Emotional eating HELP

millesun

I've been struggling emotionally lately. I've had some ups and downs with my boyfriend and struggling with my anxiety about the whole situation. Give me your best advice to not turn to comfort foods.

StaciMarie1974

Turn to an activity instead. If stressed, listen to music you enjoy and go for a walk.

seltzermint555

I may give you some terrible advice but hear me out.

I used to turn to food when I felt anxious, nervous, depressed, or even happy/excited. It was a habit, too. If I was driving home after a bad day at work, stopping by Starbucks for a mocha or even McDonald's for a McDouble gave me a little mood lift. Within minutes of consumption though, that little 'lift' was gone...therefore, not the most effective cure for a bad day. And a very unhealthy practice.

Over the past several years of "changing my lifestyle" I have still used food as an emotional crutch from time to time, I'm not gonna lie. But it's a little different now. I plan it out. I know that I've gotta do something really undesirable like a dental appointment, bridal shower for a relative I am not that crazy about, or a big meeting. So I decide, days or a week ahead of time, that I'll "reward" myself with a scoop of ice cream or going out to dinner that night with my husband.

Another example...back in January my father in law committed suicide and after the police came to notify my husband and I, we both immediately decided on Ben & Jerry's. TOTAL comfort eating. But you know what...we only went over on our respective calories by like 200-ish, I think. We didn't eat the whole pint. Afterward we were feeling more prepared to sit down and start making plans for cremation, burial, telling family, etc. I don't think that was the worst thing we could do.

So yeah -- It's frowned upon by a lot of people to do that. But it seems to work for me. The most important part (in my opinion) is that it's no longer my near-daily and immediate go-to reaction when I experience something stressful. I am now COGNIZANT of that tendency and past habit, and it really helps me avoid falling into that pattern again.

I like the other suggestion of doing an activity...I completely agree. Self-nurturing behaviors like a warm bath, meditation, exercise, reading a good book, or watching a movie...that stuff can go a long way. Or, have a healthy snack (I like boiled eggs or string cheese since they have protein) before reaching for the chocolate, chips, or whatever you're craving. If you feel hunger cues and not just an emotionally based craving, then you might have just really been hungry!

randomworldgirl

Probably not the advice you're looking for, but I play DOTA2. It gets my mind off of whatever I'm dealing with and gives me a sense of satisfaction/gratification when my team has beat the snot out of the other team. If you like video games, give it a try. It has a steep learning curve, but so worth it. Ok, end geek rant.

Cerakoala

Find something else to do. I know your feelings and for me there was no way to change it unless I replaced it with something else. Now when I feel those ways I go walking. If I am walking it takes my mind off eating mindlessly when I am not hungry and also helps me get in some extra steps. You can get past it. You just have to find something else

QuietBloom

I may give you some terrible advice but hear me out.

I used to turn to food when I felt anxious, nervous, depressed, or even happy/excited. It was a habit, too. If I was driving home after a bad day at work, stopping by Starbucks for a mocha or even McDonald's for a McDouble gave me a little mood lift. Within minutes of consumption though, that little 'lift' was gone...therefore, not the most effective cure for a bad day. And a very unhealthy practice.

Over the past several years of "changing my lifestyle" I have still used food as an emotional crutch from time to time, I'm not gonna lie. But it's a little different now. I plan it out. I know that I've gotta do something really undesirable like a dental appointment, bridal shower for a relative I am not that crazy about, or a big meeting. So I decide, days or a week ahead of time, that I'll "reward" myself with a scoop of ice cream or going out to dinner that night with my husband.

Another example...back in January my father in law committed suicide and after the police came to notify my husband and I, we both immediately decided on Ben & Jerry's. TOTAL comfort eating. But you know what...we only went over on our respective calories by like 200-ish, I think. We didn't eat the whole pint. Afterward we were feeling more prepared to sit down and start making plans for cremation, burial, telling family, etc. I don't think that was the worst thing we could do.

So yeah -- It's frowned upon by a lot of people to do that. But it seems to work for me. The most important part (in my opinion) is that it's no longer my near-daily and immediate go-to reaction when I experience something stressful. I am now COGNIZANT of that tendency and past habit, and it really helps me avoid falling into that pattern again.

I like the other suggestion of doing an activity...I completely agree. Self-nurturing behaviors like a warm bath, meditation, exercise, reading a good book, or watching a movie...that stuff can go a long way. Or, have a healthy snack (I like boiled eggs or string cheese since they have protein) before reaching for the chocolate, chips, or whatever you're craving. If you feel hunger cues and not just an emotionally based craving, then you might have just really been hungry!

I have found ice cream to be very calming. I have been doing McDonald's ice cream cones almost daily.

I am sorry to hear about your father-in-law.

PapaChanoli

This might sound crazy, but it works for me. The old book Spontaneous Healing recommended going to a place where there are a lot of trees when you're stressed or anxious. It wasn't just because of the trees, but their effect on the environment in general, such as, quieter or more peaceful, but even more effective is the increase in oxygen.

It has always been able to put my head in a better place and it's calorie free. If you take a walk around all those trees, it's even better.