I am a newbie. I am wondering if anyone would be willing to share some techiniques for conquering overeating due to emotion? What have you substituted in place of food? What do you say to yourself instead of the negative self-talk?
THANKS!!

I would be interested in a response on this too. I just joined and am in the same situation.

-Keith

Hi Keith,

Welcome! I noticed the an "OA group" and a "food is my drug of choice group" was started in here and I just joined them both. I am hoping that they will provide some of the guidance I am looking for....

Best wishes!
Porthope

I wish I knew the magic word to say during a stressful situation but unfortunately I don't so I really don't say much of anything just listening to my thighs rub together as I walk or struugle to zip up my jeans , are watching my reflection in the mirror when I walk by the Skinny girl section is what makes me reach for a glass of water. Shucks! no one is perfect just take it one day at a time like is AA. Food Monster Get BACK!!!! I'm a Winner today ...I only ate one of this or that.... One day at a time! (Smile)

Most of my stressful situations are at work.

I find that taking a quick walk around the building (or even around the block) helps.

If I can't leave my desk, I find the most complicated task I have and start working on it to keep my mind away from the desire to eat.

Michelle

How I deal with my emotional eating is to take the money I would spend on food and snacks and reward myself with something I want that makes me feel good about myself. I think this is easier for women since we have all kinds of beauty products to reward ourselves with that make us feel beautiful.

I also recently rewarded myself with a body wrap. It took off 12.5 inches and made me feel really thin for a couple of days. I know I still have a long way to go, but anything I can do to raise my spirits HAS to be better than food.

For me personally, I just tell myself NO. I know its hard and rough to deal with temptation. But you have to tell yourself, "is it worth it? Am I really willing to sacrafice my heath and well being because I'm stressed or upset?" mabey get a punching bag. I find that this relieves lots of stress and its a good workout at the same time. I feel its discipline. You know its wrong but at that moment you don't care. It is a feeling and it will pass just give it time. If you really have to put something in your mouth, try fruit and a tall glass of ice water. I know you hear this all the time. But its discipline. Just say no. You may actually feel better that you didn't eat what it is you wanted to chow on. Try the punching bag though. Its wonderful. Good luck and I wish the best for you.

For me it's taking a few seconds to really think about whether or not it's worth it like SuzyQ said. I've had such a hard time with that because I blindly eat and eat alot of something without thinking about it.

It sounds so easy to take a few seconds to think eating through but it takes time to learn it. I'm definitely still trying to learn that one.

I always think about what I want before I eat it. Especially if it is not something I planned to eat during the day. I think real hard about it and tell myself it wont be worth weight gain and going back on my accomplishments thus far. And drinking water helps with my cravings...sometimes i just want SOMETHING...and GUM! Low cal!

I sincerely appreicate all of you taking the time to offer your words of support and experience! Thank you and best wishes to each of you as we move towards better health.
With Warm Regards,
Porthope