Emotional Eating?

Question

I already know to watch what I eat and ask if it is really necessary but it doesn’t help. I eat when I am sad, depressed (even more), and happy or excited. I can't stop and I am gaining so much. Most of the time I am not hungry and I eat in high moderation. After I eat, I get this overwhelming sense of guilt and failure because I am really trying to loose weight and I cry sometimes. I am not fat but I want to loose. There are alot of problems in my life though people have had worse. But I have been this way since 2002. What's wrong with me? Please Help!

just a couple of examples of when i eat:

i got a raise at work
i just got approved for a new apt and i am now eating because i am happy
when i think about things that worry me
when i am late on my bills
my boss asks me in for a meeting-i am nervous so i eat before i go

these things are not normal

Answer 1

I would try to talk with a counselor, they really can help. But, your over-eating happens to a lot of people. It's called binge-eating, I believe. It's an eating disorder, really. But, you can control it with time. It's hard though, you eat emotionally and sometimes probably out of boredom. Try to exercise more, it won't level it out, but it will help your body some. You eventually have to get control of this. You are at risk for so many things in your future if you continue, heart attack, diabetes, & the big one..heart disease. It's hard, I know. I struggle too, but try a slow approach. Instead of going cold turkey, go 3 or 4 days eating healthy and then go one day when you can what you want (to an extent), and then try that cycle 4 on/1 off, and incoropate some exercise at least 3 times a week (cardio mainly). I really encourage you to talk to a counselor, don't be embarressed, you realize it's a problem and want to fix it, and you just might need some help and encouragement from an outsider, nothing wrong with that.

Answer 2

You balance yourself out by doing this. When you are depressed make yourself a salad or eat fresh fruit and you can even eat ice cream or frozen yogurt. Also, if you want to snack on something eat some raw vegetables or find some baked potato chips such as Sun Chips. But, you asked what is wrong with you? You and your body have gotten into a routine. Meaning, you have conditioned yourself for this. Don't worry you can break this habit by doing what I mentioned above. When getting your ice cream you can by the healthier brands. But, also, take evening walks. Believe in yourself and you will have success.

Answer 3

it's hard to give up, just reach for that chip packet everytime sometyhing goes wrong, because it's habit and so your brain just knows to do that.

When you feel this way get up and go and do something else that will take your mind away from eating. Like go and see a friend or go and do some exercise or fold clothes, anything that will take your mind of your problems.

You should find a good friend that will be able to support you, someone you can be accountable to. or go and seek some councelling or proffesional help if you can't do it yourself. Good luck with it, i know how it feels because i usually do that when i'm bored

Answer 4

Look in your phone book or on the web for a local Overeaters Anonymous meeting in your area. These are free meetings that meet usually once a week or month and they are a support group for emotional eaters.

Answer 5

You have my sympathy. I would eat when Iw as depressed. I would eat when Iwas hapyp I lost weight. I realized, food cannot be my hobby. You have to replace food withsomething that will add happiness and color to your life. Trips, clothes, SOMETHING. Everyone needs something in life to give it joy and color, but food cannot be it for you.

Answer 6

Do some gym-exercise and that will turn you into a different pearson (thinking positive and having more trust in yourself).

Answer 7

I am gazing into my crystal ball and I see Prozac in your future. Talk to your doctor.