Hello Shortymac! I'm so glad you found this place...it has been a huge help in my journey to getting my body back!
I'm only just starting out, but I know how it is to be out of control with eating. I know how it is to feel misunderstood because of emotional eating. People don't understand the grip food can have on someone who is an emotional eater. Given the tremendous stress you have undergone, I appluad you so much for getting back on track and doing what you need to do so you can be healthy for your boys. I also have two boys and that alone gets me to feel like I need to eat!
I've read that it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to really change a habit. Maybe you can start with that? Make a commitment to move more (start with walks) and eat less (choose a program you like: counting calories, weight watchers, soutbeach, etc....choose something you can do long term) and check back on this forum for inspiration and support. If you can't go to a gym, maybe find some workout dvd's either for sale or at the library? Dring lots of water. The most amazing thing happened to me when I stopped drinking Diet Coke (I was a total addict and never thought I could stop): my food cravings decreased by more than I could have ever imagined. I think Diet Coke and other artificial sweeteners were really causing so much harm. I even saw Dr. Oz (on Oprah) talk about the fact that people who drink diet soda gain just as much weight as people who drink regular soda because your body finds a way to get that sugar that it thinks it's getting when you drink it.
I do lots of gum chewing and I munch on carrots when I'm having cravings. As you get further into this, your taste buds will change and even though you might still want junk, you'll find that you start enjoying healthy foods more and more.
Sorry for going on and on! I'm just really hoping that you find the support you need to get to where you want to be. You can do this!!!!
Irena