Tue, May-06-03, 09:08
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Senior Member
Posts: 118
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Plan: Schwarzbein
Stats: 169/154/150
BF:
Progress: 79%
Location: Vancouver
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Emotional eating
Hi and Good Morning
I have been working on finding my triggers for emotional eating. For me, I know I eat "sweets" to emotionally nurture myself. I have learned thru reading that eating chocolate triggers an endorphin in the brain that is a "feel good" endorphin. This endorphin is also released by exercising (which isn't nearly as enjoyable as eating chocolate!) So if/when I am feeling like I need nurturing, I cruise for sweets. When blood sugar rises you also feel better (altho it is short term). Also you may be (what I've termed) a "social eater". I know I eat differently when I am with somebody, be it a friend, my husband and/or my family, than I do when I am alone. I believe the "social eating" is comparable to social smoking or social drinking - you know those people who smoke/drink twice as much when they are in others company rather than when they are alone.
I know there are many books and you could probably loan them from the library (so you wouldn't have to buy them), that deal with the issue of emotional eating. I know of one that is called "It's Not About Hunger (or Food)" and it deals with the emotinal side of eating. However I have not read it myself. (Personally I have been dealing with self-esteem issues which has also helped with my understanding of why I seek sweets - (for me) it is a way I try and nurture myself.)
I would suggest visiting the psychology section of your library and read, read, read - learn what "triggers" your emotional eating. One thing that has worked for me for example: we go grocery shopping and husband likes cinnamon rolls - you know the kind with white frosting and raisins. I like them too and before we'd each buy one and have it with tea when we came home from grocery shopping. Now, if we purchase a cinnamon roll, we purchase just one and split it - I make sure he gets the larger portion. This way I get to have a taste of it but I don't overdo it and I am satisfied and don't feel like deprived, like I've had to give up everything I like. At work, there is always food treats here in the office. When I know there are donuts in the kitchen, I simply don't go near that part of the office, because I know if my eyes see the donuts and smell the sweetness I am going to have one, because I know this I choose to stay away. I also do not allow any ice cream, candy or chocolate into the house. I occasionally allow myself a few pieces of good chocolate. I buy a small amount on Saturday and eat it up, enjoy it thoroughly and it is gone - it is not sitting in the kitchen tempting me. If I overindulge (like you wrote about the sundae treat - YUM!) the next few days I eat way under my carb limit to (sort of) counter-act the damage I did.
I seem to be rambling a bit - I hoped I answered your question, hopefully gave you a few tips. Don't beat yourself up over this - at least now you are aware and that is a big first step. Also have you checked in at any of the other boards for discussions on emotional eating? There are wonderful discussions and support on other boards too.
Cheers!
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