Frustration!

Cozmetick
Cozmetick Posts: 94 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I fill laps of boredom with food - which a lot of people do, but I'm struggling to stop and I get so frustrated and get moody!
Has anyone got any tips on how I can fill the void without using food?

Replies

  • mllanez
    mllanez Posts: 1
    When I want to eat and know I am not hungry I chew gum or go read and article about healthy eating. It seems to work for me to distract my mind or keep my eye on the goal. Good luck!
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    I fill laps of boredom with food - which a lot of people do, but I'm struggling to stop and I get so frustrated and get moody!
    Has anyone got any tips on how I can fill the void without using food?

    Are you eating because you are bored or hungry? Generally if you eat more protein, fats and fiber you will stay full longer and you will not want to eat as much. I also found those with aggressive weight loss goals tend to binge more. With 40 lbs to lose, your goal should be 1lb per week. Also, exercising will give you more calories which makes it easier to fit in more filling foods.
  • fairygirlpie9
    fairygirlpie9 Posts: 288 Member
    Why don't you fill it with exercise instead - you'll feel so much better. You could do something like the 30 day shred - its only 20 minutes long and high intensity. You get a good workout in a short space of time and you probably won't feel so keen to gorge on foods. Or use the time creatively, watch films, youtube tutorials, make something. Much of my weight was gained by laying in bed eating chicken nuggets and chips (fries) whilst watching films so I didn't even notice what I was eating - I'm so much better now that I phased that out.
  • KatiCoufal
    KatiCoufal Posts: 35 Member
    I noticed if I drink lots of water throughout the whole day then I will not crave snacks or feel the urge to eat while bored because my stomach is so full of water. I drink around 12 or 13 glasses of water throughout the day. I basically forbid myself for a whole week to not eat any snack whatsoever and just drink a ton of water. It got easier after that point and my cravings for snacks subsided.
  • WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr
    WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr Posts: 2,150 Member
    I'll polish my nails, that way I can't eat because my nails are wet and usually the time will pass and by the time I can eat it's either time for me to eat something or I'm not interested in eating
  • TommyJensen1987
    TommyJensen1987 Posts: 95
    Fill it with something else: tea, coffee, gum or a walk. Instead of controlling your mood with food try walking or meditation.
  • Cozmetick
    Cozmetick Posts: 94 Member
    Thanks guys!
  • luckygal79
    luckygal79 Posts: 1
    I understand! I'm the same way and it does get frustrating. I chew a piece (or two) of gum and find a distraction like reading or talking to a friend. Anything to put food out of my mind. If that doesn't work I will take a walk, clean, or go to the gym. I find if I ignore the craving it usually goes away within 5 to 10 minutes. HTH!
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    I'll have a cup of tea and try to keep my hands busy. Knitting, reading, paper folding, anything that keeps my hands too full for food.

    I also tend to keep some extra calories available for an evening snack. For me, I always find that I do better knowing that I can look forward to an ice cream sandwich or some popcorn or a beer or something.

    Sometimes I get stir crazy and I find I just have to leave the house. I'll call a friend and get out or just get in the car and go somewhere that doesn't have food.

    But I agree with everyone else that it's important to make sure that you're actually eating and drinking enough throughout the day. If your cravings are caused by actual hunger then it may be time to adjust something.

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