Trying cope without food

So, I've had a rough couple of days emotionally and still realizing that my first thought on how to deal with it is, "what can I eat?" I have (98% of the time) been following the doctor's/nut's eating plan for me and have been very successful in my weight loss thus far. But, even after 8 months, still finding myself wanting to turn to food first when I am upset. It happened to me twice yesterday. The first time.. I didn't give in and just did some deep breathing and drank some hot decaf tea. The second time, my hand went right into the granola (low carb Flax Snax). I even measured it out. Somewhere in my head I told myself I didn't need it, but I still went and did it. Then I'm disappointed in myself all over again. This doesn't happen all that often. I truly try not to "medicate" my frustration or emotional status with food anymore. I do recognize that I want to do it, so I am more aware of myself and my feelings these days. Anyone else still go through this sometimes? Thanks for letting me vent! Leah

Leah, I think we ALL probably still find ourselves reaching for food in times of emotional turmoil. I know I certainly do even though I make a conscious effort not to eat for comfort. Lifelong habits are very hard to break! When I had my prep psych evaluation, the Psychologist suggested what she called having an emotional "diaper bag." She made the analogy of a parent never leaving home with an infant without having the proper tools on hand i.e. diaper bag. She suggested making a bag filled with things to occupy your mind and/or hands in times of turmoil. A book, a magazine, crochet needle and hook, scrap booking materials, cross word puzzle or whatever you may like that can fill your time and distract you from the food fixation that follows emotional difficulties. It is a very good idea and it has helped me through some rough times. I keep a "diaper bag" with magazines and crochet materials on hand all the time. Of course I also have my trusty notebook computer so that I can check in with my November buddies in times of strife. Support from everyone on OH has helped me through many times. I hope this helps. Keep your eye on the prize and don't forget how far you have come on your journey. Valorie

Yep. That confirms it. You are normal! We wouldn't be here if we didn't turn to food to self-medicate. I always admire those people who "just can't eat" when they are stressed. I want to eat everything when I'm stressed and I'm stressed a lot! I run a large organization and there is never a shortage of things to be stressed over. I like the diaper bag idea. I don't think diversion activities like knitting or word puzzles would work for me but I could foresee a picture of a fabulous outfit that I would like to wear when I reach goal weight, a picture of a myself on a boat or a beach, a book on fitness, etc. In other words something to help me refocus on my goals. The good thing is that we recogninize what we're doing now!

Thanks for all the support. I needed to hear that what I am going through is normal. I actually like the idea of the diaper bag. I used to knit baby blankets for friends and it definitely kept my hands busy and my mouth empty. I think I might go back to doing it. Thanks for the great idea! Leah

Since you used to knit baby blankets for friends, you may want to go back to that and then donate the blankets to a hospital or charity. We have ladies that knit shawls we give to Breast Cancer patients, they love them. It will keep the hands busy, the mouth empty, and your heart full! Sandy