Emotional eating
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Emotional eating
| Tue, 04-10-2007 - 2:16pm |
DH and I started yesterday on Phase 1. Yesterday was fine until after supper. We were talking about vacation plans and got into a very huge fight. He left to go work on something in the garage and that made me even madder so I went for a ride. I really wanted some ice cream but went to the bookstore instead. I thought if I could keep my mind occuppied I would forget the ice cream and it worked for a little bit but today I keep wanting my ice cream - mint chocolate chip. Any suggestions?
I am an emotional eater. I eat when I'm angry, to celebrate and when I'm bored. I've been on an emotional roller coaster lately and I can see that being my biggest problem. Help!!

Hi and welcome! I remember you though.....so this is not your first time around, right?
If phase 1 feels too restrictive for you, why not start with phase 2? Eating fruit and grains may satisfy you enough to increase your willpower and keep you on track.
Here is a link that should help too: Overcoming Emotional Eating -
Karen gave you a great link to help with emotional eating.
Hi,
I posted a response to this but somehow it went on someone else's post. Lack of sleep from the fight with DH last night has had me doing some really strange things on the computer today.
Anyway, I haven't been to this board before but I think I've seen you on another board = maybe Parents of Teens or Parents of College Students or Flybabies.
I went to Starbucks this afternoon and had my indulgence there. I think I saw somewhere that a fat-free, sugar free latte was okay. If it's not, please lt me know b/c even though I'm not a coffee drink at all, I kind of felt like that would be a good pamperer for me. Since it's expensive, I don't think I would let it become an everyday thing but more of an occassional special treat to replace my ice cream. Anyone think that would be okay?
Thanks!
I get the sugar-free, fat-free cinnamon dolce latte from Starbucks as a weekend treat. I think they have a vanilla and hazelnut flavor as well, but I've never tried them. The cinnamon flavored coffee is so good that I feel like I'm cheating..!!! As far as what I have read here, these are perfectly fine for you to have. The last time I had ice cream I was almost sick. It was too terribly sweet. So now, I just think about that sick feeling when I find myself wanting some ice cream. The 'urge' passes very quickly...believe me. And I'm much more happy knowing that I had a 'treat'..but it wasn't a 'cheat'..!!!
Rebekah
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Hey, there!
I deal with serious emotional eating as well -- learned some good tips lately -- some borrowed from addictions counseling -- don't reach for your substance of choice when you are either "hungry, angry, lonely, or tired" -- HALT. The word is easier to remember. It kind of stops me, wait, am I h. a. l. or t.? Being aware is the first step to avoiding a pitfall.
Do just what you did --"reach out"-- I have been reaching out to the ladies here and have received so much needed support. It is making a big difference.
Try to find some time when the craving is past -- and journal it out. What was the trigger? What was the chain of events? Is it linked to an emotional event from the past? When the craving is finally over, we tend to want to forget about it. But I have been encouraged to think of this activity as "preventative medicine". =)
Something else you also did -- get out of the environment. Go for a walk, etc. Good job!
Take a few moments of conscious relaxation, deep breathing. Focus in. Is it the food I need or is it something else?
Hang tough! I have had cravings last for days as well. It is DIFFICULT! But don't let it get you, resisting makes you stronger for next time.
Cathy's substitute ideas are awesome. Don't feel deprived.
I know how you feel,
(hugs)
Teresa
edited to add one more principle I've been focused on lately: "Small compromises can lead to big disasters."
Edited 4/10/2007 7:34 pm ET by teresadenisa
Thank you so much. Now my grown kids have jumped into the argument about vacation and it's just making it so much worse. Now I'm back to wanting my ice cream or a glass of wine (and I only have a few glasses a year). I called my best friend last night and talked the fight thing out with her and that helped alot as well. If the kids don't let up, she may be hearing from me again. Oh well, I only cry on her shoulder maybe once every few years while I've been through a few divorces and the death of one of her kids with her so I guess she owes me.
I really do need to learn to quit eating when I'm emotional. Thanks for the tips and the encouragement!