Sad-emotional eater

joeylu
joeylu Posts: 208 Member
edited September 24 in Introduce Yourself
Hi everyone. I am new to this group. I have been doing well but this weekend i fell off the wagon after having lost some good friends to petty stuff. How do you stop the emotional eating.

Replies

  • Nursejuliej
    Nursejuliej Posts: 13
    Usually when I eat emotionally I don't recognize it right away. Once I do, I stop myself in my tracks and change my behavior. If I feel it's necessry to mindlessly munch while I mentally deal with my emotions then I get out a bag of baby cut carrots and eat away! It always help to keep raw vegies on hand. I also will try to remove myself from the kitchen and do something productive, like go to the gym, clean out a room, etc...

    Mind over matter!!! Also, put this weekend behind you and start fresh today.

    Good luck!
  • kac7700
    kac7700 Posts: 125 Member
    :smile: The same way you stop any other addictive or destructive behavior. First you have to want to change. Once you have that, then you reach out and build a support network like you're doing here. Great job taking the first step. There are lots of supportive people out there. I'm so sorry you had a rough weekend. Hang in there and get back on the wagon and let us know what you need.
  • sayambular
    sayambular Posts: 205
    It's not easy at all to stop emotional eating. I've lost 43 lbs and still haven't learned how to completely stop the emotional eating. It just takes a lot of time and hard work and changes on your part. It WILL happen though. Just keep up the work and you can overcome it! Keep a positive attitude!
  • BeckyRayJohnson
    BeckyRayJohnson Posts: 88
    Distraction is the best way..get out and enjoy the day walking around a store or park or the block..I craft, read or take the dogs out. I think many of us here are emotional eaters. Having a bad day or days happens to everyone. Dont think about the bad days only the good.
  • DisneyMum
    DisneyMum Posts: 20
    Why don't you try going for a walk instead of eating. I found exercise really helped me when I lost my Mom. It's a very good stress relief. :flowerforyou:
  • Teresa652
    Teresa652 Posts: 217 Member
    OMG the exact same thing just happened to me. I grabbed a high calorie snack and left it in front of me and put it in my diary and then I seen the big red numbers and then I tried to figure out how in the world I was going to burn it all off. I put the snack back and grabbed something else. I took it out of my diary and felt better. Still haven't ate the 2nd choice but its tempting. You can do this.
  • Starrotts
    Starrotts Posts: 164
    i have been an emotional eater all my life..i have lost and gained lots of weight..and am now trying to lose again...the thing is for me when i do start to eat from emotions i dont grab a bag of carrots i eat stuff with sugar and i dont stop for awhile sometimes like a week sometimes just one day..it is a constant battle...for the people who say mind over matter..mind wins no carrots for me..the good news is that i keep trying and dont ever quit..and it sounds like u r 2..so the best of luck to u keep fightin the fight:flowerforyou:
  • joeylu
    joeylu Posts: 208 Member
    Thank you!
  • Carol_can_do_it
    Carol_can_do_it Posts: 73
    It's an everyday struggle for me to overcome emotional eating. One thing I found that helped me is a support group. I attend Overeater's Anonymous both in person and online. I can call my sponsor at anytime I feel I need to. I have learned to change my unhealthy eating and change it with a healthy activity (drink water, exercise).
  • Griffin90
    Griffin90 Posts: 64 Member
    Usaully when I start that emotional eating I can't sit still and keep walking around the house and inevitably by the pantry where all the kids snacks are. What I have been doing to stop that is just leaving the house and walking around outside to try to stop the urge. It has been working so far.

    Good luck!
  • joeylu
    joeylu Posts: 208 Member
    Its so nice to talk to some other people who get it. Thank you all for your kind words and support
  • petithamu
    petithamu Posts: 582 Member
    Same here, I am definitely an emotional eater...for many years. I've been on MFP for just short of 2 months and I've definitely had my bad days. The others are right, it is all in your control. We think it's not but it really is. I remember the first 'emotional breakdown' since I started MFP and my 'life changing journey', I went straight for the chocolate cake on the table...I took out a plate, I sliced a big piece, I took one bite then I literally had to step on the break and said it out loud, 'what the heck are you doing??!!" I then threw the cake in the bin...to make sure I won't eat anymore of it...I did whatever I had to do to avoid emotional eating, that includes throwing out everything I know I'd want to eat that are bad for me, especially when I'm upset. You are in total control and you are strong enough to make that decision. I'm sorry you're sad...it sucks...but keep your head held high, you will be okay.
  • lvmorgan
    lvmorgan Posts: 2
    When you get down and want to eat the house down, stop and think a minute before you do!!! Grab that bag of carrots and hop on the tread mill or take off walking to relieve the stress. Keep yourself busy!! Run, go to the mall and walk if it is raining. do what ever it takes to get your mind off of eating.
    Call a family member or friend for support!!! You will finally defent those temptations. believe me, I have been there!!! Good Luck!! You can do It!!!!!!
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