

I've never admitted this was a issue for me so i guess i just needed to say it somewhere.

Comms0p

Hi K9008, I understand what you are saying as I had the same issue time and time again. I also do shift work and the nights are hard to get through for sure. I started to really focus on my mental strength - my will power was pretty weak (I used past tense as I am feeling more confident about controlling my cravings) and people would bring treats and leave them behind and I would nibble away. Of course the worst time would be during the holidays and doo doo doo doo, 'shark week'!
My oldest daughter even noticed that I eat when I get stressed - youngest will ask me "you cranky? Do you need coffee" lol. So, I am trying to be careful what I say and express when my girls are around - setting a positive example (trying, really trying "sigh")

It sounds like you are doing good so far keeping track and feeling satiated. Keep it up! Its a big step to express your thoughts, but it does help to release those feelings out in the open. As they say, one-day-at-a-time and don't beat yourself up for 'rewards'/cheat meals.

You Can Do this!

lesdarts180

Hi, well done for admitting your problems, that is a good step. MFP is a safe place to talk - you will find plenty of people who can relate and offer support. I have never worked nights myself but I know it can play havoc with your health and well being.
Today allow yourself some treats - but log them all in your diary. Take one day at a time as @Comms0p says above. Then after a week or two when you have time look back and review your diary and think of your calories in terms of a weekly total or a running average - you can use the reports function on your laptop or the "nutrition" button on the phone app. You may be surprised at how well you managed. Many people (me included) find it very helpful to "bank" calories for a few days to accommodate a day or two of above average eating. You can plan in advance then for those difficult days, or high days and holidays.
Good luck - you can do it.

elisa123gal

In the end.. food fuels your body and determines greatly your health and well being.

If you eat crap; you feel and look like crap. If you eat healthy food. You start feeling and looking great. It is that simple. What you eat determines your day more than anything really. Even drinking more water and being hydrated makes a huge difference.

Start to intellectualize food. remove food from your emotions. All you can do is work at it.. and here you are working at it. What a great first step.

laceygaywilson

Got the first step out of the way that's the hardest!!! I remember when I finally said it out loud what a relief!!! Emotional food addiction is hard to stop!! Food is fuel so we must have it!!! It's harder to change food habit than any other habit!! IT CAN BE DONE!! I am proof!!! I've been on this weightloss journey 3 times this one being the hardest mentally!! Eat when you are hungry stop when you are full and add emotional notes about each meal. How did you feel while you ate and after and why you ate!! Then when you are not busy....stay busy!! Color!! Do puzzles!! Keep your hands and mind active!!! The struggle is real and it can be won!!!

rosiorama

All those foods you want to binge on? You can still have them while losing weight - just less of them. You don’t have to say goodbye to them, you just have to fit them in at a reasonable amount.

You aren’t alone with this struggle, and you aren’t pathetic.

I love my cakes and burgers and potato chips, but I no longer eat them in the same quantities as I used to. It’s taken a while to get to the point where I am now. You can do this. The forums here are a good place to read about other peoples’ struggles and get advice.

quiksylver296

Shift work is hard. Being tired makes me eat to try to create some energy.

Find another way to deal with the stress. For me, it was lifting heavy things at the gym. Find a thing that works for you. It can be anything. Go for a walk, take a bubble bath, get some coloring books, journal, etc, etc.

kbmnurse1

Try talking to a mental health professional.