Emotional Overeating

[New Every Day]

I'm new here, but I've been reading some of the Steve's blogs and really appreciated them. I've read a lot on personal improvement, etc. and I really like Steve's thoughts.

One thing that I struggle with a lot is my weight and overeating. I have noticed that my overeating is always emotional in context. During the episode, often I will realize that I'm overeating and not care that I'm overeating during the time. Later, I will beat myself up for binge eating, etc.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, advice, etc.

Godspeed,
Ed

[KittyG]

I struggled with anorexia for many years. While I have a hold on it now, it's still always there, looking to resurface. I would definitely recommend Overeaters Anonymous ; here's a link:

Overeaters Anonymous: 12-step recovery program from compulsive overeating
. . you can find a meeting in your area thru this link . .

You're not alone,

Kat

[Ali]

New Every Day

that used to be my worst habit. You will need to change your mentality about this because it will reflect badly on your health. One way I found that worked for me is finding something else to do instead of over eating. I feel what you feel really, when you are bored the best thing to do is eating. Honestly just sit down by yourself in your bed room or anywhere peaceful with a pen and paper and write down possible things that can come to your mind and keep you entertained rather than food.

thanks

Ali

[Holistic Star]

I used EFT for dealing with emotional overeating.

I've got a quick-start manual that I have written, specifically about using EFT for that purpose.

I'd happily send it to you if you like

[ahimel]

I also find it helps to control what I have in the house. When I eat a pound of carrots or a pint of frozen yogurt, it's not nearly as bad as eating a pound of Snickers or a pint of ice cream. And if I feel so icky and depressed that I actually go and get a pint of ice cream, well, at least I had to walk to Safeway and back.

Good luck, and let me know if there's something I can do to help.

Amanda

[Cassie]

Hi Neweveryday. I struggle with the exact opposite. In my emotional ups and downs, I tend to stop eating. I've been having a horribly rocky relationship with my boyfriend and it's been hell trying to force myself to eat these past few weeks. Hopefully we can all support each other out of these nasty cycles. *warm hugs*

[New Every Day]

Originally Posted by Ali

New Every Day

that used to be my worst habit. You will need to change your mentality about this because it will reflect badly on your health. One way I found that worked for me is finding something else to do instead of over eating. I feel what you feel really, when you are bored the best thing to do is eating. Honestly just sit down by yourself in your bed room or anywhere peaceful with a pen and paper and write down possible things that can come to your mind and keep you entertained rather than food.

thanks

Ali

Thanks Ali, I definitely need to work on my emotional stuff. I was seeing a psychologist, but (it's a long story) I ended up having to quit seeing him. I start with someone new this week though, so hopefully he will help. Part of my struggle is that I have Borderline Personality Disorder and part of that is that it is extremely difficult to learn from your experiences. A lot of times, you know mentally what needs to be done, it's just darn near impossible to change. Ah, just one more thing to overcome


Kat, I tried the OA groups in our area, and it wasn't very useful. The meetings I went to were 5 ladies and me, and they spent the time whining about their husbands, etc. I also tried Weight Watchers and didn't really fit in there either. Now, it sounds like I'm whining, which isn't what I meant to do.

Star, I've got no idea what EFT is, can you help with that? I tried the link, but I couldn't make it work.

Amanda, Thanks for the idea of controlling what's in the house. Unfortunately, my wife is 105 pounds and doesn't see anything wrong with having junk in the house. So, it's this constant battle with chips, etc. in the house.

I really struggle because I feel like I should be able to manage it, I just haven't been able to do it. And that's have the frustration.

Anyhow, thanks for the ideas/advice. I am actually doing better. At the beginning of 2006, I was at 342, now I'm down to 308, so almost 40 pounds.

Have a great weekend all,
Ed

[barbesj]

I'm in the same boat as all of you.

9 yrs ago, I fell into a deep depression that caused me to gain a good 70lbs in 6 months. No doctor, eatting plan, support group, etc...helped and trust me-I tried them all........

Has anyone been trying to implement the LoA for weightloss?? I've read others doing it for various health reasons but haven't seen any for just weightloss.

I just found on the abraham-hicks.com site while listening to the podcasts this past week, that they state being unhealthy/overweight is because we are focusing on that, rather than the feeling good aspect of being healthy.

so even when I am saying "I must exercise to lose weight" I'm focusing on my overweight problem, not the healthy being I want to be.

Its VERY hard for me to figure out HOW to change that, how to focus on the healthy aspect and how to get there... I've developed a bad habit=for 9 yrs, I've hid under this fat suit, and now I want out and can't figure out how to get the zipper open (so to speak)

I'd love to hear someones thoughts on this,

cheers,
barbe

[ReallyGoodIdeas]

Originally Posted by New Every Day

Star, I've got no idea what EFT is, can you help with that? I tried the link, but I couldn't make it work.

The main site for EFT is EFT Provides Impressive Physical and Emotional Freedom--New Discovery Often Works Where Nothing Else Will. you can download a free pdf form there. I also have a beginner's guide you could try on my home page. EFT is v effective for dealing with emotional responses.

[Wanderer]

I have no experience in this area, so if my advice seems stupid please feel free to ignore it

You've said you eat because your depressed, it seems like your stuck in a negative habit.

It takes just 30 days to make or break a habit. If you wanted to break this habit, you could simply start on monday, and if you become depressed between then and Christmas, rather than eating drink water, do press-ups or find and kiss your wife passionately (kissing burns 9 calories a minute)

This should hopefully break the negative habit and reinforce it with a more positive one to help you with your problem, if you find yourself over-eating, do try and make it healthier rather than junk foods

Hope this helps, and Good Luck
W