Self-Esteem and Overeating

Skinny100
Skinny100 Posts: 77
edited October 3 in Health and Weight Loss
Do you believe that low self-esteem causes one to overeat?

Sometimes I feel like I can't break the cycle of feeling bad about myself and overeating.

Has anyone been able to overcome this cycle?

I've gained 20 lbs in two years. I would love some tips on how to break this cycle. I recently figured out that I binge eat when I feel the worst about myself. It feels like I devour everything. I feel out of control.

Overall I'm quite happy, but I lack self-esteem.

Replies

  • debnu1
    debnu1 Posts: 1,568 Member
    I understand this problem, that's part of why I started the beck diet solution, see thread below, I also found some books on how to improve your self esteem. I have not done them yet but it is in the works. Try finding one thing about yourself everyday that you like and say it out loud. Oh and check out the inside out weight loss podcast. It is amazing!
  • Skinny100
    Skinny100 Posts: 77
    Thank you so much :)
  • lovelee79
    lovelee79 Posts: 362
    I feel your pain. I just binged on a bunch of bread about 15 minutes ago, an dI feel so sick now. I'm so sad and mad at myself for eating it. I want to cry. gross !!!!! My self esteem is worse now then before I ate. :(
  • anewattitude
    anewattitude Posts: 483 Member
    You are not alone on this. My suggestion would be to try and go for a walk or some other activity/task to get your mind off food when you feel the urge to eat just for the sake of eating. If its not feasible to do an activity for whatever reason, try having healthy snacks on hand so at least you are eating something healthy.

    I can tell you from experience that exercise is a great mood booster so when you feel down do some hard core cardio if you can. It works for me when I am in a funk!
  • juliapurpletoes
    juliapurpletoes Posts: 951 Member
    I do believe low self-esteem is a major reason many of us either over eat or under eat for that matter. I've struggled with it my whole life. I finally read a gread book that nailed it for me. Our self esteem is low because we don't feel good enough and that who we are doesn't really matter. If we have that cemented in our heads we tend choose all kinds of options and behaviors that hurt ourselves - including over eating.

    When we feel like a validated person, we are happier and we tend to choose the 'right' things to do.

    Think about it.

    And, just so you know, let me remind you that you are a prescious human being who does indeed matter and that you are good enough. People and the world will and can love you, just for you being you. :smile:
  • 2ht2hand1e
    2ht2hand1e Posts: 116 Member
    I'm not sure that I have overcome it, but I have come a long way on this...The good news is that while it is a lot of work, there is plenty you can start doing to increase your self-esteem now...You have already recognized your problem and solution, which is great!...And you made a public statement to those who can be great social support, and you can pick and choose what you are willing to try, from a wealth of knowledge from different people on this site who are at different stages of personal growth in similar way as you are now....It's huge that you recognize that self-esteem, saying negative things to yourself in your thoughts, and overeating and not feeling well physically and emotionally, are all related....It took me years to realize that happiness came from being my own friend and feeling worthy to do things and take time to do things I like, just because I like to, and the freedom to express my thoughts and emotion without feeling guilty or afraid that I am not "good enough," and not just from controlling the eating and my weight...It takes a lot of work to increase your self-esteem....Achieving the small (and big, long-term) goals you set yourself will help you increase your self-esteem...because you are succeeding! One thing that helps for some people is each time they think a negative thought, they tally it on a notepad or their iphone, etc....Then they think a positive and true thought...like maybe a response as if it was your best friend who had just told you the negative thought/statement. Then reward yourself for tracking the tallies....Like a dollar a tally for a new purse or what you like.....That is just one example, of many things that do work for some...I hope you find a lot of support and try lots of things because It is so very worth it, and you are worth it! You cannot fail until you give up and you cannot fail if you do not quit.
  • Venessa165
    Venessa165 Posts: 12 Member
    I definitely overeat when I am stressed or worried about something. I joined TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly) to help me kinda stay on track. I used to go to a support group to talk about my emotions, you may want to think about that for support. Overeaters annon or emotions annon.
  • adnorri
    adnorri Posts: 20
    I myself have a problem with low self esteem and it sounds really crazy to say but I never really put the two together. Just since I read your post I think that is the reason why I do tend to overeat!!! I have thought for years to myself "why do I keep overeating?" and I think I now finally know the answer :) I really appreciate you posting this because it has helped me so much! Now that I know why I am doing these things I can try and fight the urges because at least now I know where they are coming from. I hope that being on these forums can help you the way that they have already started to help me. If you ever need support please message me! I know where you are coming from so maybe we could fight this together :)
  • longoverdue
    longoverdue Posts: 57 Member
    bump
  • Scorpioangel
    Scorpioangel Posts: 951 Member
    I do believe self esteem causes overeating. Looking back I know that I would purposefully eat more than I should and eat bad things as a form of punishment for how bad I felt about myself.
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