I thought we could make a list of REALISTIC alternatives in different situations-at home, at work, at night etc?

It would be a great reference for us all.

Here's some initial thoughts:

Home:
Have a bubble bath
Give yourself a pedicure
Face mask
Drink lots of water

Hey, great post ms.cate (Can we just call you Cate ) And by the way to our forum.

Instead of bingeing, my personal tactics:

Log on to 3FC
Take a walk
Drink a cup (or many) of coffee
Watch a movie
Chew gum
Look through old photos
Go (non food) shopping, I go to thrift stores - no food there!!! But you know, one time, I went to a thrift store and they were selling chocolate!!! But I didn't buy any because luckily I didn't spot it until AFTER I had made my purchase and I just kept walking out the door

HEY other CICs!! Cate posted her profile. Now go read it pretty please

You most certainly can call me Cate!

Thift shops are a great idea! Libraries too, but ours have vending machines in the lobby which have to be steered clear of!

I like to get a get/schedule a pedicure, put on my new smaller clothes, drink lots of propel (it's a treat for me, almost sinful LOL and only 30 calories per 24oz)

Yes, great idea for a thread, Cate! And welcome!

For me:

- drink coffee
- go for a run (I hate the thought of it, but I feel great during and after)
- eat my three snacks throughout the day to stay fueled! (hunger is a big trigger)
- gardening (strange... I can garden for hours without even thinking about food!)
- make soap It's VERY distracting.

I paint my nails. And my toenails too if its a really bad craving.

I start cleaning! There is always something to do, especially with three kids and four ferrets.

Aw ferrets are great. I have 2 house bunnies and there's always plenty of cleaning and grooming to be done!

Try on "big" clothes to see how far I've come
Try on "small" clothes that now fit comfortably

Bleach my teeth.........use the strips or the little tray thingey....no way to eat then for at least 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes the cravings usually subside and the taste in my mouth discourages eating!

Brush my teeth and gargle with mouthwash

Lose myself (and hopefully my binge-beast) in a good book

Cool idea, Ms. Cate!

Have you ever noticed that when you're bingeing, you're not focusing on other aspects of your life that could use more attention? Really focusing on something that I would have to atleast partially neglect in order to binge really helps me.

Here's some ideas I'd like to add
* Have a nap
* Put on scented lotion.
* Do my eyebrows (warning: may result in overplucking. *lol*)
* Get support! That's huge...whether it's talking over the phone (because remember, it's so rude and gross to eat and talk on the phone at the same time:S), going for a walk w/someone, or posting/reading on 3FC.
* Crank music and sing along.

I try to eat every 2 hours...so sometimes when I get a craving and I know I have to wait for like 2 hours since I last ate it will go away. It also helps me keep my metabolism up.

If I want something sweet I try to have coffee or a piece of fruit instead.

I avoid binges with watching tv, working out, napping. Also improving my appearance...like painting nails, doing makeup, reading a magazine. I look through some motivational pictures I keep. Logon to this forum and write on my blog.

I listen to music
Read
Paint/draw
Surf the internet (3FC, Fitday, MySpace, deviantArt...)
Gulp Gulp Gulp water!
Work out (still working on that one. )

Exercise in the Evening because that is the time I'm most likely to binge. Exercise leaves me feeling thirsty not hungry.

Cross stitching really distracts me.

Sewing

Tackling a big cleaning project.

Moving around furniture.

Making sure I have a salad first at a restaurant, then I feel a bit full and are not as likely to binge.

Drinking 2 glasses of water.

Walking out the door and walking till I feel tired and the feeling passes

* Call a friend.

* Fix something. NOT a sandwich.

* Blast some music.

* Do yoga.

* Get engrossed in the web.

* Fill out my FitDay early. Look at my progress.

* Journal.

* Sex! Alone if necessary.