Symptoms and Causes

[Allaprima1]

This is my second go-around on Atkins, and have dropped around 30 lbs so far (have been on extended induction-ish, more like OWL 1 for 2 1/2 months) and have had some stops and restarts, but the scale is still going the right direction, so thats good. I started out at 335, and think I am down to 305 or so. My appetite (for food) has decreased and that's all good, but I am an emotional eater, and while the symptom has dissipated (the overeating) the cause remains, and that's the emotional component - how do any of you deal with that part of the equation if you do not have anybody else to talk to about it - I am single, never married, and have used weight to avoid the emotional upheavals that come with relationships - just easier to avoid them, I guess, so food was the replacement. Exercise does help some, I know that, but it gets overwhelming sometimes, for sure - and it's almost (during those sometimes) like I can't get anything done that I do NEED to do, and end up sitting and stewing and obsessing about emotional stuff. What do you guys do?

[imagood1]

When things get too much for me I get out and walk....I never take any money with me in case I would be tempted to stop and get anything --- but I live in a subdivision about 3 miles from the nearest convenience store and 5 miles from the grocery store so it would take quite a bit for me to cheat while I'm out and about. When I'm walking I make sure to notice everything around me, the grass, trees, homes, animals, people, cars.....As long as I'm thinking of these things the emotional stuff doens't seem so heavy any longer. Make sure you drink plenty of water while you are out walking also!!

[stacy3477]

Originally Posted by Allaprima1

I am an emotional eater, and while the symptom has dissipated (the overeating) the cause remains, and that's the emotional component - how do any of you deal with that part of the equation if you do not have anybody else to talk to about it

First of all, you have us!

Many of us are in similar situations (or have a husband that doesn't have an ounce of fat on him, so totally can't relate!)

And Carole's trick really works for me. Get out of the house! Try walking around the block, pull a couple weeds, throw a ball for the dogs, even lay back a look at the clouds/stars. I find if I get away for about 15 minutes, I'm ready to focus again.

And congratulations on the loss so far! That's excellent!

[msanjelpie]

I take medication... Then I don't sit and stew and obsess and be depressed and unhappy... life is too short to be mentally miserable everyday... After living in my head and hearing all that stuff for 20 years I finally had it and got diagnosed and got medicine. Yah I still want to eat what I'm not supposed to, but at least I don't feel like I have to now... Now I feel like I have a choice...