WTF is wrong with me???
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With me, it really helps to log the food after I eat it. Knowing the number of calories, the lack of nutrition, etc. generally makes me unwilling to do it again. I ate 10 cups of popcorn this week and I did not enjoy seeing that number pop up! However, no matter what, temptation will always crop up. Also, don't discount relationship stress, it is one of the most difficult stresses I've ever encountered. Try to have a friend to talk to when times get tough.0
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I feel you girl!!! What has been helping me is self talk and doing the following:
(1) asking myself "how does this food serve me?"
(2) Asking myself: "Are you hungry enough to eat an apple?" (Pollen)
(3) Taking three deep breaths --sounds practical but when we are stressed we don't breath correctly.
(4) reminding myself each morning and before bed of my goals (seeing pictures, rexaming mini goals)
(5) making sure i've drank at least 4 glasses of water by noon so I can meet my 8 glasses
(6) distract my mind--- obsess about something other than my emotional situation and do something that will empower me (ie. somethign that will bring you closer to your weight loss goal, a mini errand, self love (pampering yourself)
(7) last but not least--prayer!!
Hope this helps, got you in prayers.0 -
I know for me personally its about getting on a kick for cravings. For example, I might go 3 weeks eating perfectly clean healthy foods...but then I might have something on a weekend that makes me go off track (a kids birthday party or something with lots of cake and ice cream). I do allow myself treats, I am not that strict with myself...BUT once I do have it, I feel almost like I have to ween back off the sweets again. Last night I had chocolate frozen yogurt (hey, still better than ice cream) and ALL day today I have been fighting going to the vending machine for MORE chocolate. In a few days I will be fine. So maybe, just cut it cold turkey and be MISERABLE for a few days...but then in a few days or weeks you won't be thinking about it as much.
Plus I am pretty sure donuts have a drug associated with them as they are the ONLY thing I can't say NO to!! :blushing:0 -
Sometimes binging comes from habit like if I pass by Ingles there is always that iced croissant calling my name. I have found that if I go in there and get one then I automatically toss half of it in the trash on the way out the door and then eat the rest of it and enjoy.....otherwise I know myself and I KNOW I will eat it. If you restrict your food too much and only eat super healthy limiting your healthy fats that can cause a binge. Best wishes to you and there is a group on here that has a thread each month-"Me vs The Binge" that is great for accountability as well.0
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Fake it til you make it, as they say.
Force yourself to stay in control by only keeping with you what you need to eat for the day. Work through the cravings. Start or continue researching the harmful effects of *excess* processed sugar and saturated fat in the diet. Continue to log and stay within your calorie limits.
This is a very *real* way of "faking" it, but if you can stay on track for a while, it will get easier with time, and before long, you will have "made it" to the point where you are in control of the cravings and the cravings/compulsions aren't in control of you. I am at the point where I can have 1/2 a cup of ice cream (painfully small amount) without needing tons more, or even a small piece of chocolate without going back to the store for more candy bars (even though I really, really want to). Some days are better than others. You can do it!0 -
I have the same issues as you do so I totally relate. I didn't think I ate out of emotion either until I asked myself yesterday why are you feeling like an eating machine today? is there anything out of order that is different from the usual? I said yes it was a chaotic morning with trying to get my daughter to go to school and lots of company being out of the normal routine. I am starting to blog about any trigger points I find along the way and its already helping me.0
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I'm unhappy with my weight! I'm semi unhappy in my relationship but how would I know or how would I tell if I'm using food to "cope" I don't feel like I am...
Are you in a high pressure job? Maybe you cope with the stress by overeating.0 -
Your diary is closed, but how many calories do you eat per day? I always make bad decisions and give into sweets (when I don't even really like sweets that much) when it's been too long since I ate/ I am really low on my calories for the day.0
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I always thought a bored eater was not an emotional eater BUT being bored IS an emotion. When were bored we feel kinda down and not exactly the happiest, right? Maybe that could be just me. I was a bored eater too and it gets real boring sometimes. I have come to realise about myself.
Also, I just tried to eat a little slower to get the satisfaction from smaller portions. I used to binge before doing this. Now I come to realise I was not exactly feeling satisfied because I ate all of the delicious food REALLY FAST. I try to put down my fork while chewing and pay attention to the taste. There is nothing wrong with you, I think you just need some time and practice and recondition yourself. EAT SLOWER get satisfied! ~ Good Luck
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I cannot bring a box/bag/container of anything to work because i will eat it all and i attribute this to how boring my job is and i an chained to my desk all day long..so if there is food around..i eat it....how do you feel about your job?0
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Self control get's easier with time and practice. Don't forget Rome wasn't built in a day0
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I'm like that too. If I have a whole bag of chips or a box of cookies then I will continuously eat them. I have learned to not buy those items and if I do have them, definitely portion it out. Allow yourself to have a bit at a time - it sounds like you already recognize that.
Also keep healthy snacks nearby helps. It might sound over the top but it keeps me on track - have an idea of what you're going to eat throughout the day and plan ahead of time. I actually use a lunch bag regularly and keep my foods in there. I might look odd, but it helps in the end! And it saves money.
Ditto!
Habits are as hard to make as they are to break!
I took away the spindle of lollies in my office (yes, seriously) and replaced it with a fruit bowl I replenish every Monday.
A harsher version .... give yourself pocket money!0 -
I am just like you. I am perfectly happy in my marriage. I like my job, just boring. If I have a lot of something at my desk, I eat it. I'm bored, it's good, so why not? I once bought a 6 pack of peanut bars from walmart to have one a day (before I was eating better) and ate all 6 between lunch and time to go home. Was I sad? No. What I upset in any way? No. They were just super yummy and I wanted them. That's all it boils down to for me. I just know that I can't limit myself, so I don't give myself the temptation of having multiple servings at my disposal.0
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LOL I am the same way, it just depends on how i am feeling so my emotions plays a big role in my diet .0
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Suff your face with egg whites (cooked of course) before you head out the door. The protein even helps us emotional eaters.0
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Another obvious question: why are you eating breakfast at work or in the car and not at home?
Also, you classified your two donut episode as a binge, but I daresay it does not mean you have binge eating disorder. Binge eaters can polish off *thousands* of calories in a single sitting, hoard foods, etc., etc.
Finally, this may be helpful:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/20/health/20brod.html?pagewanted=all0 -
I have not read every comment but it comes down to will power. The store you bought the doughnut at, was there a yogurt and granola option? or was there a pack of nuts or trail mix at the gas station? Sometimes you need to use your will power and buy the healthier option even though its not what you feel like eating. Once you buy that healthy item and get in your car and start driving the only choice you have is to eat that or leave it until you get to work. when you feel an impulse situation like that take a step back for a minute. or if you bought it and are feeling guilty walking out the door, throw it in the garbage, lock yourself in your car and start driving. it sounds crazy but those are the only tips that help me.0
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There's nothing wrong with you! Look at all the responses you have received from strong and successful women who have been there, done that.
I also struggle with this and things that I find help are:
1. Pre-log the food you intend to binge on. I quickly realize that the bag of crisps and bottle of wine I want to devour (and pizza...delicious pizza) is more calories than I should consume in a day and I just know it is NOT worth it.
2. I think of how quickly the food would be gone. The pleasure in the taste would be SO fleeting that I surely don't need it.
3. I keep healthy alternatives available. Sometimes we just want to snack or our bodies might be giving us hunger signals, so I keep single serving bags of mixed nuts around and apples or even toast. Worst case scenario is that I then go over a few hundred on healthier snacks rather than 1000+ over on fat and all that other stuff.
4. I realize I start to enjoy these 'treats' more and value having them more, e.g. pizza on a Friday night dinner date out (rather than alone in front of the TV!).
5. Convince yourself that you can and could go eat whatever you want right now. No one is going to stop you from stuffing your face with every food you can imagine. You are the only one who is stopping you...but you can get out of your own way right now and start to feel better asap!
Good luck xx
P.S. Note to self: Must refer back to this thread when my own cravings become overwhelming!!!0 -
i can relate to this 100%. for me food makes me feel good when i eat and im never satisfied with eating just one of something. sometimes its so good ill eat it all even if im full just because it tastes that good. like you, im unhappy with my weight and u would think that would stop me from eating so much but it doesnt. sometimes i dont want the healthy snack option, sometimes i dont want a salad. i want to pig out on chipotle and chocolate chip cookies all day. these things make me feel good but if i want to change the way i look i have to stop this behavior. people who dont have this addiction wont understand. its going to take time and u can do it and when u reach your goal u will never turn back
You nailed it, this is me. 0 -
I'm not convinced that it's emotional eating... Maybe it is... Why do I eat?
I'm going to focus on only eating when I'm truly hungry. Sometimes I just eat because something looks good and I know it's gonna taste sooo good! Like a donut or cookie or cake...
I know I eat when I'm bored... I don't think that's "emotional" tho...
How do I stop the cravings? When I am actually hungry I want something dense that will fill my stomach. Not an apple... When I wake up in the morning I'm hungry and I crave carbs!!
I'm rambling...
One thing that helped me stop the habit of eating when I'm bored is drinking water, a LOT of water. When I wake up in the morning I drink a big glass first thing, like 16oz, then I drink another glass right before I start eating breakfast. This not only fills you up and keeps you hydrated but can help with digestion, and the glass right in the morning and before bed can help your organs.
I also always drink water when I think I'm hungry. A big glass then wait at least 15 minutes and if you're still hungry you'll really feel it and know it's time to eat. I also always drink when I'm eating unless I can't for whatever reason.
This might not solve your problem, but it's one thing to do as you adjust to your new diet routine.0 -
I try to break my meals up with some carbs and some protein... not all of one or the other. The combo helps me stay full longer and keeps the cravings at bay. I also have a couple of bags of sugar free candy in my desk drawer along with a big container of gum! I keep gum every where! If I feel a sweet craving coming on I grab my gum and MOST of the time that will fix it.... mind you sometimes it doesn't but most times it does.0
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I think very few overweight people DONT understand this. Most of us have the Tshirt0
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For me, I find that unless I'm really prepared to lose weight, I do the same thing you just described. I don't think it is a willpower thing. However, I have found that a change in environment makes a big difference. For me it's having the kids move out and not worrying about working then coming home and cooking. By myself, I can stay on my diet easily and get my exercise in. Not sure what you can do to change your environment, it may be changing a relationship, moving to a new place, rearranging your old place, trying a new job, joining a new club/church/organization. Just a thought, but it might help.0
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Well My Problem Is There No One There To Support Me With Excercise Or My Eating Habits So I Give Up And I Just Eat My Face But The Problem Not Me Its My Regular Eating Habits Telling Me To Eat This And That How My Mind Is Program But Its Time For A Change...0
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Could simply be that you don't want to lose weight bad enough. You favor the short-term satisfaction of eating something that tastes really good over the delayed satisfaction of losing weight and looking better. That makes you similar to a large portion of the population that cannot muster the will power to do what is difficult. This isn't easy. You aren't trying hard enough.
Or would you prefer we make excuses for you?
This is ok with me. Most day I tend to think this is the answer! 0 -
When you feeling this way..call a friend that will encourage you to stay on track...carry a motivation picture/quote to help you refocus. If all else fails..try a group...good luck!0
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You sound like me, buy a 6 pack of snickers, carton of Ben and Jerry's or dozen donuts, gone the next day.
I try to stay away from those foods. I can't keep them in my apartment. It's like crack for me, but I'll never suck a **** for a Snicker's bar, so it isn't exactly like crack.0 -
It is more of a question you have to ask yourself. Do you feel better after you eat it, I mean before the guilt for eating it sets in? (which by the way starts the binge cycle again. Do you eat the whole box without thinking about it, until after it is gone? I think portioning it out and only having the one available is smart. it is what I do. There are no easy snacks in my house. I have to make it, and if i don't want to put in the effort, well........... then I really did not want it. I go out for ice cream instead of putting it in the frig, and thinking I can ration it (I won't) yes I spend a little more, but it is a treat or a splurge (makes it much more worth it) I am a mindless eater. I could sit down in front of the TV and eat a whole bag of popcorn by myself ( not air popped, no salt, no butter kind for me ohh no) the really bad for you stuff. Now I throw 3tbsp. of unpopped kernels in a brown bag, crunch the top over and microwave until the popping slows (less than 3 min.) I want a chips I put them in a bowl. This way my brain gets...Oh, it's empty I'm done! I have found me eating foods for comfort, and that is OK as long as you are aware of it, and you adjust it to not completely obliterate your hard work. Try getting up and eating something within 30 mins. of rising. Even if it is a piece of sprouted grain bread smeared w/ avocado ( one of my favs.), or protein bar, and a banana. This will get you going, and keep you from eating the gas station continental breakfast (my son calls it the carb bar). Eat every three hours to keep blood sugar stable, and then you won't over indulge in too many snacks. Plan out things for the day, and be aware you binge. Stop and ask yourself am I hungry, or am i eating this to fill some other need. I sit at a desk and listen to people talk on the phone all day! I have asked others in the office to not bring me in sweets. Now that I have gotten on the health band wagon, others in my office and life are making the choice to do the same. They keep things put up instead of leaving them on the file cabinets for us all to nosh on. I have my moments of weakness (i.e. TOTM) I do not stress myself out about which raises cortisol, and then your body wants to hold on to the fat. I accept it and forgive myself, and move on. I do think a big reason I can know do this when I did not before is because this is a lifestyle choice....meaning it is forever, and not temp. to lose the weight. My weight that I lose is a pleasant side-effect from making healthy decisions! I say HEAL....is the most important part of Healthy. I healed my mind, my soul, and am healing my body!0
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All of these comments are good, and some of the tips are very very good. In the end though, willpower does play a big part. Only you have the power to make the right choices. Sometimes the motivating factors make it easier, for me, losing weight is literally a matter of life or death, as until I lose it, I will not be given the lung transplant I need to save my life. So instead of having pasta, I have spaghetti squash, instead of ice cream, Arctic Zero (which is actually quite good and no artificial sweeteners). Sometimes, sometimes though, as other have said, chocolate must be had. So plan for it, log it, have it, and move on to the next healthy meal.
Best of luck to all in their journeys!0 -
I have had the same issue. It's usually because I am depressed. Food can effect your serotonin levels and make you feel temporarily happy( like a drug). You just have to know your body and be aware of your actions. You will start catching yourself, and learn to make the positive food choice instead of eating and getting temporary happiness.0
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