In need of comfort...

[chinadoll]

One of the things that I hate about myself is that when I am stressed or sad I turn to food for comfort. I am a work in progress in this regard and know it requires a conscious change of rewards/comforts from food to ????

So, what do you do for comfort when stress and sadness are drawing you like a magnet to the fridge?

[ErinB]

It may not sound comforting, but I get something legal to drink and exercise to relieve stress. Water is often what I need instead of food and moving those muscles eases tension for me.

[jake1970]

ive put a picture of myself on the fridge when i was 294 lbs ( theres not many pics as i didnt like my photo being taken ) im now 224 lbs ,i do still struggle and get drawn to the fridge but now ill have a slice of meat or small bit of cheese instead of something sweet that might turn me back into the person in the picture
take care and good luck

[Whatsername]

This is a tough one. I tend to do the same thing and the sad thing is, sometimes it is like I am not really even aware I am doing it. I just find myself in the kitchen. What I usually do is drink water..sometimes coffee. Then I find something that isn't food related to do. Usually the computer and checking this board, listening to music, journaling, going for a walk etc. Pretty much..distraction and redirecting to something else..anything you enjoy doing. Though sometimes for me it is a matter of just doing anything to keep busy, even if it is laundry. I have learned to be able to stop and ask myself why I am wanting to eat and how will I feel after I eat. That is a big one for me..I ask myself "At the end of the day, how is this going to make me feel". Though honestly, that doesn't always work if I am feeling stressed enough (like this past weekend).

Hang in there and know we are here anytime.
Jane

[chinadoll]

"I have learned to be able to stop and ask myself why I am wanting to eat and how will I feel after I eat. That is a big one for me.."

This is exactly what I need to work on. I haven't become conscious enough to redirect myself when needed. I can do it for anger (I get in great workouts when I am ticked at someone) but sadness and stress seem to be handled differently so far. Bubble baths and candles and music sooth somewhat but you can't always drop everything and do that! Here in China, foot massages are cheap (like 4 dollars) so I can go have one of those weekly and that hour of the week is great to de-stress.

I guess I was hoping for a magical suggestion.

[Ohbehave007]

I know how you feel. I find my self looking to food when I am stressed or sad. I've even caught myself opening the fridge and then closing it every 5 minutes.

I try to find something to distract me, like a game or book, until I work through my true feelings.

I truly hate feeling like that one slice of pizza will fix everything when I know it won't. Thank god I have my boyfriend who always asks, "are you sure that is what you want? Are you sure you just don't need a hug?"

I can't turn down a hug.

[Slidesdownmountains]

This is me to a T! Like, right now I have the flu, so all I want to eat is starch and sugar (though I have put a blanket ban on chocolate!)
When I'm at work, I can't go exercise when I'm stressed, but I can grab a biscuit (which I know makes things worse!). I need some kind of distraction or mantra or technique that will keep me clear of the biscuits and snacks that are permanently around in my office (and there's no way I am going to put a 'Big Me' picture on the fridge!!)
I suppose I could always do some work... ;-P .......Nah

Hope you find some advice and ideas, China - just know that you aren't alone in this

[jennbeingme]

WOW!- talk about timely.....I just fell prey to this yesterday- we had to get rid of the family dog- big drama- long story..... Sure enough- I ate off-plan- my comfort foods were 2 pieces of toast ( homemade brown bread) with butter and cheese, Yumm!! and a bowl of honey nut cheerios- funny these used to be an absolute addiction- now all I could think was ew- these sure taste chemically---- So yes, I fell- but in comparison to a year ago- I only tripped- this was minor in comparison. I know I need to do other things when I need comfort- but BOY- this is one of the hardest habits to break, isn't it?

I don't know what you can do to replace this habit- what do ex-smokers do- chew on a toothpick? knit? whatever you need to do to keep your hands busy?

Good luck!

[hillbillygirl]

I'm new at this but something that's helped me is herbal teas. Had to experiment a little to find which ones I really liked and didn't induce any cravings, but generally, green tea in the morning and throughout the day, chammomile tea at night does the trick for me when I'm craving food and don't need to actually eat.

[Slidesdownmountains]

does anyone take St John's Wort - would that work to pick up your mood??