Getting anxious about eating... what can i do?
SelenisGoesFit
Posts: 48
I've noticed i get really anxious about eating... i mean, 2 minutes after having breakfast i'm like "oh, what am i going to have as morning snack? i can have it in 2 hours..." THIS IS NOT HEALTHY! It can't be... do you have any ideas on how to "stop" it? Because i'm going crazy... 
and even if i'm not hungry, i will eat (i know it's actually good to eat every 3/4hours)...
and even if i'm not hungry, i will eat (i know it's actually good to eat every 3/4hours)... 0
Replies
-
I chew 1/2 stick of extra gum, it helps me.0
-
I think it comes from feeling restricted. I don't think there is much you can do to stop that from happening, it will just go away on it's own once you no longer feel restricted. You will either get used to the number of calories you are allowing yourself or increase, or do more exercise to 'earn' more food intake for the day...it's a very normal 'I'm on a diet' feeling, and it's not pleasant. Hang in there.0
-
I think it comes from feeling restricted. I don't think there is much you can do to stop that from happening, it will just go away on it's own once you no longer feel restricted. You will either get used to the number of calories you are allowing yourself or increase, or do more exercise to 'earn' more food intake for the day...it's a very normal 'I'm on a diet' feeling, and it's not pleasant. Hang in there.
i'm really happy that i can go back to the gym next week...
thank you! 0 -
I think it comes from feeling restricted. I don't think there is much you can do to stop that from happening, it will just go away on it's own once you no longer feel restricted. You will either get used to the number of calories you are allowing yourself or increase, or do more exercise to 'earn' more food intake for the day...it's a very normal 'I'm on a diet' feeling, and it's not pleasant. Hang in there.
What she said ;-)0 -
I think it comes from feeling restricted. I don't think there is much you can do to stop that from happening, it will just go away on it's own once you no longer feel restricted. You will either get used to the number of calories you are allowing yourself or increase, or do more exercise to 'earn' more food intake for the day...it's a very normal 'I'm on a diet' feeling, and it's not pleasant. Hang in there.
What she said ;-)
i'll just have to deal with it a few more weeks... and it will be ok! i hope!!! 0 -
I found a couple of books that really helped me with these issues.
Bethany Frankel's Naturally Thin
John Barbans Anything Goes Diet
Neither are "diet books" but merely a way of looking at food, and both are amazing books in my opinion.
They helped me with my success --> http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/740340-i-lost-60-lbs-at-age-51-anyone-can-any-workout0 -
i'm the same way i get so anxious that i'm constantly prepping the food for the day and picking out specific dishes/silverware to use and obsessing over the next days/weeks meal plan. it's exhausting & annoying sometimes.0
-
I found a couple of books that really helped me with these issues.
Bethany Frankel's Naturally Thin
John Barbans Anything Goes Diet
Neither are "diet books" but merely a way of looking at food, and both are amazing books in my opinion.
They helped me with my success --> http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/740340-i-lost-60-lbs-at-age-51-anyone-can-any-workout
i'm absolutely going to read your story! thank you so much! (btw, you look amazing!!!)0 -
I think it comes from feeling restricted. I don't think there is much you can do to stop that from happening, it will just go away on it's own once you no longer feel restricted. You will either get used to the number of calories you are allowing yourself or increase, or do more exercise to 'earn' more food intake for the day...it's a very normal 'I'm on a diet' feeling, and it's not pleasant. Hang in there.
i'm really happy that i can go back to the gym next week... thank you!
If you were unable for some reason to exercise or get to the gym, that right there leads to those feelings.
I find if I am too sedentary for more than one day, my anxiety increases. We are really creatures designed to work our bodies. They are amazing machines with incredible stores of energy that really need to be bled off.
You know how dogs are that are kept indoors or in a small backyard area? They become neurotic in one way or another...barking, digging, chewing, pacing like a cat at the zoo. We are the same. If we don't expend a significant amount of energy every day, our nervous system doesn't perform well. I've learned this by being unemployed for a couple years. It isn't just "too much time on my hands" either. I tried to stay occupied. It takes actual physical activity to calm me.
You'll be able to control it better when you start moving again.0 -
Just choose healthy snacks! A couple pretzels w/ peanut butter, or some hummus on a pita point - and only eat 1/2 the recommended serving, you won't feel so empty and deprived
Bens of Luck!0 -
Try planning your menu ahead of time for a few weeks and see if that helps. For instance:
Monday
Breakfast: 2 eggs, wheat toast with 1/2 tsp. butter, orange slices, coffee
AM Snack: apple slices
Lunch: Salad with tomatoes, green peppers, onion, 1/2 Tbl low-fat dressing
PM Snack: cheese stick and 5 fat-free crackers
Dinner: grilled chicken breast, asparagus, quinoa
That's just a random sample, but you get the picture. Plan out a week's worth at a time. You'll know what to shop for, what amount of prep is needed, how many calories each meal will be (always a treat if I can have dessert after dinner, and I know ahead of time!), and no daily stressing about what you're going to eat next.0 -
i'm the same way i get so anxious that i'm constantly prepping the food for the day and picking out specific dishes/silverware to use and obsessing over the next days/weeks meal plan. it's exhausting & annoying sometimes.
thanks! i don't feel so lonely anymore... i really go crazy about it!
0 -
I think it comes from feeling restricted. I don't think there is much you can do to stop that from happening, it will just go away on it's own once you no longer feel restricted. You will either get used to the number of calories you are allowing yourself or increase, or do more exercise to 'earn' more food intake for the day...it's a very normal 'I'm on a diet' feeling, and it's not pleasant. Hang in there.
i'm really happy that i can go back to the gym next week... thank you!
If you were unable for some reason to exercise or get to the gym, that right there leads to those feelings.
I find if I am too sedentary for more than one day, my anxiety increases. We are really creatures designed to work our bodies. They are amazing machines with incredible stores of energy that really need to be bled off.
You know how dogs are that are kept indoors or in a small backyard area? They become neurotic in one way or another...barking, digging, chewing, pacing like a cat at the zoo. We are the same. If we don't expend a significant amount of energy every day, our nervous system doesn't perform well. I've learned this by being unemployed for a couple years. It isn't just "too much time on my hands" either. I tried to stay occupied. It takes actual physical activity to calm me.
You'll be able to control it better when you start moving again.
i was on medication as i couldn't sleep anymore since i was depressive... well, the thing is i just wasn't able to wake up before noon and then i had so much to do at home that i didn't hit the gym. But i know that i feel much better when i go there and exercise (even if i'm more into group classes than with weight lifting - because i feel ridiculous doing it) and that it allows me to eat much more... so i'm really happy to go back to the gym! Thank you so much!0 -
Just choose healthy snacks! A couple pretzels w/ peanut butter, or some hummus on a pita point - and only eat 1/2 the recommended serving, you won't feel so empty and deprived
Bens of Luck!
That's a nice idea but i've tried it already...
Thanks anyway!0 -
Try planning your menu ahead of time for a few weeks and see if that helps. For instance:
Monday
Breakfast: 2 eggs, wheat toast with 1/2 tsp. butter, orange slices, coffee
AM Snack: apple slices
Lunch: Salad with tomatoes, green peppers, onion, 1/2 Tbl low-fat dressing
PM Snack: cheese stick and 5 fat-free crackers
Dinner: grilled chicken breast, asparagus, quinoa
That's just a random sample, but you get the picture. Plan out a week's worth at a time. You'll know what to shop for, what amount of prep is needed, how many calories each meal will be (always a treat if I can have dessert after dinner, and I know ahead of time!), and no daily stressing about what you're going to eat next.
i've tried that... but i always finish changing my daily log...
0 -
Planning it out in advance might help. If you know what you're going to have, you'll be less likely to obsess about it. Even if you just make a list of possible snacks and know you're going to pick something off that list, then it reduces the mental fussing. That frees up your brain to think about more important things. You can also try to distract yourself when you notice the "what am I going to eat" question coming on. Make a to-do list for the day, take a walk, distract yourself with work, whatever. This works for me.0
-
I also believe it comes from being restricted, and just try chewing gum, staying active so u wont think about it. It will happen, it did for me......
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!0 -
Planning it out in advance might help. If you know what you're going to have, you'll be less likely to obsess about it. Even if you just make a list of possible snacks and know you're going to pick something off that list, then it reduces the mental fussing. That frees up your brain to think about more important things. You can also try to distract yourself when you notice the "what am I going to eat" question coming on. Make a to-do list for the day, take a walk, distract yourself with work, whatever. This works for me.
yeah, i guess getting busy it's the most effective solution... and tomorrow, as i'm going to the gym, i'll be busy! can't wait for it!0 -
I also believe it comes from being restricted, and just try chewing gum, staying active so u wont think about it. It will happen, it did for me......
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you!!!
0 -
I've noticed i get really anxious about eating... i mean, 2 minutes after having breakfast i'm like "oh, what am i going to have as morning snack? i can have it in 2 hours..." ... (i know it's actually good to eat every 3/4hours)...
No it is NOT good to eat every 3-4 hours. That's a myth. You should eat when you're hungry and in line with your calorie max and nutritional needs.
You should try to work through, with professional help if possible or needed, why you are so fearful of being hungry when you live in a culture in which food is abundant and you're not even hungry.
You could also try something like Insight Meditation (Google it and there are free lessons). Sit down for a few minutes and try to focus on this feeling without judging it.
[Update: If it's primarily caused by your enforced sedentary state, it may go away when you return to the gym. But yes, as others have said, there's a human impulse to fixate on things we can't have, so the new restrictions may be the reason. ]0 -
I've noticed i get really anxious about eating... i mean, 2 minutes after having breakfast i'm like "oh, what am i going to have as morning snack? i can have it in 2 hours..." ... (i know it's actually good to eat every 3/4hours)...
No it is NOT good to eat every 3-4 hours. That's a myth. You should eat when you're hungry and in line with your calorie max and nutritional needs.
You should try to work through, with professional help if possible or needed, why you are so fearful of being hungry when you live in a culture in which food is abundant and you're not even hungry.
You could also try something like Insight Meditation (Google it and there are free lessons). Sit down for a few minutes and try to focus on this feeling without judging it.
Guess Meditation would be great, i'm giving it a try!
I've just passed so many years using food to confort me that i'm afraid i won't have it... (not sure i can explain myself!)0 -
I've noticed i get really anxious about eating... i mean, 2 minutes after having breakfast i'm like "oh, what am i going to have as morning snack? i can have it in 2 hours..." ... (i know it's actually good to eat every 3/4hours)...
No it is NOT good to eat every 3-4 hours. That's a myth. You should eat when you're hungry and in line with your calorie max and nutritional needs.
You should try to work through, with professional help if possible or needed, why you are so fearful of being hungry when you live in a culture in which food is abundant and you're not even hungry.
You could also try something like Insight Meditation (Google it and there are free lessons). Sit down for a few minutes and try to focus on this feeling without judging it.
Guess Meditation would be great, i'm giving it a try!
I've just passed so many years using food to confort me that i'm afraid i won't have it... (not sure i can explain myself!)
The purpose of meditation is to make you more conscious of what's going in your life, including "mindless" eating. So if you try it, in addition to a regular sitting (which can be short at the start), try doing it when you feel these feelings.
Sit down and calmly be open to whatever you're feeling. Don't lecture yourself, don't judge, don't analyze, just experience. Just acknowledge that this is how it is. If you do it enough, it may help. It doesn't have to be long, either. Try 3 to five minutes.0 -
I've just passed so many years using food to confort me that i'm afraid i won't have it... (not sure i can explain myself!)
Don't try to explain it. I'm sure you've thought about it many times in the past, but have never come up with reasoning that actually helped you stop. That may be in part because its basis is emotional and it's hard to out-think things that aren't intellectual. Almost all of us have issues like that.0 -
I have a number of meals I cycle between from day to day. When I have one of my favorite meals and know that the next will be just as delicious, I can't wait to eat it but I do. At the end of the day, what matters is that you are providing your body with sufficient amounts of energy in the form of calories based on your discipline and energy needs. Hell, you can eat your total daily allowance in an 8, 10, or 12 hour feeding window as in Intermittent Fasting and be fine the rest of the day. Now, if the anxiety causes thoughts of "Am I going to get fat eating this?" even though you aren't eating at a surplus above present TDEE, then that's a problem.0
-
I've noticed i get really anxious about eating... i mean, 2 minutes after having breakfast i'm like "oh, what am i going to have as morning snack? i can have it in 2 hours..." ... (i know it's actually good to eat every 3/4hours)...
No it is NOT good to eat every 3-4 hours. That's a myth. You should eat when you're hungry and in line with your calorie max and nutritional needs.
You should try to work through, with professional help if possible or needed, why you are so fearful of being hungry when you live in a culture in which food is abundant and you're not even hungry.
You could also try something like Insight Meditation (Google it and there are free lessons). Sit down for a few minutes and try to focus on this feeling without judging it.
Guess Meditation would be great, i'm giving it a try!
I've just passed so many years using food to confort me that i'm afraid i won't have it... (not sure i can explain myself!)
The purpose of meditation is to make you more conscious of what's going in your life, including "mindless" eating. So if you try it, in addition to a regular sitting (which can be short at the start), try doing it when you feel these feelings.
Sit down and calmly be open to whatever you're feeling. Don't lecture yourself, don't judge, don't analyze, just experience. Just acknowledge that this is how it is. If you do it enough, it may help. It doesn't have to be long, either. Try 3 to five minutes.
i'm so going to try it... thanks a lot! 0 -
I've just passed so many years using food to confort me that i'm afraid i won't have it... (not sure i can explain myself!)
Don't try to explain it. I'm sure you've thought about it many times in the past, but have never come up with reasoning that actually helped you stop. That may be in part because its basis is emotional and it's hard to out-think things that aren't intellectual. Almost all of us have issues like that.
Thanks for understanding! 0 -
I have a number of meals I cycle between from day to day. When I have one of my favorite meals and know that the next will be just as delicious, I can't wait to eat it but I do. At the end of the day, what matters is that you are providing your body with sufficient amounts of energy in the form of calories based on your discipline and energy needs. Hell, you can eat your total daily allowance in an 8, 10, or 12 hour feeding window as in Intermittent Fasting and be fine the rest of the day. Now, if the anxiety causes thoughts of "Am I going to get fat eating this?" even though you aren't eating at a surplus above present TDEE, then that's a problem.
no no, i've never really been concerned about "getting fat"... i'm pretty lucky and have a really lovely husband, who keeps telling me i'm beautiful... i want to get thinner because i feel i'm not healthy. Even at my hgw, i've always been able to hit the gym as any thin girl :P like, 1h zumba + 1h body combat + 1h sh'bam + 1h body jam and feeling tired but ok after that. but i would also like to be able to breathe correctly as i'm doing it and it's impossible with my 229lbs... (also, it becomes really difficult to find any clothes i look good in + i like...) 0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions