Hello, everyone--
I've been reading the board here every now and then, and I think I posted once long ago. You all sound like such an interesting group that I should get over my reluctance to post, but I tend toward being quiet. No offensive is meant.
I have been struggling with a basic question for some time now, and I was wondering what you all might make of it. The reason I call it basic is because it deals with a pretty fundamental component of any program: not eating when one isn't hungry. Lately, I've realized that's my biggest problem; I'm rarely hungry when I eat. When I do manage to not eat when I'm not hungry, I'm always shocked at how little I actually need to feel satisfied and I nearly always lose weight. But, after a few weeks, I start eating when I'm not hungry. I know I'm doing it, but I can't seem to stop--I guess that's why they call it compulsive eating.
So, my question is what can I do to keep myself from eating when I'm not hungry? Are there any strategies that you use? What recommendations might you have? I mean, everyone knows "do not eat when you're not hungry," but, saying that to a compulsive eater is like saying "do not clean the house when it is not dirty" to a compulsively neat person (I'm rather the opposite of that, myself ). Obviously, I shouldn't eat when I'm not hungry. But how can I go about stopping?
Sometimes, distraction works, but too often it doesn't. I realize that my problems have deeper, emotional roots, and I spend a lot of time trying to work through the fears that perpetuate my current overweight state. But thinking about those dilemmas or trying to take my mind off food doesn't help much.
I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
faradayblack
SW: 300 lbs
CW: 280 lbs
GW: 160 lbs