EMOTIONAL EATING

[Dunner]

I am a 22 year-old emotional eater. Does anyone have suggestions for stopping this before it gets out of control? I typically eat like a "normal eater" for two days and then binge on the third day. I am driving myself insane because I just can't stop eating! (It's been for 6 years now)

[beenee]

Why don't you switch to things that are better for you? Binge on fruit and vegetables instead of chocolates and crisps. Cut sticks of carrots and celery and store them in the fridge for whenever you feel peckish.

This probably sounds highly boring and cliched but if you turn to green tea, slightly sweetened, you should get your sugar fix, fill yourself up for a couple of hours and feel good that you were healthy.

The best thing for you to do is definitely not buy any dangerous foods when you do your grocery shop. Whenever I'm tempted to buy something that isnt good for me, I repeat to myself: "if I dont have it, I wont eat it".

[beenee]

Another note: The fact is that you can definitely stop bingeing and/or engaging in anything that's not in your best interest. I am a strong believer of the idea that if you can't stop doing something it's because subconsciously you don't want to!

Find some alone time and ask yourself some difficult questions: like, 'What am I gaining by bingeing? Does this keep me weight up? What purpose does this serve for me?'. Some people subconciously perpetuate obesity because they feel safer in their skins, even if it makes them miserable on the outside. I'm obviously not pointing the finger on you since I don't know you or your case, but it is something that might get you talking to yourself and getting some answers. Good luck.

[Wisebird]

After six years, I suggest you should be getting help from a dietition. You usually can arrange to do this through your GP. My friend had the same problem and got help this way. It probably is a lot to do with your blood sugar levels. You could also see someone at an eating disorder clinic, but I don't think your problem is bad enough to warrant this.

[K99]

I too was a binge eater until about six weeks ago and then I joined my local slimming club. I'm not fat but plan to lose around a stone you only have to be about half a stone overweight to join. Anyway it has totally changed my eating habits and my relationship with food I am no longer obsessed with food.

[Redeemed]

I also had this problem ans sought counsel for it. I learned that there was a hole in my life and I was using food to fill it. Found out what you are missing. For me, it was a relatioinship with God that I had always wanted to have and didn't know how to get there. I found God, and the massive eating sessions are over for me. BUt it something totally spiritual and emotional.

[moggyday]

make sure you eat regulary meals and snacks (healthy stuff plenty of fruit and veg) but something i have found helps me ( i am an emotional eater too) is to actually learn to recognise when you are doing it and if not stop it totally then at least do it far less. what i mean by this is when you have had a really crappy day and are feeling sad or ****** off then actually acknowlage it rather than just trying to numb it with food it not easy at all and it really does take time and effort but it will be worth it as you will feel better as a whole. also look into maybe getting some couselling and have a look at self help guides.