feeling blue

Avatar for honeisos
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2004
feeling blue
4
Mon, 05-24-2004 - 1:23pm
Hi Guys ...

I just found out that I didn't get a job that I applied for.

I was very upset... I'm feeling a little better now.

But , what frightened me was that fact that I wanted to stuff my face .

I wanted to drown my sorrows in a plate of mac& cheese!

I worked my way through it ... but later on today . I'm afraid , I might do it.

Can anyone give me some advice on how to handle the urge to binge.

Thanks,

Sasha

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: honeisos
Mon, 05-24-2004 - 1:32pm
Im sorry Sasha about the job.

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-04-2004
In reply to: honeisos
Mon, 05-24-2004 - 1:35pm
Sasha,

I'm sorry you didn't get the job you applied for! But congratulations on not giving in to the urge to eat the mac & cheese.

Handling the urge to binge is still a toughie for me, but I do have some ideas that might work. First, don't let yourself get too hungry. Make sure you eat something healthy and satisfying so that you're not as tempted to go for the mac & cheese. Also, maybe get your mind on something else, like go for a walk, or do something with your hands so that you can't eat while doing it (do you do any crafts or anything like that?). I've also heard that brushing your teeth can make cravings go away although I've never tried that one.

Good luck and don't worry. You'll find an even better job than that one :-)

~~Linda

~~Linda

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-23-2004
In reply to: honeisos
Mon, 05-24-2004 - 4:25pm
Sasha,

I have the bad habit of binging when I'm stressed or depressed. My sister sent me the article below via email, maybe it'll help you, too.

Also, you might want to try these deep breathing exercises when you feel the urge to binge: http://www.ivillagehealth.com/print/0,,612362,00.html

They've really help get my mind off of my cravings and to destress.

I'm sending hugs to ya!

Vikki

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**Avoiding Stress-Related Overeating**

Many people complain about the fact that stress at the workplace or personal stress makes them overeat. This unhealthy habit can be kept under check by following these tips:

1. Wait before you eat. Postpone your snack or meal for ten or fifteen minutes whenever you feel hungry. If your cravings are stress related, they will disappear.

2. Keep a list of what you eat each day. When you know that you have to write down every single meal or snack that you have, it will keep you away from binge eating.

3. If you binge eat only at the end of the day, try to distract yourself by reading a book, magazine, or movie instead.

4. Ensure that you eat only when you are seated and not in between other tasks. This way, you will focus more on what and how much you are eating.

5. Get another friend who shares the same problem to help you out. Whenever you feel the craving for food, get in touch with him/her. You will find it easier to get over the feeling.

6. Always have wholesome healthy meals at regular intervals. If you skip meals when under stress, you will end up eating all the more.

7. Keep a watch on yourself. Put short messages or notes around so whenever you read them, you are discouraged from over-eating.

8. Know yourself. Know your weakest times and places. Work toward staying away from the coffee room at work, or plan activities to distract yourself when you feel the hunger pang!

9. Don’t let your co-workers tempt you into joining then for junk food during break.

10. If you are addicted to vending machines, each time you resist a craving, put away the money you would have spent in a little box. You will be surprised to see your money “grow” and at the end of it, when you have collected enough, indulge yourself in a low-calorie treat!

11. Remove all food items that tempt you, from your proximity. Don’t go shopping if you are hungry. Bring home healthy food that you wont feel guilty eating.

12. Plan for a special dinner or snack once in a while. When you crave for food, think about the upcoming treat. This will stop you from overeating at all times.

The tips given above will help you control overeating in response to stress. However if you want to reduce weight permanently, you may have to consult a qualified medical practitioner.

© 2001-2004 Weight Loss Diet Information. All rights reserved.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2004
In reply to: honeisos
Mon, 05-24-2004 - 4:29pm
Hi Sasha,

Sorry about the job, but hopefully the next one will be better suited for you. About the binge eating, right now while you're not eating how about making a list of activities you'd like to do, instead of binging, and then if-and-when you feel like binging, pick something from that list and DO IT INSTEAD.

hippolytes