Emotional Eating Strikes

It was bound to happen sooner or later, but I am paying the price. I got into huge fight tonight. I was angry I made my dinner and scarfed the whole thing down chewing maybe two or three times. I didn't eat too much so I am at least good there. You think the two times I bit my lip chewing would have been my clue to slow down, but oh no. Now I have unchewed food sitting in my stomach and I am uncomfortable. And yes still angry. Now instead of just being angry at one person, I am angry with myself too. What sucks is that it was total auto pilot behavior.

Hi there,

Thanks for your post! Don't be too hard on yourself, those old behaviors are always in the background, we just learn how to handle them better....my partner keeps candy bars, cookies, muffins, and other poisons in a basket on a counter next to the fridge at all times....I've had to psyche myself over and over to not even look at them when I go to the fridge for my stuff, 'cause I can tell you that pre-op I would've eaten them without a thought, without any hunger, without any need....I have to stay aware now when I'm around food to not reach out and take something. I think staying aware is a key for me, as for so many years I just ate over all my emotions and numbed out a lot of things. I don't choose to live that way today....one day at a time, I'd like to keep my size 10 for the rest of my life.....Susan, NeverQuits

It happens. Move on, but...... What are you going to do next time you get mad? Now that you know it can happen with automaticity what strategies will you put in place to help you get through the next you get upset without eating too fast, too much, or without thought?

I won't eat, that's for sure. What I did was dangerous. That food could have gotten stuck, it could take too long to digest now since it is barely chewed. I could have eaten more than would fit and I could have stretched out my stomach. Not to mention my stoma*****hurning and making all kinds of noises. Not good.

Keith, you don't have to answer me but I want you to think about this.  You have told Kairk what you will NOT do, but what are you actually going TO do when this happens again, and it will happen again?  Unless you have a positive rather than just a negative plan, in other words a plan with action verbs in it, you will feel the feelings and not know what to do with them.  You are much more likely to be successful next time if you come up with an action plan for anger.

Good Points. I will have to think about it. I am not typically one to lose control so I would say this is only one very small percentage of my former emotional eating problems. But I will put some serious thought into it. I have been pretty good at self examination lately.

I still eat too fast sometimes. I can eat pretty normal paced now, but still usually go slower than I used to. I posted a couple of weeks ago that I bolted down my cottage cheese in my rush to get out the door and ended up regretting it. LOL. I guess that's to just tell you... it happens. To us all. It gets easier (and harder in a way).

Hey Keith. I so enjoy your posts. Thanks for sharing the hard stuff too. This is exactly the problem I had a week ago. Stress and Sad caused my eating but I totally sympathize and understand. I actually was so angry at myself for screwing up while I was on my trip I went online and researched psychology today website had a thing where you could search by counselors who specialize in obesity or emotional eating, etc. I found someone and emailed them and had a response the next morning giving me a couple times when I could make an appointment.

Today was my first appointment. Mostly just giving her the scoop on who I am, my journey so far, and the issues that I am specifically dealing with. But, still felt really good. I see it as just another tool to help me be successful on this journey. I may see her a half dozen times and be good or I could see her for years. Either way I am not going to let that small part of my mind that is terrified, reactionary, and in charge of fight or flight determine what goes in my mouth.

Hope that is helpful. I know a lot of people don't feel comfortable with therapy. My husband uses me as his sounding board. But, I can't even imagine going through this journey without someone to help me deal with the emotional reactionary stuff too.

Stay strong! You remain an inspiration for both your success but mostly for your honesty and courageous presence on this forum. Thank you!!