Hi GingerJen, and welcome!
Good Luck!
First of all, congrats on taking the first step towards a solution, and remember that "a job begun is a job half done"! You can do this!
I can certainly understand your dilemma, being an emotional eater myself. It's really crazy, like I'll come downstairs already full, just bored from doing too much homework, and when I'm heading back up, the kitchen is significantly emptier and I can't remember exactly what I ate. But I'm working on stopping that
I can really relate though, it's so hard to muster up the will power to stick with a health diet sometimes. My dad is in such good shape, he only eats what he needs, with maybe one small desert after dinner and he always laughs at me when I complain about how tricky it is to not overindulge.
I find it helps me to plan everything out before hand, know exactly what I will eat. As long as I make sure my plan has enough healthy food to keep me well nourished, I know that when the snacking craves hit, it's my mind and not my body that really wants the food. Just this awareness makes it easier to stop eating, or better yet, not even start. Sometimes when I find myself prowling around the kitchen, bored and in search of somethig tasty, I'll make myself drink a glass of water and listen to a song or two on my headphones before I have a bite. It gives me time to think if I really do want to break my diet with something I don't need. Plus, I LOVE music, so that sometimes is the break I really needed - sans excess calories! I also don't alow myself food in my bedroom, so when I'm really tempted I have a little sanctuary for myself.
Also, one of the most important things when you're trying to lose weight is your mindset! You can't be in denial, certainly, but just as important, you shouldn't be too harsh with yourself. That's more likely to hurt than help. Dieting is about positive, healthy changes, so don't put a negative spin on it by being ashamed of how you look now. You will only have the willpower and motivation to see this through if you like yourself and are doing this to make yourself healthy and happy. If you look at it as punishment for overindulging in the past, it will be a drag and you will likely give up. Make yourself lots of mini goals and celebrate by purchaseing cute new clothes along the way that show off your increasing fit figure. It will make your long term goal seem much more attainable and your progress will be highlited as you continue to succeed.
Most of all, just believe that you CAN do this! And do it because you LOVE yourself
, not because you are ashamed. Good Luck!