I can't stop overeating...

Thank you for all of your responses. Really, I appreciate all of them. I read each and every one and will consider taking your tips and advice. To answer some of your questions, my main purpose for losing weight is to lower my chances of becoming diabetic, as diabetes runs on my father's side. This is why my eating problem is such a huge concern for me. I have a severe sweet tooth that I need to learn how to control and I need to learn how to control it as soon as possible. Personally, I would like to rid my diet of desserts for good. I was successful in doing so last summer when I was able to satisfy my craving for sweet foods with fruit or with a piece of sugar-free gum or mint. I was not tempted whatsoever by sweet foods back then, but since my stress eating began, I ate whatever what was insight, thus I developed the sweet tooth that I'm trying to control now.


To katykosto, I have tried the method of drinking large amounts of water in order to fill my stomach before having a meal. (Thankfully, I have completely given up on drinking sugary drinks. Nowadays, the only liquid I drink is water.) I found that this method hasn't quite worked for me, however. The water that I drink ends up going right through me, if you know what I mean. And I actually have a friend who is currently in college studying to become a registered dietitian. She told me that you can eat, at the latest, an hour or two before you go to sleep, but you need to make sure that whatever you eat is healthy, such as fruit. I'm not completely sure if it is true, but that is what she told me.

To brittanya92, I have tried that method of having a small dessert daily, but I end up going back for seconds or I end up giving myself a large serving. Basically, once I have a taste of something sweet, my brain goes haywire and I just go back for more and more. In other words, I'm pretty sure that I am a sugar addict...

To lefty421, you are right on point. That is exactly how I feel when these eating episodes occur and that is exactly how my brain reacts when I eat something sweet. I want to completely rid my home of foods with added sugars, but, like I mentioned in my first post, my parents continue to purchase the sweets or they bring them home from work despite giving serious talks about my eating problems to them. I have even teared up while explaining it to them, but like I wrote before, they just respond with, "You need to control your eating." and then they continue to buy those foods. I will try to have another serious sit-down conversation with them as soon as possible.

To VegGrrl, I will go out and purchase that book soon. (Surprisingly, all of the copies in the libraries in and around my area have been checked out.) Thank you for the recommendation.

To kritterxx, I have tried that method and it has worked in terms of keeping the sugary foods out of the house for the most part. Sometimes, for example, my mother will still buy something I told her not to buy because she tells me it's for her to eat and that I need to control my cravings and not eat it, but that has not worked. I will try to be more firm with her. I have also tried keeping out of the kitchen by staying in my room after having a healthy and portion-controlled meal and by occupying myself with internet surfing or with a movie. My parents have noticed this habit however and think that I'm always locked up in my room and don't spend enough time with them, so they force me to come out and hang around the living room or office. Both rooms, however, are connected to the kitchen, so you can all guess where this is going...

To kdeaux1959, I am more than sure that I am not mistaking overeating for healthy eating. For example, I recall one day in which I ate a large bowl of homemade fried rice, 4 ice cream treats, 4 fairly large chocolate chunk cookies, and a large bowl of sugary cereal with milk over the course of a 6 hour time span. In no way am I exaggerating. I do not believe in dieting for the purpose of trying to emulate a model or some Hollywood starlet, as I explained before that this is for my health since diabetes runs in my family. I work out daily for an average of 4-5 hours (running, walking, dancing and using hand weights), since I have a lot of time of my hands since finishing the school year, so my issue is primarily diet-related. I will still take your advice, however, so thank you. I do know that I need to increase my protein and fiber intake in order to curb my appetite.

To htolen, thank you for your words of encouragement. I should develop the habit of reflecting on myself more. I actually just thought of an idea of keeping a diary that I could write in everyday. To answer your question, I am not losing weight to impress my parents. I've actually tried convincing my parents to exercise more and to go on a diet themselves, but of course it didn't work. Regardless, my efforts are all for my own benefit and no one else's. I will seriously consider your advice and I appreciate your wise words. Thank you.


I feel like I just told my whole life's story to you all, but I certainly feel much better letting it all out. After going back and re-reading my responses to your posts, I've realized that the main issue concerns my parents and the fact that they continually buy foods with added sugars and desserts. I will most definitely have another serious conversation with them soon. Thank you again for all of your kind words of encouragement and for your advice. If you have any other tips, please do not hesitate to post more onto this thread, as I will continue to read them. Thank you all so much. I truly appreciate all of your help. Knowing that I'm not alone in this makes me smile. Thank you again.