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Original poster

How to change my relationship with food?

16 replies

emotional091 · 14/05/2023 19:42

I am a heavily emotional eater. I have discovered that I eat because it makes me happy. I look forward to it. I look forward to the temporary happiness and satisfaction I get from eating what I want in whatever quantity. I live alone so I don't have anyone holding me accountable for my what I put in my mouth.

My BMI is obese and I am at least 5-6 stone overweight.

I need to stop viewing food as something to look forward to, as the only thing that makes me happy. But I just don't know where to start. Would be good to hear of some of your experiences.

OP posts:
Original poster
emotional091 · 14/05/2023 19:48

Bump

OP posts:
Original poster
emotional091 · 14/05/2023 19:50

Thinking of trying 'slimpod' ?

OP posts:
TwilightSkies · 14/05/2023 19:53

A good start would be finding other things that make you feel happy. Exercise, walking, gardening?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Weight management
MyFaceIsAnAONB · 14/05/2023 19:55

I would say get really busy and fill your life with other fun things.

BadGranny · 14/05/2023 20:07

When I had a health scare and needed to lose weight, I rewarded myself for sticking to healthy eating (not a diet as such) by buying a ticket for a day or evening out with the money I saved - opera, ballet, museums and art galleries are my thing. After a while, my relationship with food changed. I now maintain my target weight without feeling any urge to eat badly, and I still enjoy regular outings and treats because of the money I save from not eating costly, unhealthy stuff. It took time, but the long term effects are a healthier and happier me, and there’s always an outing or event to look forward to. I’ve just tucked into cheese and salad for supper with a couple of clementines for pudding, and I’m off to the Chelsea flower show next week.

Nowillpowerarall · 14/05/2023 20:10

Currently try to beat this, please PM me

ShirleyPhallus · 14/05/2023 20:11

My view is always that you need to build a relationship with something else to replace the one that’s making you happy. So exercise, walking, lifting weights etc,

Then also, realising that small changes can add up to a big change. Just because you have a bacon sandwich for breakfast doesn’t write off the whole day, you can still eat well the rest of the day.

I think there is a huge all or nothing mentality, but having a balanced approach and thinking of losing 1lb a week (for eg) is sensible and possible to maintain

Sundaysundaebananasplit · 14/05/2023 20:11

I found when I cut way down on carbs and cut sugar out that I thought less about food and enjoyed the food I was eating more. It seemed to really restrict the emotional response, especially as I was eating high fat too.

Bluebirds1987 · 14/05/2023 20:57

There's a book called "atomic habits" that I've found really good for changing habits for the better. If food is your comfort, then I guess when you feel sad it's just habit to lean towards food for that good feeling. I'd recommend it.
I know that "noom" is meant to take a more emotional approach to eating as I have a friend who's lost a lot of weight using it - may be worth looking into?
Also, and I know it's a bit out there - but I have heard really good things about hypnotherapy. I think it's more about changing your mindset, and as an emotional eater myself I've considered this as a way to maybe help kick start better habits and ways of thinking.

In general I find that getting decent sleep is paramount to actually being able to put in place any kind of change in my diet. If I'm tired, I'm way more likely to comfort eat and I also CBA to cook so I end up going for junk food.
Make it harder for yourself to turn to more calorie-dense foods by only having healthy food in the house.

Good luck 😊

newjobnewstartihope · 14/05/2023 21:02

Following
I'm absolutely OBSESSED with food

mysonsmother82 · 14/05/2023 21:21

Following. I've swapped smoking for food and gained 3 stone.

FusionChefGeoff · 14/05/2023 21:21

I've looked up Overeaters Anonymous this weekend and am going to try to join an online meeting next week.

waistchallenge · 14/05/2023 21:23

I felt or feel the same. I have successfully lost weight now. I just view myself like an addict who cannot handle unrestrained or unlimited access to unhealthy food, much like a recovered alcoholic with drink. I don't think I will ever resolve it, I've just learned a coping strategy.

FinallyHere · 14/05/2023 21:28

Gillian Riley's approach is unlike anything else. It has transformed my relationship with food and meant that after decades of struggle, I have found some peace around good.

Lots of information available from her site, books and there is an online course too
https://www.eatinglessonline.com

Hope you find what you need

FinallyHere · 14/05/2023 21:29

Good -> food, obvs.

MySoCalledWife · 15/05/2023 18:21

There is nothing inherently wrong with looking for yard to your next meal, many people do

You just need to learn to see it as a way to nourish your body with lotta of good stuff like quality protein, fresh veg, new pots, bit of May/sauce

Make the effort to cook nice food

And find lots of other things you love and can look forward to, fun things that do not involve food

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