by Katydid » Fri Nov 13, 2015 4:02 pm
I also have periods of compulsive overeating - particularly when under stress. What I have found helpful is
1. No processed food in the house. No rice cakes, corn cakes, cold cereal, bread, crackers, etc. I don't care if they are "allowed" on the program, they aren't safe for me to have around. I have a list I shop from and that's it.
2. Managing stress. That means staying organized. This was particularly hard for me because I have a difficult job and am often mentally exhausted. But I have gotten my "you know what" together over the last year and worked out a system to make sure my bills are paid on time, the vast majority of my food for the week is cooked on the weekend, I complete "check-off" series of exercise goals every day, and I am actively downsizing my junk every month to relieve the stress of having too much STUFF in my life.
3. Letting go of anger. I've found that anger - whether at another person, or worse, at myself - can lead to overeating. Now I just "let it go" and move on.
4. I try to never EVER eat in the car. Every time I do, I end up overeating. If you can eat it while driving a car, it probably isn't something you should be eating at all (with the possible exception of little cold potatoes, but the principle stands). I can miss a meal if necessary, or stop and get out and eat, but if I'm driving and eating I'm not paying attention to portion size or hunger signals.
Those are my rules for coping with MY version of compulsive overeating. Hope they help.
Kate