I have to say, I am a psychologist and I have some of the same issues. Not so much the negative self talk, but the self-sabotage. I think that maybe we eat to not only stuff feelings but to cover them or replace them with something that feels good, which is food. If we ate healthy (even when stuffing feelings) we wouldn't be here.

Believe it or not, I knew I was an emotional eater, but I never made the connection to the fact that I ate to avoid negative feelings when I was upset, until recently. Does it stop it? No. But I think it slows it down. I also wonder if people sabotage at times because when you get skinny, you get attention and some of us are not sure what to do with that.

Just some ramblings.

I understand and relate. When I know something is coming up that I have to do or someone that I have to talk to about something important, I crave food, just food. When I acknowledge that I'm bored, again I crave food. I've only found a few things to replace those impulses - a long shower, doing a small household chore, going on the computer. I noticed the bigger the stress, the more I want food and the more I fight to not give in. And then I feel like I want more sugar. I haven't faced a lot of stress along my journey to eat healthier - I'm trying not going to sabotage myself.

I agree, it's like i get stressed, or sad or happy or bored. I feel like the scale always stays the same, so what's the point of giving up the fried chicken and ice cream, if I'm not getting thinner anyways.
But I suppose these are the same sort of self sabotaging thoughts that got me here to begin with... It's helpful to know I'm not alone though.

I can honestly relate to this as well. It's a vicious cycle....

You need to remember that you are worth it and to take care of yourself and be kind to yourself. It's very hard to do, especially on low days when you just want to sabotage any happiness by eating or arguing with loved ones.

I am currently seeing a therapist about my low self esteem and depression which causes me to eat. One of the most important tools I am learning is mindfulness. I am using it to try and remember every day to thank myself for the little things I have done to take care of myself. Whether it's getting out of bed on a weekend, or getting up from my desk at work and stretching, or getting myself a drink - because I struggle most of the time to do all those things... And now that I am trying to tackle my weight, I am thankful to myself for making healthy food and drink choices that mean I don't wake up every morning with kidney, leg or back pain. (One of the joys of weighing over 300lbs).

It does take a LOT of practice and patience but I can definitely say, I am starting to like myself a little more, especially when I have done something to help myself.

thank you! love this Comment...Jen

I can honestly relate to this as well. It's a vicious cycle....

You need to remember that you are worth it and to take care of yourself and be kind to yourself. It's very hard to do, especially on low days when you just want to sabotage any happiness by eating or arguing with loved ones.

I am currently seeing a therapist about my low self esteem and depression which causes me to eat. One of the most important tools I am learning is mindfulness. I am using it to try and remember every day to thank myself for the little things I have done to take care of myself. Whether it's getting out of bed on a weekend, or getting up from my desk at work and stretching, or getting myself a drink - because I struggle most of the time to do all those things... And now that I am trying to tackle my weight, I am thankful to myself for making healthy food and drink choices that mean I don't wake up every morning with kidney, leg or back pain. (One of the joys of weighing over 300lbs).

It does take a LOT of practice and patience but I can definitely say, I am starting to like myself a little more, especially when I have done something to help myself.