Replacing Emotional Eating

[Karen12]

For me playing music with my hands, piano/guitar/etc., helped (you can play an acoustic guitar very quietly at night). When those were gone I gained a lot of weight.

 

[ms spock]

I have a real problem with this @sun seeker. I stopped eating in 2013 and I didn't realise I had done that, when I realised it I didn't care. I got to the point of people worrying I would have organ failure. Now I am obese from over eating, and I am trying really hard to control/stop it.

You are being honest that you have a problem. I think that is good.

 

[sun seeker]

Tonight I tried crocheting, and it is soothing. At this rate my afghan will be done sooner than expected! It isn't getting me to sleep any earlier though. One thing at a time.

You are being honest that you have a problem. I think that is good.

That's fairly easy to do around here.

I got to the point of people worrying I would have organ failure. Now I am obese from over eating, and I am trying really hard to control/stop it.

It sounds like both extremes are about not knowing how to listen to your body, would you say?

For me playing music with my hands, piano/guitar/etc., helped (you can play an acoustic guitar very quietly at night).

I used to improvise on the piano at night (neighbours are far enough away they don't hear me - at least I don't think they do!) It's been a while since I've done that.

Interestingly, I once came across something about the connection of autism to a bacteria in the gut that I can't recall if it was in excess or lacking, that interfered with fat absorption. Perhaps stress does as well? And we frequently have digestive issues (though mine are also caused/ exascerbated directly by a particular trauma/ happening- ie damage).

That's what the bone broth I've been going on about on another thread is so good for. It's helping my digestion to no end.

Part of this is needing to numb the anxiety, and part of it is sadness that there are now so many things that used to make me feel good, that I can't eat anymore because there is real pain if I do. It's a bit embarrassing to admit how hard that is, considering the big scheme of things. I think it's just one more added stress and some days I'm tempted to let it go, but I'm sticking to my guns because as I say, the physical pain is real and immediate. It's one thing to think "oh, if I keep on this way I'll get diabetes or some other disease" and quite another to be doubled over in pain after eating your favourite foods, or to find your teeth are rotting even though you're taking care of them. I had to take drastic measures, and it feels good that I have the stamina to stick with them, but it's stressful at the same time.

I eat 4 small meals per day of 325 calories each. If I feel hungry before I am supposed to, I eat something and then subtract it from my next meal's calories.

Sounds like it's working for you. For me, that regimen would be very stressful. I knew my biggest hurdle was eating at night, so that's the one I tackled first.

you could also try (instead of the fill up with water idea) just having a cup of tea.

In the daytime, yes. At night, I have this irritable bladder thing that already gets me up several times a night, and I don't want to encourage it. :-)

 

[ms spock]

It sounds like both extremes are about not knowing how to listen to your body, would you say?

That would be a fair call. I would say.

 

[Tinyflame]

That's what the bone broth I've been going on about on another thread is so good for. It's helping my digestion to no end.

Hi @sun seeker could I ask which thread is that? :confused: Thank you! :hug:

 

[sun seeker]

could I ask which thread is that?

Umm... you'd think I would know how to link to a thread, but I haven't figured that out. It's in the one posted by @Kristina25 a couple of days ago about her uncle being in denial about her not being able to do most things. I recommended she look into the nutritional advice of the Weston Price Foundation, and especially the bone broth.

 

[Tinyflame]

Thank you @sun seeker :hug: , it is an excellent website.

I am wondering if the peanut butter craving so many of us have relates to low magnesium levels (especially with gastrointestinal issues), & low magnesium levels also relating to Type 2 Diabetes? (Magnesium depletion with stress.)

 

[sun seeker]

Hmm... I don't know. I don't have a craving for peanut butter, but I don't think I have a magnesium deficiency either (corrected that one with @joeylittle's help). I drink large amounts of strong nettle tea. I recommend it for super levels of absorbable nutrients. The taste takes some getting used to.