Can't control my eating!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-11-2004
Can't control my eating!
7
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 10:01am
I'm a compulsive, stress, emotional eater. Food is consuming my life. The harder I try to diet the more I eat. I've tried every diet known to man with no luck. Every day I look at myself and wonder what happened. I am 100 lbs over weight and gaining. Weight has not always been a problem for me and I think that makes it harder, just knowing what I should weigh compared to what I weigh now. I feel as though I'm slowing killing myself with my eating habits. My BMI is 35, and my energy level is rock bottom on most days. My doctor says I just need to quit over eating, easier said than done. Any advice anyone could give me on how to tame the eating patterns I have developed would be greatly appreciated.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2004
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 12:49pm
I am a stress eater too. Its hard to find something else to compensate for the stress but you have to. So much of weight loss is mental-and its a real effort. The thing that has helped me the most is the story in an old Oprah magazine about a woman who lost well over 100 lbs. When she started she told someone that she couldn't give up white flour and sugar and sweets forever. And the person said "But can you do it for today?" Today I choose to make good choices about the fuel I put into my body. Tomorrow I will make the choice again. And if I make a bad choice at a snack or a meal I will not choose to make bad choices the rest of the day or the week or the month. Step by step you begin to see progress and when you do it gets easier. Little steps like the day you can cross your legs again and the day you buy a smaller size shirt.

I am a little biased but I love the weight watchers program. It teaches me to make better choices and gives the flexability to adjust to the day to day changes. I do it online but a lot of people appreciate and need the support at weekly meetings. As of today I am down 40 lbs and I am thrilled. Its not easy-but nothing worthwhile ever is. And you are worthwhile. Good luck on your journey.

Amy

257/217/150

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2004
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 12:53pm
You are right, eating can be an emotional rollercoaster. But there are other things that can contribute. Do you take vitamins? If you suffer from vitamin defincency, it can cause you to crave food, from your body seeking nutrition. Maybe it would pay you to go have some blood work done, just to see if everything is lining up correctly.

Also try to create habits, like drinking a full glass of water before eating a meal or anything for that matter. Sounds mean, but sometimes you will think, "Is it worth having to drink a full glass of water, just to have that doughnut?" LOL It worked for me.

I know, in the end, it does come down to just saying "no", but just considering some other options might help you not to feel so out of control.

My last little suggestion is to find things and activites where food is not convienent. Go to stores that do not have eateries, and parks and things where it would take a while to satisfy and instant craving.

Hope this helps, Rebekah

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 1:21pm

Im sorry to hear that you are struggling so.

  Shawna-- Proud Cl for 100 Pounds or More to Go 

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-11-2004
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 1:23pm
Thanks for your suggestions.. I've been thinking about weight watchers a lot lately. I tried it once before, maybe it would help this time. I appreciate you sharing the Oprah article with me it makes a lot of sense. Thanks again
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-11-2004
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 1:27pm
I've tried to take several different vitamins but they all give me heartburn. I will keep trying to find one that doesn't. I am often tired and sleepy. I have my blood work checked every 6 months to a year because of my past thyroid disease and they tell me everything looks good. Thanks for your advise.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2004
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 3:45pm
Only advice, really, is to start somewhere. Start today, with your next meal, and maybe (if you want to) keep a food journal so you can see how much you've had and how much you have to go. If you're lacking motivation, just start with the *conscious* choices you are making each day about which foods, how much, and incorporate a little exercise into each day. Hopefully, before long, it will become second nature. In other words, just start...and the motivation will follow with the results you'll experience.

Good luck.

Forte

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2003
Thu, 05-13-2004 - 9:51am
Get rid of everything in your house that is unhealthy that way you won't be tempted to binge when you are stressed. This sounds silly, but I also don't carry a lot of cash so I can't run through the drive through when I am having a tough day. You also might come up with a list of things you can do instead of grabbing food like go for a walk. Tape it to your fridge and follow it. If you do decide to keep a food journal you might also journal why you are eating and how you feel when you are eating. that can help you come to terms with any patterns. good luck and let us know how it goes. sharla