Anxious overeating

[bluebreakfastclub]

I really have an issue with overeating when I get worked up or I feel anxious. Whenever it gets around exam time or busy season, I eat constantly. I am trying to lose weight currently but it's like there is someone else in my head that takes over, makes me eat crappy food, and then leaves me feeling terrible for having done it in the first place. Does anybody have any tips for ways to quiet that impulse?

[Althaea]

Hey bluebreakfast! Have you ever heard of the book, Hungry Brain by Stephen Guyenet? That book offered me a lot of insight into why I have some of the eating patterns that I do and gave me some ways to help shift them.

Basically, we eat for two reasons: real hunger or emotional hunger and we’ve conditioned ourselves throughout life to eat accordingly. For someone who is looking to address anxious overeating, it begins with identifying whether you are truly hungry or emotionally hungry. If you identify your hunger as emotional hunger, there are some tips to re-train your brain towards other things that aren’t food but it takes time, diligence, and compassion for yourself.

When you’re feeling emotional hunger you can drink ice water, take a shower, go for a walk, rub lotion on yourself, listen to music you enjoy, call and talk to a friend—basically engage your other senses with something pleasant other than eating. If after 10-15 minutes you’re still hungry, choose a food that is considered “low reward” (not junk) and eat it plain and mindfully.

I can send more information your way if you’re interested, I’ve done the deep dive on this subject and have actually written papers and articles so I would be happy to share more if you would like.

Just know that it is HARD to re-condition the reward centers in our brain and that the path to overcoming our eating habits can be long and winding. Patience and compassion towards yourself is key!

[AllTimeLow]

14 days into joblessness. I've gained 5 pounds. Desperate for answers.

[FearIsALiar]

I am complete opposite which isn’t any good but I actually used to eat a lot when anxious but that was mainly a side effect of medication. I gained much weight on Zoloft but went off of it.

Maybe try and eat slow & have something that is filling?! I love to have smoothies, I think those are pretty filling. They have many recipes online you can find! I hope you feel better soon. Good luck on your exam