Compulsive eating/oral fixation - help! I can't stop eating.

[pjsgalore]

I'm not sure whether what I have counts as an eating disorder - but I definitely have a problem with compulsive eating. I think I have a kind of oral fixation.

Basically I HAVE to have something with me to eat or drink at all times - tea, water, coke zero, anything - and obviously also food. I eat not because of boredom or unhappiness - just seem to have to have something in my mouth or a taste in my mouth. Sorry - that sounds so weird!! I have about 6 coke zeros a day, maybe 10 cups of tea and two cups of coffee. And biscuits, grapes, ham - just constant snacks.

I used to be a really addicted smoker - but with huge difficulty managed to beat that about three years ago. And that used to satisfy that urge. But I still always had to have a cup of tea or a coke or something when I wasn't smoking. ANd I can never get into a car or start any kind of journey without either a can of diet drink or a cup of coffee.

Now I don't smoke, I've been substituting cigarettes for food. I'm not overweight - but on the top end of normal - ie edging towards overweight. But I just feel horrible when I eat too much - lethargic and just cross with myself. I have absolutely no self-control at the moment - if I have one jaffa cake it's the whole box. I also think I'm addicted to sugar.

I've done a bit of looking into it - and it seems to often be associated with feeling sad or lonely or bored - but I'm never bored, and am very happy. Wonderful job, fun, kind, husband, lovely house, children, lots of fun friends. I love my life! But I AM feeling upset about the eating thing. I just cannot seem to stop!!

Does this sound like anyone? Or does anyone have any advice?? Would be very grateful.

*substituting food for cigarettes rather!

Maybe just try and make sure you always have healthy snacks or water with you. Have you tried chewing gum instead? If it's just a case of needing the taste of something that could work? I've never been a smoker but I would imagine it would take a long time to get out of the habit of needing something to do with your hands and mouth!

That's a really good point squirrel - I've never been a gum chewer but not sure why. I should definitely try that thank you! I'll go buy some tomorrow!

Have a look at this website:-
www.oagb.org.uk
They were at a medical conference I went to recently and had some really useful advice.

Chewing gum and Pepsi max are the only reason I’m not the size Of a house 😂

Not that healthy but boiled sweets are good as they last a while too. I always keep some in the car like an old person..

OMG Artura - I answered yes to almost every question on the survey on that website about whether I have an overeating problem... very useful thank you. I actually think I should seriously consider going to their meetings. I hear you Daisy*!

I am like that but only in the house. I am too busy at work. Guess the trick is to keep busy but I really can't be bothered after work.

starzig that's so true - I never had this problem at the office - but now I work from home all week - it's just constant! I think it's also work avoidance and procrastination a bit too.... glad I'm not alone thank you.

OP are you bored?

I ask this because I simply don’t have the time to do what you’re doing. Life is busy and full. I think you need to look at the buffer picture and begin carving out a routine that means you don’t have the opportunity to do this.