What do YOU do?
 

If you do, or have ever used food as a form of emotional comfort on a consistant basis, how do you combat the urge to do this, and what alternative methods have you devised to replace the food comfort?

Dr. Phil's book addresses how to solve this issue in great depth. Get a copy from the library if you don't want to buy it and be sure to do the exercises. You have to have alternatives already in place instead of reaching for food.

Thats the very problem I have. I don't know what to do. NO WAIT !! let me re-phrase that !! I do know what to do, I just don't know how to stop myself from turning to food.

I don't know how to talk myself out of going for the food. I usually just grab food or if I do try to talk myself out of it, it doesn't work.

I don't know the exact words to use to stop myself in my tracks. The magic words??

Well, I think it's the very hardest thing. But I try to keep busy, especially in the evenings or if I'm alone in the house...you know just trying to keep out of the kitchen. I used to make myself have a drink of water every time I walked into the kitchen which certainly made me drink loads more water, and if there is anything in the fridge I shouldn't be eating I put it at the back behind healthier options.
The best thing for me is exercise. It keeps the depression at bay plus it gives you a food free environment where you can translate your angst into energy. I find that an event which might have made me feel crushed and hit the fridge can be saved up for a trip to the gym and used as fuel. I really love the idea that all that negative stuff can be made into a positive experience for me and I dissect it all while I'm on the bike or whatever, try to get things into the right perspective while my body is busy doing something other than eating. I've never ever come out of the gym wanting to buy a chocolate bar from the vending machine so it works!
I have heard it's good to think while you are eating about what it is you are trying to fill, if not your stomach, and either give yourself permission to do it or decide you don't need to.