Current worry

[ghosthat]

Hi all, I have been thinking this for a while now but might have issues with eating. I feel like when I sit down to eat a meal I cannot stop eating. I will eat a meal, want seconds if it's available and I will be satisfied with that for only a little while. I will find whatever else to snack on, and continue to have snacks. Right now I feel like I could eat an entire meal, and know I would still be hungry for another right after. I don't seem to mind anymore how full I feel. I didn't use to be like this, in fact I hardly use to eat at all. At that time, I was using substances, smoking, not taking care of myself well. Now that I am not doing any of those, eating may be a replacement. Obesity and overeating runs in my family, and I want to change but the motivation to actually do so is just not there.

Any advice is helpful, I am just starting on this path of self awareness to this, so I have accepted that there is definitely something going on. I'm worried for my health, and although I would not consider myself to be obese at the point, it's a future concern. I am right now the biggest I have ever been and I continue to eat and weigh more. I have a lot of past mental health concerns, diagnosis but not currently on medications. Trying to get myself to go to therapy.

[PrinceMom]

Hi Ghosthat! I'm not a medical professional, but since I"ve been through the same type of situation , here's my take on it. You were actually in worse physical shape when you were not eating and using. Now, your body is saying, "I love this stuff, I need it, bring it on!" It's trying to replenish the vitamins that you were probably depleted in.

This happened to me a while ago. However, I"m having another "binge eating" episode right now, and I know it's because I"ve stopped my "every other day" walks or workouts. You didn't say if you liked physical activity, but I find that even going outside or to the gym to walk for an hour (yes!) will prompt you to want to eat - but usually something healthier, like a salad.

I also take a basic one a day vitamin.

Please remember, if you are able, to go for a basic checkup at your doctor so that they can do a blood work-up and make sure that your hunger isn't due to an underlying medical problem. Wish you the best.

[ghosthat in reply to PrinceMom]

I appreciate it, I've had blood work done and nothing abnormal. I haven't been to the gym in a while but exercise at home. It's hard to find that motivation too, but I am setting up some big goals for myself soon and I am really hoping it helps.

As far as this issue goes, I keep thinking back and I've always snacked like this. And by that I mean I have a meal, then would have a bowl or two of cereal, maybe a sandwich after, and still want something else. I'd grab anything for the different flavor and texture profiles. Even now, if I am wanting something like chips, I will also want something sweet, then I'll go to a different snack that fulfills my cravings. I haven't addressed eating ever with a therapist and I think it's time.

[Hidden]

Self awareness is key in many aspects of life including mindful eating. My main advice is don't go with SAD - the Standard American Diet. Exercise is great for your physical and mental health but I have found that it is of limited use for weight loss and may actually be counterproductive. I have talked to several doctors, three dietitians, and a number of therapists about my disordered eating. I found their advice was often contradictory and of limited benefit. I actually really like the NOOM app and have found it useful to help me transform my thinking and relationship with food. One main thing that I recommend is to find some foods that you can eat in unlimited quantities. NOOM, for example, doesn't forbid any foods but categorizes food into three categories: red, yellow, and green, with the green foods being those that you can eat in unlimited quantities.