The Emotional Side of Eating

SeattleLady · February 2011

I have a problem. I know it and I am not sure how to fix it. I binge. I have told my physcologist about it and she just says don't deprive yourself completely, replace high fat snack foods with healthy ones you enjoy...blah blah. THAT IS NOT THE POINT! I have a problem. I have never made myself throw up or starve myself, but I will eat lots of food at odd times or late at night simply for the point of eating. I hide it and am very ashamed.

I started a strict diet and lost 11 pounds before joining MFP. I KNOW it is possible for me to choose and eat healthy foods and even enjoy it. But then I started working out. I found the perfect workout and community of fitness peeps to work out with and I love it! As soon as I got the "excuse" to eat more to sustain my work outs I started eating unhealthy again.

It is almost like a rebellion against all the "you can't"'s I have heard in my life. "You can't eat this, or you shouldn't eat that". I want to say, "F you!"... but then I read this really inspiring post about all the things thin people go through to stay thin and that key to that is not being able to eat all you want. I am not sure how one can overcome this desire that seems so natural. And in America is frankly treated as normal to eat high fat/sugar foods on a daily basis!

I am not sure how to get the help I need to stop binging. This is not just eating what I want because I am hungry or out to dinner with friends. This is me stuffng anything I can into my mouth because I don't want anyone to tell me I can't. Or because I already "messed" up earlier that day, it doesn't matter anymore.

Sincerley,

superwmn · February 2011

You are not alone in your struggle!

The book Women Food and God by Geneen Roth is a great read if you suffer from food addiction. The book was life changing for me. If you're interested, here's an excerpt from Oprah.com:

http://www.oprah.com/health/An-Excerpt-from-Geneen-Roths-Women-Food-And-God

I documented my journey to overcome food addiction here:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/superwmn/view/what-i-ve-learned-since-2007-part-1-48846

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/superwmn/view/what-i-ve-learned-since-2007-part-2-48848

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/superwmn/view/what-i-ve-learned-since-2007-part-3-48849

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/superwmn/view/what-i-ve-learned-since-2007-part-4-48850

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/superwmn/view/what-i-ve-learned-since-2007-part-5-48851

WE'RE ALL HERE FOR YOU!!!

Charmagne

goatstew · February 2011

Emotional eating is a very real thing and like the woman before me said, there are so many others in the same boat. You are not alone. I too am trying to overcome this. This site is a great place to look to for motivation and support. I'm going to try drinking lots of water whenever I want to eat and I know I don't need to, also, you could try finding something else you love and do that whenever you start to feel that urge. One of my friends even suggested reading scriptures every time she starts to crave but doesn't need it, ha ha ha. The thing about emotional eating, or what you're talking about, is that you want to feel in control of something, especially your own body. The thing about weight loss is, what can be more empowering and make you feel more in control than taking control of those urges and taking care of your body, because we only get one body, and one life. I too am on this journey with you. I have over 100 pounds to lose, and I'm just beginning. Keep working hard. You can do it! Good luck. I hope you find your answers. If you want, you can check out my blog. I'm cataloging my journey and all the tools I'm using. http://theformerlyfrumpymama.blogspot.com/

SeattleLady · February 2011

Thank you ladies! I will for sure check out the sites you have suggested. I am not allowed to at my work computer, but later when I can at home. I am so blessed by such understanding and genuiness. Thank you!

slimchica · February 2011

I so hear and relate to what you are saying! No easy answers for sure but recently read an article that suggested creating a list of "stress busters" during my good days to draw from during my down times...so far it's working. It's tricky stuff though...Do keep me posted-- feel free to add me as a friend~ warmly~ slimchica(2be)

The Emotional Side of Eating

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