Emotional eating - how do you deal?

Lalimama
Lalimama Posts: 19
in Motivation and Support
My thing has always been "bad day = McDonalds" but I'd really like to know how other people manage to avoid getting trapped in the food = happiness pit?
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Replies

  • hauer01
    hauer01 Posts: 516 Member
    Now "bad day" equals Turbo Fire :) I work it out now, by the time I am done, McDonalds doesn't sound appealing at all!
  • jenbernhard
    jenbernhard Posts: 1 Member
    I heard this saying once that I repeat over and over - "Face your stuff, don't stuff your face." Seems to work for me. I say it in my head over and over when I feel the urge to eat. I need to FACE the feelings I have that I want to stuff and just get through it.
  • Enigmatica
    Enigmatica Posts: 879 Member
    I've learned to substitute exercise for eating ;-)
  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    Now "bad day" equals Turbo Fire :) I work it out now, by the time I am done, McDonalds doesn't sound appealing at all!

    Exactly this. Bad day = Turbofire....or working out in general. I also lift weights on bad days :)
    Channel your anger/frustration/energy into a positive. Sweating and punching and kicking (during a workout, not at others lol) will release endorphins and you'll feel great after. Sitting on the couch with pops & chips, will gain fat and you'll feel like crap after.
  • MyM0wM0w
    MyM0wM0w Posts: 2,008 Member
    You're going to have to find another outlet. Walking, running, swimming, kicking small children (don't recommend that, their parents get ticked), or whatever you enjoy doing. Find SOMETHING to replace food and try to deal with your emotions instead of eating them.

    It's a long road. I think I cry more now than I have in my entire life combined. I miss burying them under a bag of cheesie puffs and a gallon of ice cream but.... I'd rather be weepie and thin than stoic and ginormous.
  • chubbygirl253
    chubbygirl253 Posts: 1,309 Member
    I heard this saying once that I repeat over and over - "Face your stuff, don't stuff your face." Seems to work for me. I say it in my head over and over when I feel the urge to eat. I need to FACE the feelings I have that I want to stuff and just get through it.

    Hey you've really got something there. I'm gonna have to borrow that. I'm typically not much of an emotional eater but every now and then. Mostly I like to go to the Y and work out when I feel bad because everyone there tells me how great I'm doing and every now and then I like to hear it.
  • firemanfive0
    firemanfive0 Posts: 228 Member
    Bad day can = a wonderful mug of hot tea. by making a mug it takes longer to cool and i get the chance to sit and enjoy it. With that tea I like to snack on Pizzelles( italian waffle cookies). Pizzelles are about 25 calories a cookie and have that wonderful taste of a waffle cone.
  • chubbygirl253
    chubbygirl253 Posts: 1,309 Member
    You're going to have to find another outlet. Walking, running, swimming, kicking small children (don't recommend that, their parents get ticked), or whatever you enjoy doing. Find SOMETHING to replace food and try to deal with your emotions instead of eating them.

    It's a long road. I think I cry more now than I have in my entire life combined. I miss burying them under a bag of cheesie puffs and a gallon of ice cream but.... I'd rather be weepie and thin than stoic and ginormous.

    I like you!
  • sassygamma
    sassygamma Posts: 84 Member
    I am also a emotional eater, people tell me to walk it off and it does work, i got outside and just walk off whatever seems to be bothering me... Also i try to keep healthy snacks in my house like grapes, oranges, something that i can grab fast because if i dont have grab fast food, i tend to do what you do Mc Donalds or anything that is easy.... Good Luck..
  • gsmithnp
    gsmithnp Posts: 139 Member
    It's a long road. I think I cry more now than I have in my entire life combined. I miss burying them under a bag of cheesie puffs and a gallon of ice cream but.... I'd rather be weepie and thin than stoic and ginormous.

    There's a direct correlation here.

    Burying/hiding emotions = holding onto the emotions = overeating = weight gain.
    Therefore, burying emotions = weight gain.

    By facing your issues and dealing with them (however painful and upsetting they may be), you recognize the trigger for overeating. That is a huge step. Once you realize WHY you are overeating, you can channel that energy and emotion elsewhere.

    *Note that I said OVEReating. If you recognize that you want that (whatever delicious thing it is) because you're angry/sad/happy/tired and you STILL want it, fine. Eat a small portion of it and log it in your diary. Account for it, exercise more if necessary to work it off. Less guilt that way, and no feeling of deprivation!
  • flowersofdawn
    flowersofdawn Posts: 47 Member
    Perhaps you could try a creative outlet - writing, reading, sewing, crafting, gardening. Anything that keeps your hands and mind busy might help you start to change your trigger responses of going for food when you're finding yourself in an emotional eating moment.

    I also agree with gsmithnp about facing things - even if they are terribly upsetting - I'm currently learning to do this. But you can always ask your support system for help.

    One day at a time regardless. You can do this! Because you already are!
  • Lalimama
    Lalimama Posts: 19
    I can't imagine myself enjoying working out as I deal with chronic pain but you never know :laugh:
  • Lalimama
    Lalimama Posts: 19
    I heard this saying once that I repeat over and over - "Face your stuff, don't stuff your face." Seems to work for me. I say it in my head over and over when I feel the urge to eat. I need to FACE the feelings I have that I want to stuff and just get through it.

    Love it! Will definitely try that
  • Lalimama
    Lalimama Posts: 19
    I am also a emotional eater, people tell me to walk it off and it does work, i got outside and just walk off whatever seems to be bothering me... Also i try to keep healthy snacks in my house like grapes, oranges, something that i can grab fast because if i dont have grab fast food, i tend to do what you do Mc Donalds or anything that is easy.... Good Luck..

    Thanks :happy: It's hard because a lot of my stress is work-related and I can't just get up and go for a walk as my boss may have something to say about it LOL!! I will need to find something super low in calories to snack on as MFP has set my daily calories at 1200 and it's tough to stick to. I'm sure it'll get easier as time goes on though!!
  • Lalimama
    Lalimama Posts: 19
    It's a long road. I think I cry more now than I have in my entire life combined. I miss burying them under a bag of cheesie puffs and a gallon of ice cream but.... I'd rather be weepie and thin than stoic and ginormous.

    There's a direct correlation here.

    Burying/hiding emotions = holding onto the emotions = overeating = weight gain.
    Therefore, burying emotions = weight gain.

    By facing your issues and dealing with them (however painful and upsetting they may be), you recognize the trigger for overeating. That is a huge step. Once you realize WHY you are overeating, you can channel that energy and emotion elsewhere.

    *Note that I said OVEReating. If you recognize that you want that (whatever delicious thing it is) because you're angry/sad/happy/tired and you STILL want it, fine. Eat a small portion of it and log it in your diary. Account for it, exercise more if necessary to work it off. Less guilt that way, and no feeling of deprivation!

    That's the mind-set change that I need to get to grips with as I am good at confronting my emotions head on but the people I have to deal with aren't and that causes a whole other level of difficulty. I guess I can't fix them but I can fix myself so I will just make my comforts a lot smaller and walk some more to compensate. Thanks!
  • Lalimama
    Lalimama Posts: 19
    Perhaps you could try a creative outlet - writing, reading, sewing, crafting, gardening. Anything that keeps your hands and mind busy might help you start to change your trigger responses of going for food when you're finding yourself in an emotional eating moment.

    I also agree with gsmithnp about facing things - even if they are terribly upsetting - I'm currently learning to do this. But you can always ask your support system for help.

    One day at a time regardless. You can do this! Because you already are!

    Oh if only I had a support system... Since I had my daughter people have drifted away as I am too busy for the level of socialising they want from me. Having only been here a day I must say there's a lot of positive people around and that can only be a good thing for my morale right? :drinker: WE can do this - thanks!
  • twilasue54
    twilasue54 Posts: 42 Member
    I had posted about this topic earlier on another thread as i also have this problem. And for the last month my emotion has been boredom at my job. long story. so this week and granted it is only Tuesday, before i reach for a snack if I have already had my "planned" snack, I tell myself that if I eat whatever junk food I am contemplating, I will gain instead of lose, and I will still be bored when the snack is gone. I can't just go outside for a walk when this hits as it is pretty much all day. So far, again only Tuesday, it has been working.
  • angiechimpanzee
    angiechimpanzee Posts: 536 Member
    Honestly, and I am so incredibly happy to say this, cardio workouts have actually replaced any other method of self-medication when it comes to my feelings. The feeling of pure euphoria I get during & afterwards is indescribable. And I know that afterwords I won't have to feel any guilt or shame or stomach aches. It just seems like the most logical option now.

    ALSO, educating yourself on how truly *kitten* that stuff is for your body (McDonalds, excessive cakes, cookies, candies, just typical binge foods) will really deter you from reaching for them, like ever. Now, McDonalds is such a turnoff for me. And I still love cakes & cookies but I keep them to a once a week type thing now (like on a Saturday I'll go buy a fresh-baked cookie from a bakery & savor it, instead of munching on a big package of oreos all week).
  • Lalimama
    Lalimama Posts: 19
    I had posted about this topic earlier on another thread as i also have this problem. And for the last month my emotion has been boredom at my job. long story. so this week and granted it is only Tuesday, before i reach for a snack if I have already had my "planned" snack, I tell myself that if I eat whatever junk food I am contemplating, I will gain instead of lose, and I will still be bored when the snack is gone. I can't just go outside for a walk when this hits as it is pretty much all day. So far, again only Tuesday, it has been working.

    It's tough when work is the problem - I am lucky that I can listen to the radio at my desk and drown out the people that annoy me. I think my whistling probably gets on their nerves :wink: I am going to get out and walk at lunchtime too, but avoiding McDonalds which is unfortunately right across the street!!!
  • ladymiseryali
    ladymiseryali Posts: 2,555 Member
    I either go on reddit and look at cute baby animal pics, or I'll read the rantings of other redditors. For some reason that makes me feel better. OR I will go clean the bathroom or the kitchen. Or I will play a videogame or a computer game. ANYTHING to get me focused on something other than food.
  • MyM0wM0w
    MyM0wM0w Posts: 2,008 Member
    I either go on reddit and look at cute baby animal pics, or I'll read the rantings of other redditors. For some reason that makes me feel better. OR I will go clean the bathroom or the kitchen. Or I will play a videogame or a computer game. ANYTHING to get me focused on something other than food.

    OR you could just play with the cute kitten named Peanut! I know you from the catforum!
  • Lalimama
    Lalimama Posts: 19
    I either go on reddit and look at cute baby animal pics, or I'll read the rantings of other redditors. For some reason that makes me feel better. OR I will go clean the bathroom or the kitchen. Or I will play a videogame or a computer game. ANYTHING to get me focused on something other than food.

    If I were home I'd be fine but my main problem is during work hours and I'm in enough trouble there already LMAO!! Perhaps I need to quit work :laugh: Never heard of Reddit but I will check it out :smile:
  • ladymiseryali
    ladymiseryali Posts: 2,555 Member
    I either go on reddit and look at cute baby animal pics, or I'll read the rantings of other redditors. For some reason that makes me feel better. OR I will go clean the bathroom or the kitchen. Or I will play a videogame or a computer game. ANYTHING to get me focused on something other than food.

    OR you could just play with the cute kitten named Peanut! I know you from the catforum!

    Small world! I give him many a play session during the day. He's a lazy player though. I get more of a workout playing than he does. lol.
  • ladymiseryali
    ladymiseryali Posts: 2,555 Member
    I either go on reddit and look at cute baby animal pics, or I'll read the rantings of other redditors. For some reason that makes me feel better. OR I will go clean the bathroom or the kitchen. Or I will play a videogame or a computer game. ANYTHING to get me focused on something other than food.

    If I were home I'd be fine but my main problem is during work hours and I'm in enough trouble there already LMAO!! Perhaps I need to quit work :laugh: Never heard of Reddit but I will check it out :smile:

    Reddit is a time-hole, so try not to get sucked in too deep. Also avoid certain subreddits like space****s and WTF. Those are bad places to go.
  • jenncampbell01
    jenncampbell01 Posts: 9
    Look up the calories, fat, carbs, sodium, or whatever it is you are measuring of your McDonald's favorites.It tends to put it in a different light. When you think..Instead of thinking how tasty, you will think how costly it is.
  • ClaireM8
    ClaireM8 Posts: 26
    Yeah, I struggle with this at work too - it doesn't help that everyone is always generously bringing in cookies and chocolate (etc) to share. I have found that REALLY fresh carrots make a nice sweet craving snack. Can you manage a short walk at work (to the photocopier and back) - sometimes a little "distraction" helps. Music and slow breaths to help you calm down. Also, weirdly, I read recently that having indoor plants at work reduces stress symptoms (although not if you let it die...) I have sent you a friend request, as I would like to hear how you're getting on.
  • thomasxaviersayles
    thomasxaviersayles Posts: 47
    Food feels good, tastes good and the sugar elevates us, we deceive ourselves into thinking we are happy because the food we eat feels good but this is not the truth. We feed our emotions and our spirit with food and that never works, it is how we gained weight or any other addiction. If it is any help to you, start believing something different that is the truth and it will assist you in making a good decision when the temptation of processed fast food comes your way.
  • Lalimama
    Lalimama Posts: 19
    Thanks Claire - accepted :) I will put some of those ideas into action and may even try the plant though I am a useless gardener LOL. Since I posted this I have found a couple of like-minded individuals and we leave the office and go for at least a half hour walk at lunch. I am finding that we are blowing off steam and getting fitter too (though people have noticed and are trying to sabotage us which SUCKS!) so I am finding it easier to avoid the temptation to drown the stress in calories!
  • Lalimama
    Lalimama Posts: 19
    Food feels good, tastes good and the sugar elevates us, we deceive ourselves into thinking we are happy because the food we eat feels good but this is not the truth. We feed our emotions and our spirit with food and that never works, it is how we gained weight or any other addiction. If it is any help to you, start believing something different that is the truth and it will assist you in making a good decision when the temptation of processed fast food comes your way.


    Yeah some people smoke, drink or take drugs..,. I eat! And of course my "drug" is cheap and readily available but I have decided that a lot of people are desperate to see me fail (from the comments they have made since they have noticed I am not eating as unhealthily this past week) and I am not giving in to it this time. My new drug will be making better choices, seeing the weight come off and watching them feel miserable that they can't bring me down any longer :laugh:
  • Restybaby2012
    Restybaby2012 Posts: 568 Member
    Mostly I just distract myself. The other night....feeling totally stressed out, hating the world, in so much pain I couldnt see or think straight...I literally wanted to punch somebody in the throat and it didnt matter who. I came home from work, swiped a cig from the fiance'...changed into my jammies (this was after work which is 3pm for me) grabbed 2 bottles of water ...wrapped in a minkie and sat at the desk threatening to kill anyone that came near me, thought about me, asked about me or prayed for me.................................................................

    .............................turned my new pc and downloaded a bunch of cat pictures and snarky sayings to convey how I feel. By the time my honey (fiance') had made me a salad for supper and served me..........the need to binge was gone and hasnt returned.

    PLEASE take care of you....dont binge and dont give up.......you ARE stronger than ANYTHING causing this feeling within you

    catresolutionmoretimeontreadmill-1.jpg

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