Two new recipes and some thoughts on emotional eating...

It's been a while since I posted, but I need this one.  Emotional eating is a huge struggle for me as I am sure it is for some of you.  After you read this, share your thoughts, experiences, lessons, etc with me.


I also posted my recipes for baked cheese sticks and crunchy ranch chicken...

http://yummytreatsgoodeats.blogspot.com/

Well. I'm struggling a lot with emotional eating lately.  I've been stalled since before Christmas and that isn't helping either.  I went through a group support program called "The Hunger Within" which is a book you can order online, but the woman who wrote it is a psychologist at the University of Michigan and she conducted the group therapy sessions - it is like a 12 week class.  I thought it was really helpful and since I feel like my head is not in the right place right now, I signed up for the 12 week follow-up session.  I haven't ever done personal counseling, but it sounds like a lot of bariatric patients continue to see a counselor on a regular basis. 

I can't wait to hear what everyone else has to say....

I worked in therapy A LOT before surgery about my emotional eating. Unfortunately, it's still always going to be a struggle, but it's easier now than before. My therapist recommended the book 'Women, Food, and God' to me...What a GREAT read! It truly made me look at myself and my eating habits in a whole different light. I have to admit that a few things that the book suggests you do will make you uncomfortable, but well worth it.

I'm going through a really tough period right now with some emotional eating. I'm eating more often than I should...eating little bits of this and that..occasionally feeling that I am a little too full..UGH.   When I really look at how much I have eaten, I still am eating very small amounts compared to any normal human being, but that isn't the point.  Things at work are very stressful and have me freaking out, so I am turning to food.  What I need to do is go exercise instead.   UGH, UGH, UGH!!!!!!!!!   I'm trying! It is such a struggle!!

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself. I have seen some of your posts and noticed that Dr Bruce was your surgeon. He was mine also. I hope you have been as happy with him and your results as I have been..So why is there not a Men, Food and God book? Good luck to you...David

Hahaha! Good point! I have been very happy with Dr. Bruce...even during the times that I just felt that I was nagging him (had a rough first couple weeks). I think that book is awesome for a man or a woman. Glad to hear you are doing so well...Carla

 It's kinda weird, but in a good way since I've had this surgery. At first all I wanted was the food I saw others eating; like my daughter would go get Z pizza while out with me , and I felt like a little sulky baby and resented her. I thought she was doing it on purpose, but everything was so new to me. Fortunately I drew upon some coping skills and let it go when I was with her. I was allot happier due to not letting my emotions et the best of me.



Before surgery I had a food routine I let myself fall into, which now shocks me. I would go to Carls Jr. order the chicken tender 5 piece meal  then stop at McDonald's on the way home and pick up a Angus bacon burger meal... I would eat it on the bed in front of the TV..... then later I would walk to the corner store and pick up about 5 large size candies.... or a pint of Hagen daz.

This numbed and comforted me, but I was miserable with what I had done to myself when I had to go out to work shopping ect... my clothing sizes creeped up and up to a 22.

Now, I find, at 12 weeks out, I can still eat wonderful food, just not as much, and I am satisfied. I honestly don't want more. For some reason , due to the surgery perhaps, I don't miss all that food. I am pleased with my surgery in that respect. I remember when I used to restrict calories before surgery and how hollow and empty my stomach felt at night, and how hard it was to fall asleep because of that. I sleep great now.


 Oh, and that chicken recipe looks fantastic. It's on my list.

Hi Autumn

Thanks for posting thise.  I can completley relate to how you are feeling.  I have so much going on around me that I have found myself falling into some bad habits as well...convincing myself I have control and I can stop when I want to but in the back of my mind I am terrified and I know I am not doing the right thing.  Emotional eating is kicking my A**.  We all struggle with it and it is an ugly and scary truth.  Glad to know I am not the only one out there... I think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves after having surgery.  It scares me to put the weight back on there is huge pressure now, a different kind of pressure than there was before surgery.  I to struggle with how to control it and get back on that wagon..... Wish I had some good tips or advice but I find myself in that same place not knowing which way to go, but i suppose it never hurts to get back to the basics!