Emotional Eating

Posted on July 19, 2014

I have a confession: I'm an emotional eater. For years, whenever I was troubled or stressed about something, I'd eat. Not just eat; I'd overeat!!! It didn't matter what it was; if I wanted it, I ate it until I was stuffed!!! I live alone, so nobody really knew what I was going through. My family and friends would always talk about how strong I am in handling situations, but what they don't know is that I turned to food for comfort.

BUT TODAY IS A NEW DAY!!! There's a new sheriff in town, and THAT'S ME!!! I'm determined not to allow anyone or anything to sabotage me!!! I'm meditating and finding other things to keep my mind from focusing on food. It's a struggle, but I'm determined to win this battle. If I slip and fall, it's okay. I won't beat myself up about it; I'll just pick up the pieces and get back on track. I'm just going to deal with it one day at a time. :-)

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07/15/2015 8:45PM

I have a confession too.. I am a boredom eater... When I am bored I want to bake and cook, or research food, or buy food and try all kinds of new foods. With my fibromyalgia, I have not been able to find another activity to fill the void.I joined my first dietbet today, and I am hoping this is the challenge I need to bend these ingrained behaviours. As you said, time to grab the reigns and take control.

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adrienne121

WELCOME TO DIETBET TJ!!! I'm sooo proud of you for taking the 1st step to start your journey & make changes for the better!!! I wish you good luck & much success in your new challenge!!! HAPPY LOSSES!!! :-)

adrienne121

And from this point on, no more baking & trying all kinds of new foods out of boredom!!! The next time you get bored, put on some music & dance, work out, go for a walk, grab a good book to read, etc. TJ, we're all a work in progress, & change takes time. It won't happen overnight, but with persistence & determination, YOU CAN DO IT!!! I believe in you TJ, & I'm rooting for you!!! :-)

Jenn

04/04/2015 7:37PM

Dealing with emotional eating is definitely a struggle. Thank you for sharing this.

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adrienne121

You're welcome Jenn!!! It is a struggle, but it does get better with time. I know it has for me, especially since I joined DietBet. It all became possible with the amazing support from the wonderful people in my challenges. I hope things get better for you too. Good luck mamacita!!! :-)

Diane

03/26/2015 4:34PM

So am I! Thank you for sharing, you are not alone and yes, we can do it!

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adrienne121

You're welcome Diane!!! And YES WE CAN & WILL DO IT!!! :-)

BLazar

02/17/2015 11:13AM

Get it, girl! I know the feeling. Even though I am a health and fitness professional, I sometimes turned to emotional binge eating. It is a constant struggle to find how to get past those emotional triggers. I know when I journaled about an episode, I was able to pinpoint triggered turning to food, so I was able to actively combat that. Keep going, and you will be able to work it out...we all will! Love!

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adrienne121

Thanks BLazar!!! I've gotten much better since I joined DietBet in May, 2014. Now, whenever I get stressed or worried, instead of eating my emotions like I used to, I pick up the phone to talk to a family member or friend, take a walk, watch a comedy, or most importantly, take a few deep breaths & meditate for a couple of minutes. Afterwards, I feel so much better. I also remember The Serenity Prayer. If there's something I can change that's within my control, I deal with it. Otherwise, I pray & give it to GOD & then I release it. Life is too short to be stressing about something that's out of my control. We're all a work in progress, & with time, we'll be able to handle situations in other ways besides always turning to food for comfort. I wish you all the best with your journey. Good luck!!! :-)

EmberEyes

01/28/2015 12:11AM

I'm the same way. If I'm angry, I eat; if I'm sad, I'll eat; if I'm stressed, I eat; if I'm tired, I eat if I'm happy, I eat; if I'm bored, I'll eat... Eating is always the solution, and as you I live alone, so nobody questions the empty ice cream cartons or cheese doodle bags or falafel wrappers... I checked out your profile page and WOW!!! You are such an inspiration! Keep up your amazing progress!

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Debi NP 2B

Love your phrase 'we're after progression, not perfection'. I'm stealing it!

adrienne121

Glad you love it!!! It's not my original phrase though; it's universal!!! I just changed it a little. Feel free to use it!!! :-)

Donna R.

01/07/2015 6:02PM

Oh yeah!!! Nice job trying to conquer the "head"

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adrienne121

Thanks Donna!!! :-)

Tabatha C.

01/07/2015 7:11AM

I can relate and I am sure lots of people can. My answer always seems to be food. Yesterday was "Had a bad day at work lets order pizza" but I refrained.

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adrienne121

Tabatha, I'm sooo proud of you for not falling victim to the "pizza" temptation. Good job!!! Keep up the good work!!! :-)

Alivia

01/04/2015 5:23PM

I share that confession, especially at night...

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Popster-tiffany

Same here! I don't know why- but I just usually binge at night. I'd eat clean and healthy all day in small proportions. But after dinner, I just crave for all the food that I can't have, or just more food. And although I say to myself NO NO NO NO, my hands just automatically go for it, and grab food, as if it has a mind of its own...

Doodlebug

01/04/2015 5:05AM

I can relate to emotional eating. I agree that finding other healthy coping skills can be helpful.

adrienne121 likes this comment.

Adina B.

01/02/2015 10:00AM

Awesome! I hope to somehow find the same strength you have just showed us! It is easy to let other people sabotage your plans and motivation. NO MORE!

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adrienne121

Thanks A. B.!!! With your great attitude, you'll do it too!!! We're a work in progress, & we can do it; it just takes time. I'm doing much better now. Instead of turning to food for comfort when I'm stressed or troubled by something, I work out, go for a walk, watch something funny, or I pick up the phone & call a family member or friend. ?