Emotional Eating Revisited

Posted by Natasha on May 15, 2008 at 3:07pm in General Chat

Hi all. To start off, I really love this community. I know I don't say much but I pop in almost everyday to see what's being discussed.

Anyhow, I've been having a bit of a struggle with being consistent in choosing healthy foods. I've managed to eliminate most meats from my diet in exception for occasional fish (which I intend to wean myself off). Last Saturday, I gave away all my canned and most of my packaged food to a food bank.

Nonetheless, I still find myself eating things that I know don't benefit me. Then last night I was in a virtual world called Second Life. I was searching for a class when I read an ad about a woman who helps people who have emotional eating disorders. I decided to get more info and the more i read the, I realized that I fit the profile. Until then I never knew that I was an emotional eater.

To elaborate, lately I find myself eating things that I don't even like all that much. I tend to want to "snack" even when I'm not hungry. Sometimes I ignore the urges, at other times I give in. I actually asked myself why I do that and the first thing that popped in my head was "because you can... it's your life, do what you want". It's like my mind or ego or both are conspiring against me. I know this sounds crazy, but these are the convos going on in my head. I think this may also be compulsive eating.... whatever it is it's driving me nuts. Sometimes I get so discouraged i feel like I'm better off not eating anything at all. Food - something that's good and supposed to provide nourishment - feel like an enemy sometimes.

I don't know if any of this makes sense, but can anyone relate? Have you been able to overcome this? If so, how? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Tags: advice, compulsive, eating, emotional

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Natasha on May 16, 2008 at 9:42pm: Thank so much for sharing, that is exactly what my experience is like... almost like you have no control. The more I think about, the more I agree with Holiday and Victoria that cooked food is an addiction. Sadly, I find that sometimes raw treats can become addictive also when we are using them as a replacement for cooked. So my goal is to see raw treats that I create as an addition rather than replacement. Thanks again.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pink Lady Apple on May 16, 2008 at 9:53pm: Good thinking Natasha. Think of adding and not eliminating. When you add more raw you won't have room for those treats. You will be satisfied.
As far as the transistional foods or treats, you will find that they do have a place in your journey. They will allow you to have those brownies, that fudge, etc. and feel no guilt with them :)
Then as time goes on your body will naturally begin to crave simpler foods. You hear it over and over on this site. People's diets become simpler as time goes on. It is just a matter of doing everything in moderation.
All things that are good for you are good for you in moderation. All things that are bad for you are bad for you at any dosage....Dr. Graham.

Take care and keep on the site for support. Don't be afraid to speak up if you need some help :)

take care and be well; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Anne Gacquerelle-Campion on May 17, 2008 at 12:11am: Dear Natasha,
Thank your for starting this discussion and for your honesty. I am a former compulsive overeater. I went through everything you are saying. So yes, I can relate and I know how you feel. I can say that you are definitely on the right tracks but be patient, tolerant and as loving as you possibly can with yourself. It takes time to change one's food habits. You are not crazy neither. My blog at www.annecampionblog.com could interest you. You'll find tips and help there and don't hesitate to drop me an e-mail with your comments.
Much love and support, Anne; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Natasha on May 17, 2008 at 5:35am: Hi Anne. Thanks for the support, I'll definitely be checking out your site. :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by bitt on May 17, 2008 at 12:21am: yeah i am in that boat. i would get chocolate chips and roasted almonds and eat who knows how much. there was no limit. on raw i have felt more satisfied but i don't think i could do it without my green smoothies. that is why 80/10/10 might not work for me. not enough greens. I am trying to limit my nuts but I know that some days I will need a few more of them and that's ok. they don't make me sick like cooked/processed food was.

today i found myself a little upset and reached for the raisins. i ate a few then realized I didn't really need them. being raw I actually have less cravings so it is easier to see when it is just a habit. like, why am I reaching for this apple? am i hungry or is it just what i always do at 10am?

also something that has curbed my appetite is kombacha. I water it down. it is very soothing and healthy! it replaces the glass/bottle of wine which was a VERY bad habit of mine and I was totally out of control with.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Natasha on May 17, 2008 at 5:36am: Hi Bitt, thanks for sharing. Kombacha... never heard of that until now... will be checking that out.; ▶ Reply to This