Comfort foods and emotional eating

kart777
kart777 Posts: 2 Member
edited November 15 in Food and Nutrition
Hello guys

One of my main obstacle with progress is struggling with comfort foods and emotional eating. I'm sure many of you guys struggle with this too. I am starting this thread so we can discuss ways to minimise this and cope efficiently with food.

Replies

  • Mexicat2017
    Mexicat2017 Posts: 5 Member
    edited February 2017
    Hi Kart!

    I can totally relate to your comment because it's the reason that I've gained 50lbs. After several deaths in my family, I ate to comfort myself.

    Now....I can honestly tell you that I push myself hard to exercise exactly at the moment that I feel stressed out. I may take a very brisk walk or reach for something calming like chamomile tea.

    Once you learn what triggers you to reach for that "comfort" food, then you can work towards your own personal solutions. So, be honest with yourself and face your emotions head on.

    You got this!! :smiley:
  • UnicornCrisis
    UnicornCrisis Posts: 4 Member
    I understand this all too well. I suffer from PTSD which can cause panic attacks. It's hard not to reach for comforting foods after one.
    I used to turn to exercise, but due to current living arrangements (roommates moving more people into the house) I don't get to do my routine at home.
    I occasionally go for long walks (5 to 6 miles). Hard to comfort eat when you're not around food!! :p
    The other thing I'm starting to set myself up for low carb/calorie mug cakes. So when I really want something sweet, I dont ruin my whole day.
  • mariam268
    mariam268 Posts: 1 Member
    I started chewing gum it helps a little or crushed ice cubes just to have something in my mouth
  • TheSkyBlushed
    TheSkyBlushed Posts: 153 Member
    edited February 2017
    Have you tried journaling at all? I know it sounds trite but usually when we eat from emotions we reach for something specific. If you can tie the type of emotion to the food, you can start seeing patterns.
    loneliness = chocolate chip cookies, doughnuts
    frustration/anger = chips, dip & salami
    happy reward = ice cream, drive-thru
    Etc.

    It has helped me to recognize and pinpoint those emotional triggers and what I will reach for.
    Then you can work on finding other better solution like:
    loneliness = call a friend, play with dog
    frustration/anger = workout, chop veggies for the week, breathe
    happy reward = buy flowers for desk, download new music, etc.

    Good luck to you!! :)
  • kart777
    kart777 Posts: 2 Member
    Thanks for such wonderful responses guys. All of the coping methods are unique and intelligent in their own way. I suffer from depression and I turn to food usually as source of comfort. I shall try implement all your advices and update on how it went.
  • SMKing75
    SMKing75 Posts: 84 Member
    It was years into my 100lb weight loss that I realized that I am an emotional eater. I can control my food and then something will come along to stress me out and BAM, I am eating all the chocolate or sweets I can get a hold of. Knowing that I am this way hasn't helped me stop it. I realize when I am going to start and sometimes it is very hard to stop. For the past couple of months it has been non stop sickness with my kids, my father having a major surgery and then going to rehab and expecting me to be there 24/7 and we got a puppy. To say the least, I have not been doing well. But they say weight loss is a journey and I guess this is just part of mine. I am going to give the journaling a try. Especially the "what" I am eating in relation to "what" I am feeling.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    I'd suggest focusing on dealing with the emotions that are causing you want to overeat, rather than focusing on the food itself. Manage your stress levels and you won't need comfort food.
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    I still love my comfort foods but have found better ways to enjoy them (healthier recipes or smaller portions). First deal with the emotion but that doesn't mean you can't have your comfort food also.
  • nowine4me
    nowine4me Posts: 3,985 Member
    I try to replace comfort foods with lower calories alternatives, like Yasso pops rather than Haagen Daz or peppers with hummus in lieu of French fries.
  • domeofstars
    domeofstars Posts: 480 Member
    "If you don't buy it, you can't eat it." This thought has helped me several times when I've contemplated buying unhealthy foods. I know how sorry I will feel if I buy it, because I know I will eat it. I remind myself of how I will feel 'after'....that much further away from my weight loss goals. Foods that are trigger foods and that I can't stop eating, I don't buy. If I really really want something, I may get a small or single size serving, enjoy it and work it into my calories for the day.
    'When you're upset don't eat. Because the void you're trying to fill with food can never be filled' This has helped me too. Writing when you're upset is a great idea. Good luck...
  • Lillymoo01
    Lillymoo01 Posts: 2,865 Member
    Walking has stopped me from comfort eating. I am sure the endorphins realised help with my mood too. I believe that you can't take something away without replacingbit with something else. If you don't trade with exercise then maybe have a ready stock of vegies or something you can crunch on. Even ice can help.
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