Depression

Liluth

Whenever I get a really bad bout of depression (like tonight) all I want to do is binge on cake and candy. Luckily I don't have anything like that in the house, but you get the idea.

Ever since my father sent me to bed without dinner and my mother snuck me snacks when he wasn't looking, food has equaled love and comfort. To show others I care about them, I'll cook for them, take care of them. As a whole, I've got a handle on it. No splurging for me today (just a cup of chai decaf tea).

I guess I just want confirmation that I'm not alone in my food = love mindset. Who else struggles with this? Have you overcome it, and how?

Take care.

hannahlbur

I have a problem with comfort eating too.

The way forward for me is to keep focused on my goals and why I want to lose weight. I'm trying not to have temptation around. It's slow progress for me but I can see the improvement that I've made over the past few weeks. I think it's important to be patient - its taken a long time to build up these habits so it'll take time to change them. Don't beat yourself up too much if you have a splurge/bad day as it can keep the vicious circle going - you get mad at yourself then you feel down and feel like giving up. Perhaps if you have a few particular weak foods or times that you comfort eat pick one and work on one at a time so it doesn't feel too overwhelming.

LabRat529

I am an emotional eater too, and I have not over-come my "need" to feed my emotions with junk. I eat when I'm down, I eat when I'm happy, I eat when I'm stressed... I'm kinda screwed, but I'm getting better with practice, and you will too. Just don't be too hard on yourself when you give in. That just makes it worse.

Search "emotional eating"... some people gave me some really great tips when I posted on the subject earlier. They include finding another way to fill your emotional needs (talking to a friend, exercise, etc.,) and having emergency healthy snacks around... or even unhealthy snacks that are more healthy than you'd usually eat (skinny cow ice cream sandwiches as opposed to... whatever).

Good luck! And no, you are not alone!!