eating addiction

[wileykitt]

So lately is has been really hard for my to control my eating. I have gained 30+ pounds. Even when I am not hungry, I want to eat. It’s like a comfort zone. Anyone else go through this?

[Cooper27 Administrator]

Is there anything you can think of that might have prompted it?

I think it could be worth seeing your doctor just to make sure it's not a sign of something wrong, but otherwise you might need to consider what's going on in your life that might have prompted a change in eating habits. Have you e.g. recently stopped a diet, had a period if stress/illness, changed the types of food you're eating?

[wileykitt in reply to Cooper27]

I thought that maybe it’s stress eating, but also that maybe it’s mental. Like I feel like I have to be doing something, and just turn to food.

[Peanut31]

Hi

You mention “it’s a comfort Zone”, do you think your emotional eating?.

I can speak from experience on this.

I did get help for this, and with all the tools and information given to me, it has helped.

If you feel it could be emotional eating, then the key is to recognise it and sit with the feeling you’re trying to mask over.

Best wishes & take care.

[wileykitt in reply to Peanut31]

I was thinking that as well. However, nothing seems to prompt it. Or maybe, it’s something subliminal. I do feel as though I may need to speak with a professional about it.

[Peanut31 in reply to wileykitt]

When I was emotional eating (didn’t realise it at first) it was because I was people pleasing when I really didn’t want to.

I would then eat to forget about it.

There are lots of podcasts and information on the internet that can help with this.

I did a private workshop course that was actually based in the USA (I’m in the UK) via zoom, which helped.

Best wishes

[wileykitt in reply to Peanut31]

This really gives me a lot to think about. What are some of the podcasts that helped you?

[Peanut31]

Listen to Kirstin Sarfde podcasts.

This helped me a lot.

Best wishes

[Eryl]

Sugary and starchy foods mess with the hunger hormone making you feel stronger hunger pangs. They also supresse the satiety hormone which are meant to tell you when you're full so you to eat more at each meal before you get the signal.

[BookDragon]

Hi, Wileykitt, some medications can also make us eat more (like prednisone makes me jittery and I eat more). I'm also a compulsive eater/food addict. I started going to Overeaters Anonymous and that has helped a lot. Talking to someone is a great first step. Good luck!

[misspetunia]

Sugar often will trigger compulsive/addictive overeating, where as natural whole foods with fiber like fruit aren't usually so triggering. White flour/breads also does it for me. I had to quit desserts to quit overeating. Prednisone triggers unconscious overeating and weight gain for sure. I gained 30lbs on prednisone.

As Bookdragon said, the 12 Step program of AA/Overeaters Anon is great for food addiction. The meetings can really help. I write down my food every day because I eat without thinking, snacking. I don't have a perfect diet but I am now aware of how I want to eat and where I'm going off the rails. I mostly avoid sugar foods and wheat- its hard to do at first but then I feel so much better when I can stick to it. That said, it took me years to figure out what was triggering me and to change my eating. Also my inflammation is lessened when I'm off sugar and wheat.

[happytulip]

Have you started any new medications or supplements recently? Some can increase appetite. Also appetite can change with hormones so might be worth seeing your GP?