**Distraction**

LilchookNZ

Here we can post ideas and what works for us when what we really need is distraction from the binge-reflex or something to get us out of the fridge/pantry/kitchen/house and AWAY FROM FOOD.

Can't wait to get some ideas!

LilchookNZ

A couple to start with:

At night - brush teeth and go to bed (on the assumption that the bedroom is a safe-ish, snack hoard free zone).

Log on to MFP! I can spend a couple of hours trawling through blogs and posts here which also helps with motivation. Could also pre-log any potential binges which I have done occasionally and that has made me realise that actually its not worth it to go overboard and I could fit what I was thinking about eating into my day in a smaller amount.

Chewing gum - I have to do this if I am baking, which I haven't been able to do safely for a while. I have a scarily automatic mixture to mouth reflex going on constantly.

Gardening - sounds a little odd perhaps but anything like planting, weeding, watering etc takes up more time than you realise. Plus nature is good for the soul. Actually same goes for cleaning.

musetle

-I like engrossing myself in a book for an hour or two, usually until I find the urge has passed
-I also like to do maybe a 20 minute or more yoga video from yogajournal.com, which relaxes me and makes me think clearly
-Having a shower! I dunno, something about cleaning myself up pushes me away from the discomfort I know I'd feel if I binged.

waffletops

A couple to start with:

At night - brush teeth and go to bed (on the assumption that the bedroom is a safe-ish, snack hoard free zone).

Log on to MFP! I can spend a couple of hours trawling through blogs and posts here which also helps with motivation. Could also pre-log any potential binges which I have done occasionally and that has made me realise that actually its not worth it to go overboard and I could fit what I was thinking about eating into my day in a smaller amount.

Chewing gum - I have to do this if I am baking, which I haven't been able to do safely for a while. I have a scarily automatic mixture to mouth reflex going on constantly.

I do all of these as well, although sometimes I end up going to bed at 7.30pm some nights just so I don't indulge.

I browse the internet looking for holidays, or nice clothes that I want to fit into.

cleaning is a good one to distract your mind away from food.

LilchookNZ

-I like engrossing myself in a book for an hour or two, usually until I find the urge has passed
-I also like to do maybe a 20 minute or more yoga video from yogajournal.com, which relaxes me and makes me think clearly
-Having a shower! I dunno, something about cleaning myself up pushes me away from the discomfort I know I'd feel if I binged.

Shower is a good one! I get that unclean feeling too, and it can take you away from the kitchen for a good amount of time when you add moisturising etc into the mix.

Exercise is a BIG one for me - I hardly feel like eating just after exercising let alone binging, so having enough will power to just put my shoes on and get out for a walk or something makes a huge difference.

LilchookNZ

I do all of these as well, although sometimes I end up going to bed at 7.30pm some nights just so I don't indulge.

I browse the internet looking for holidays, or nice clothes that I want to fit into.

cleaning is a good one to distract your mind away from food.

Yay sleep - you must have a lovely fresh look!

Holiday browsings a great idea, and clothes. I go through and try on old clothes that are too small (or, admittedly new clothes I bought knowing they are too small - BAD habit I know) - although I have to pick my moment with this as this can also make me feel like binging if I'm unhappy with the result.

One other thing I do which I have heard from lots of others is to down a bottle of water before going to the kitchen.

MissySpring

Wonderful suggestions!

I drink a glass of water nearly every time I go into the kitchen. I keep a huge glass right next to the sink.

I troll through the success stories on MFP...it keeps me motivated.

willi220

I posted on the "Triggers" thread - Mine is boredom. I get bored and just want to eat. Then feel guilty and eat more.

My most recent distraction is getting all things done and off my list when I get home from work, instead of eating.

For example, I know when I get home I need to make dinner, finish laundry, take my dogs on a walk, clean up the kitchen, shower and pack my lunch.

I try and focus on these things and accomplishing them, which usually means I am busy until around 8-9 pm. If I do this, and recognize that it is late and I need to shower and go to bed (I am trying to avoid eating late past 7 pm as well), I will just keep busy with these tasks until it is time to sleep.

If I really am hungry and need a distraction from snacking on unhealthy foods, I am trying to snack on things like grapes, sweet peppers, and popcorn are some good, healthy distraction foods.

willi220

Also - I used a picture of my "dream bod" as the wall paper on my phone to keep me distracted from snacking. Or focused, however you would like to look at it haha.

skyekeeper

Thanks for all the suggestions. Sometimes, weather permitting, I just have to walk out the front door and go for a walk! I do chew gum a lot though!

rebeccas207

Great ideas! I try the brushing teeth after dinner, hot tea, playing words with friends, playing on MFP. ...

Ecampbell64

Not sure this is a distraction but it might be useful. On recommendation from the binge eating board, I started reading Eating By the Light of the Moon. I am enjoying it and I think of it as "women who run with the binging wolves" if any of you gals remember that book. : )

It has these myths that illustrate ideas that the author has developed in her work with women with eating disorders. Not a new idea but she talks about identifying the emotions behind the binging. I've been trying to do that when I feel like eating but it isn't hunger. Can't always tell, but I did feel the reverse last night.

Had a long phone call with my sister last night getting caught up, and afterwards I had no hunger or cravings at all. Even with more calories available. So that contact filled me up, so to speak. Makes sense because my husband and I moved this past summer and I now work from home. I don't have many new friends yet nor the camaraderie of a workplace.