We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

emotinal/stress eating

aimeealee
aimeealee Posts: 36 Member
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
I love to eat good, I love to exercise, I have control......most of the time. When I find myself surrounded by pessimism and negativity, I find myself unable to control myself. I recognize it, I try to control it. Once I start, I struggle to stop the comfort eating. Of course winter makes it a little more difficult. Anyone have suggestions on keeping myself mentally strong through these situations?

Replies

  • goldthistime
    goldthistime Posts: 3,213 Member
    First I want to say I read a little about it and emotional eating is not as bad as you think. Because it is relatively infrequent.

    To answer your question though, you know the drill: phone a friend, take a walk outside, journal, have a bubble bath, work out etc.

    "Habitual disinhibition" is the bigger problem. So the most important part is the "struggle to stop the comfort eating". A lapse is just a lapse unless you let it turn into an overeating habit.
  • aimeealee
    aimeealee Posts: 36 Member
    Thank you. You are right. I do know the drill. It's funny how a person can get caught up in a situation and forget all logical thinking. I needed a refresher on your info! Thanks!
  • transientcanuck
    transientcanuck Posts: 82 Member
    edited February 2015
    I have a bit of a problem with this as well. When stressed or annoyed with something, I feel tempted to head to the pantry. I have managed to avoid it most of the time by making myself a cup of coffee or tea and distracting myself (watching TV, going for a walk, painting, etc).

    I also get really stressed out at work and feel tempted to run to the local store and chow down on a chocolate bar. I've managed to avoid this most of the time by repeating the mantra in my head: "I don't need it". Again, I found distracting myself would also take away my mind from the stress, thus eliminating my cravings. Talking to my coworkers or taking a short break and making a coffee at work would help me take my mind off of things. Good luck :)
  • stschwartz
    stschwartz Posts: 9 Member
    Great topic. About the only time I binge on food is when I experience some sort of upsetting news, event that I feel I cannot control. Thanks for the mantra idea! I'll have to come up with one related to what triggers me.
  • KCoolBeanz
    KCoolBeanz Posts: 813 Member
    I used to. You need to learn other ways to comfort yourself - exercise of some sort, call a friend, go for a drive, etc. Replace the eating with another habit that's healthier. In the beginning, it's work - until it becomes a (good) habit :-)
This discussion has been closed.