Stress Center Peer Support

can anyone tell me a solution to quit eatting when anxiety kicks in? As soon as I get around people and temptation I start eatting what ever is around! I do it out of habit for sure but can't seem to stop myself. Food seems to sooth me in situations I am not comfortable in. Anyone have this and what do you do to stop it?

Well, I can't give you suggestions but I can say that I do this as well. I love carbs when I'm anxious.

Have you ever tried chewing gum or candy in these situations?

I have the same problem. I tend to binge eat when stressed. I really thought I was mostly better until I started doing this program and the disordered eating has kind of popped up again.

I've found that food not only changes brain chemistry to make us feel better, but it is the most basic thing you can do to nurture yourself. I think there is nothing wrong with that. I find it helps to stop myself and ask myself what is really going on. Maybe sit down and journal for a few minutes. In my case overeating is definately related to other issues. I think of it as a symptom rather than something that I should beat myself up over.

Be kind to yourself when you want to eat in stressful situations. Using the same steps to handle panic attacks really helps me. Don't worry if you're not perfect. Every time you try to change your behavior it's a step in the right direction.

I struggle with eating as well. I'm trying to take it one day at a time. Yesterday I went a whole day without sugar. I felt better and had less anxiety. I ate one mini babyruth today after my music lesson and I felt ok. Later at a garage sale I had a chocolate chip cookie. I felt anxious, shaky, and dizzy. My thoughts were racing and I couldn't think straight.

When I eat naughty I try to pay attention to how I feel very closely. I ask myself, "Do I like how I feel?" Lately I observe that when I do eat sugar, salt, and fat(dairy and red meat) I feel sick. I am improving my diet and I do feel better than I did before.

God Bless,
Krissy

I feel the same way! I have come to realize that food has been my family's motivation, reward, comfort, and the reason for family gatherings. I think that since we didn't have a lot of money that spending money on food was more acceptable with no guilt attached. We didn't get any extras like jewelry or clothes or other things. They seemed like a waste of money. But, food was okay.

I am really struggling with this. Food has such a different meaning to me. It's not just something you eat, it is the expression of your emotions.

I think it might help if you stop and consider what it is you're feeling. Is it really hunger or a reason to go ahead with a task; the reward for finishing it; depression and anxiety when you don't; or the reason for getting together when you do.

Good luck, and don't be too hard on yourself.

Vicky