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I overeat to cope

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Posted 10/10/2007 8:03 AM (GMT 0)
This is my vice. I once weighed 330lbs. I got down to 180 through diet and exercise but everyone said I looked ill so I purposfully put on weight. The problem is that two years later Im at 220 and I feel like my eating is out of control again. If it wasnt for my daily workout and physically demanding job, Id be 300+ for sure. Im sure the prdnicone isnt helping, but its not just that, its my life, my lonliness, my guilt, my shame....my depression. Im so lost and getting farther away all the time. Farhter from myself that is. I am an extremist so today I got rid of my tv(again) because I theorize that I eat more in front of it so if I get rid of it everything will be ok. Well, here I am snacking while typing. I was able to keep it under 2000 calories before, I need to get there again. Lately Ive been at 4000+ calories daily. Sometimes 7000+. Crazy huh? I just need help, not of the O.E. persuasion, but of the getting to my root problems persuasion. Do you guys journal or meditate...I know that would help me but it my world of distractions, I just never do it.
Posted 10/10/2007 1:30 PM (GMT 0)

Hi there

I overeat for emotional comfort, I know that, but the reasons behind that for me is pain, loss of job, marriage and other things.  The best thing I could suggest is some counselling.  You need to find the reason behind why you eat, and find ways to manage it.  I have been seeing a psychologist for 18 months and it has helped me enourmously.

I wish you luck, it's not an easy thing to change.

Cheers

Deb

Posted 10/10/2007 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

As ozfm has said, eating habits are not easily changed... but thats not to say that it is impossible. I too would recommend councilling and also changing what you have in your cupboards. I know I confort eat a lot of the time and I think nothing of eating a tube of pringles to myself (Nearly 1000 Calories) or 2 packets of biscuits. So I purposely dont buy them. Replacing them with raw vegetables like carrots can be a solution for some people....maybe this will work for you?

Darren

Posted 10/11/2007 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I truly sympathize with the problem of overeating as I used to use food as a means of comfort. And all it got me was fat.  I do attend a weight control program and it  is one that you can do online.  You can get all kinds of good ideas from a weight control program and there are also good recipes and hints.  One of the things I have learned is that we are not always hungry when we think we are - it is actually that we are thirsty.  So if you drink a large glass of water you can see if that works.  The other things I take when I don't want to overeat are vegetable or tomato juice and also chicken or beef broth.  You would be surprised how much you fill up on those things and without many calories.  Be sure to use the low sodium and fat free ones.  I also drink tea and find that helpful.  Sometimes just getting out of the house helps to stave off overeating.  One thing I do so as not to overeat is go to my library.  You can just read and many times I take my bills and sit at a desk and write them out.  Being among others is helpful and I think if you are not alone too much you won't be so tempted to eat.  I don't know if this is any help but having been in the same situation and finding ways to overcome the problem made me feel you might get some benefit from someone else. I wish you the best of luck!

Posted 10/11/2007 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
Since no one has said it, eat more protien!! Protiens fill you up and give you energy! AND protiens can help build healthy muscle and help you loose weight. You can stay with the vegan diet and get your protien through beans, fortified cereal, lentils (which is the BEST), and other methods. Also, try cooking from scratch instead of ready made or boxed stuff. Portion control everything and eat on BIG plates. Part of eating is visual, and the more that your eyes see, the more your stomach thinks it's full. And, eat slowly and take breaks. It can take up to 20 minutes for your brain to tell you stomach that you are full. If you eat on a smaller plate, your brain is thinking that its just an appatizer and more is coming; with a bigger plate, your brain thinks, wow that's alot. It's kinda backward, but there have been studies done on it.

I cannot stress how important introducing Lentils into your diet is if you dont already eat them. They are not meat, but the protien structures in them are very similar, and the pack the biggest bang for your buck. They come in different colors, can be made into soup, busciuts, even cookies!!! The food network web site can give you great recipies.

And on that note, I eat out of comfort, boredom, because I love food, ect ect ect. But, I choose foods that I wont feel quilty afterwards, AND I do try and "cheat" alteast once a week. Getting chocolate pudding instead of a candy bar, get sun chips or a baked variety instead of regular potato chips. There is always a better solution to what you are wanting and it will still satisfy you. You just have to look and geat creative. But, if nothing else will do, remember everything in moderation.
Posted 10/11/2007 6:27 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your tips. I will try to incorporate them in my life. I especially like the getting out when I feel tempted to overeat. I love the library but I never go cause tv and food seem better. Ive dieted my whole life so a lot of the tricks of the trade are already a part of my routine. I fill up on water and try and keep bad foods out of my house( I am going to work on that). And I am going to buy lentils too:)
I know there are underlying issues to this problem and I really need to work on that. I need to start journaling and meditating. I just always avoid it. Even now with no tv I avoid it. At least Im talking about avoiding it, thats progress right lol
Posted 10/11/2007 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Any step is a step in a direction. It is up to you whether it's foward or backwards.....

I had an idea last night as I got the urge to snack. I popped a peice of gum in my mouth and viola!! The urge was gone after a few chews. It worked for me, so it might work for some one else!!
Posted 10/12/2007 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Just a hint - try getting out and doing something diffierent than you have.  You may be surprised at how much you like doing something else.  Maybe pick up a hobby.  The more I distract myself with something else the better I do.  Also, do you know when the best time to quit eating is?  It is when you feel satisfied, not when you are stuffed.  If you stop when you feel satisfied in about 20 minutes the full feeling kicks in and you won't want to overeat or eat more than you should. Some tips I have learned from my diet group. Keep posting - we are all here to get you through a rough time or just some comforting words. Also, another thing I do is go to a bookstore to browse.  Most stores have comfy chairs where you can sit and read a book or magazine.  They also usually have coffee cafes.  I find it very comforting if I don't have a friend to do something with as I feel I am part of the world and there are others around.  I have also gone to the movies by myself - that was a brave step for me and I really enjoyed it.

Posted 10/12/2007 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah for Aurora!!!!! I wish I had the courage to go to the movies by myself. Coffee I can do by myself, movies...no.
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