Can't stop eating!

[bundlebelly]

It's sort of hungry all the time, but also comfort eating. Had Glucose test results back (suspected GD last time), and all clear so far. I know I should be being healthy, and I am but I just want all the stodgy, unhealthy things too. I feel completely out of control with it. Hiding biscuit wrappers at bottom of bin etc so no-one knows. Stress and guilt as what if the secret biscuit and choc eating brings on the GD. I've got another test in 5 weeks. 23 weeks in now, and HUGE, I just feel miserable, but can't stop stuffing my face.

Stop beating yourself up! There is so much pressure on women to do everything perfectly during pregnancy that it's a wonder we are not all basket cases!! We are made to feel guilty over everything - even a chocolate biscuit!! Obviously there are things you just don't do during pregnancy - like, downing raw eggs with tequilla chasers etc, but I can totally empathise for that yearning for stodge - particularly as we head into winter. So long as you are not relying totally on the bad stuff :)and you do say that you are eating healthily too. Maybe you are being a bit hard on yourself?

When you say you are out of control, do you mean that you are eating family sized packs of biscuits or are you just having a bit more than you might have done before? I also was tested for GD and felt horribly guilty and stressed, but, like you, it came to nothing.

If you are hiding wrappers, then perhaps you should have a chat to someone - a mate or DP and admit what you are doing. If they think you are genuinely over-indulging, then they might be able to help you cut back. But if they think that you are only indulging, rather than over-indulging iyswim, then you might feel bit more relaxed.

I do sympathise with the comfort eating - I have not had an easy pregnancy and sometimes a scone with my cup of tea really does offer a bright spot in the day!

Do try chatting with someone close to you. Some folk swear by a food diary. I asked my DH to be honest with me if he ever thought I was going overboard.

Sorry, this is a very long reply. Hope at least some of it helps :)

Thanks for your reply cakemuncher (love the name!)
I think I have always had a complex relationship with food/emotion, and pregnancy seems to intensify this, as there is the pressure to do everthing right, combined with the craving for stodge, the body changes, and insecurity about the birth, the future etc! A recipe for overeating and guilt!
Maybe I should try a food diary, although it might be a bit sobering to see it all in black and white.
Couldn't bring myself to admit to DH the amount I am eating, especially as we are on a tight food budget and I keep sneakily spending extra bits.

The nickname might tell you something about my own relationship with all things sweet!

Don't do the food diary if it makes you feel worse! You are under enough stress already! Do you have a sympathetic midwife that you could chat to?

There is an alternative - make your own! If you are on a tight budget, could you have a go at making your own treats? That way you could also regulate what goes in them and make them healthier than shop bought ones. A homemade flapjack, for instance, is still a treat, but made with honey, it's a lot better for you than one from a shop...and it has lots of oats. You can put plenty of dried fruit in and that is good for your iron count. Delia Smith has a recipe for skinny carrot cake too which I am sure is probably online. Homemade treats are also a lot cheaper than shop bought ones. I have to admit that I do enjoy baking and you would be amazed at how cheaply you can make things.

Just a suggestion! But I do agree with you absolutely about the pressure to do everything right. Try not to beat yourself up too much. Having a weakness for sweet things does not make you a bad person :) There are women out there doing much worse things during their pregnancy.