[Fairy Sarah]

As per my previous post...Im back!

Only this time, my biggest struggle is dealing with my emotional eating which is basically becoming compulsive.

I've had a pretty average year, with a few lows but over all it's good. Only thing is, whenever Im lonely or upset, or stressed I cant help but go and buy food, chocolate,burgers, fries, bad bad food and eat it without tasting.

In the past I was so healthy, i would never eat that stuff purely because I knew how disgustingly bad it was for you. I want to just put down that burger and say " no more!" but everytime I do, it just happens again.

I want to get on track and stop doing this, when im bored, or upset, but I can't help it.

Any help?

I was thinking about trying to see a councellor to help a little bit but yeah....

[Iconised Ghost]

When you are bored its simple- do something else! Think of things you can do, go for a walk, do a cross word etc, anything except eat things not on your plan. Maybe eat something that is on your plan- celery, or some fruit or vegetables.

Eating when you are upset is harder i know. When im upset i often find myself heading to the cupboard. I try stopping, looking at the food, and thinking about whether it will really make me feel better. Most of the time i can walk away and do something else. Sometimes i allow myself a little bit, its not going to ruin my plan for the week, and its comforting

[Fairy Sarah]

Hey - your from New Zealand - where abouts?

[Iconised Ghost]

Auckland are you from NZ? or know someone there abouts?

[Fairy Sarah]

Hahah I'm in Auckland tooooo

Originally from up north, lived in wellington last year, and moved to Auckland in march this year!

[Iconised Ghost]

whoa small world! Haha ive always lived in auckland since i immigrated here im not too keen on wellington, but up north is really nice

[Fairy Sarah]

You obviously haven't spent enough time there then, it's the most awesome city ever!
When did you move here? Are you at AU?

[Spoz]

I've been an awful comfort eater too. The trick is you need to face your feelings. You dont have to be ashamed to feel down or depressed and you dont need to smother them.

Its like when people have anxiety or mental health issues they stem from bad past experiences and they cant get over those problems until they faced what caused them and grieve for that bad experience. Same goes here, you need to just let yourself feel again and express those emotions. You could try writing, painting...whatever it is that helps you get the feelings out again.

[startingnew]

seeing a counselor is a great idea i am starting my regimen in two weeks when i return to school and i am starting with a counselor...the goal isnt just weight loss its to be healthy mind body and soul...good luck you can do it!

[Iconised Ghost]

Originally Posted by Fairy Sarah

You obviously haven't spent enough time there then, it's the most awesome city ever!
When did you move here? Are you at AU?

yeah, i havent spent a lot of time down there, only 3 trips- 2 were day trips, one was a week i think. And it was rainy and windy most of the time fully lived up to its reputation in that respect

I moved here in 95, yup im at Auckland uni, doing my 4th year u?

[Fairy Sarah]

I'm at AUT - and I'm going first and second year this year so I can move into third year next year. If that makes sence!

So cool to find someone sooo close to me on here

[Iconised Ghost]

it is cool yay someone else to complain to about the weather when everyone else is in summer (damn you northern hemisphere people )

[Fairy Sarah]

Hahah yess! Gosh this rain is driving me insane! It makes me so sad and makes me want to eat eat eat!

[carinna]

If food really is a compulsion for you, then yes, try seeing a counselor.

[soure1sl]

I used to be the same way. I kind of learned to curb it by making myself forget I wanted it: going for a drive, drinking water, going on this site and reading goal stories kept me motivated to stay away from food as well.