I've been examining a lot of my attitudes/habits about eating. I know as a child, food was sometimes withdrawn as punishment i.e. going to bed without dinner. I remember sneaking food into my room sometimes so I wouldn't get in trouble for eating.
Money was also tight after my parents divorced and I remember having kool-aid on Rice Krispies because we didn't have any milk. Treats like chips, cookies, etc. were a luxury and we rarely had them in the house.
Anyway, I know I have a real "scarcity mentality" when it comes to food. Sometimes when I binge or even just overeat, it's like I'm subconsiously consuming as much as I can because I don't know when I'll have it again.
Or, I don't want my husband and kids to know about MY treats. I want to eat them after everyone has gone to bed because they are MINE.
Anyway, even though I'm logically recognizing these unhealthy thought patterns, I still struggle with wanting to eat at night. Last night I had a very light dinner and nothing after that. I was hungry but I was also kind of sad, like I didn't have a reward at the end of the day to look forward to.
Do any of you struggle with these attitudes about food? What has helped you not to think of food as a reward or punishment? Thanks!