How to help DD with emotional over-eating

[ACatCalledPuss]

My DD (18) has admitted tonight that she has no control when it comes to food. It is really making her miserable and I want to be able to help her. I have tried to get her to eat more regular meals so she feels like snacking less but she never eats breakfast, most evenings doesn't eat a proper dinner yet every night before bed, she will be in the kitchen eating cereal followed by toast, biscuits etc. She's a vegetarian which I think is also a problem as I don't think she eats enough protein which makes her feel hungry. Has anyone had a similar issue and have they been able to help their child have a better relationship with food? Both DH and myself have healthy diets and are very fit and active and we have brought DD up the same but since she hit the late teens, it has all gone out the window.I would hate to see her struggle with food all her life and just want her to be able to enjoy it without over indulging.

Focus more on the emotion than the food.

No advice but marking place because as a fully grown adult I have this issue!
the minute I’m stressed it’s like my body just goes into autopilot and heads for the kitchen!

https://www.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=Mindful+movement+meditation+for+food+control

This may help, along with therapy, exercise, etc

I Will also get her some blood test to ensure everything else is in order, thyroid, vitamin D, iron, etc.

Not over candida growth as this feeds on sugar and give you more cravings

Thanks all for your responses. We have had blood tests done but all seems ok. I've tried to encourage to exercise and the odd time she will go for a walk or run but never regularly. She was a very active and sporty child but gave all up when she turned 14 or 15. I have offered to pay for therapy but she isn't keen based on past experience. We think she is maybe ADHD and on waiting list for appointment with consultant.

Sorry to hear OP.
Does she want your help?
Sometimes they can be miserable but will bat away any suggestions or offers of help.
I empathise as I have a DD with bulimia. Sorry I have no suggestions but my experience has been that motivation to change has to come from them.
We can only do so much like having very little junk at home. But at that age they have access to everything and anything so it's hard to control.
I am learning to sit in silence when she cries to me. It's so hard to try and not fix things for her.
Xx

Wanted to add my DD has ADHD too. The eating for dopamine is true
Sadly the meds haven't helped much on this.
Maybe we aren't at the optimum dose for this.

Thanks@RainyDayCoffee. Can I just ask if the meds have helped in other ways? Does your DD find it has improved her school work. My DD is quite academic and did really well in the early years of secondary school but less so as she has got older as she finds it hard to maintain focus.

Fairburn's book overcoming binge eating is pretty good.

@ACatCalledPuss
DD was similar..was doing well at lower years of secondary but things went downhill when things got harder.
The meds help calm her racing thoughts she says. It hasn't controlled her impulsiveness or the eating.
I think she needs ADHD coaching but we are just out of crisis and keeping her safe and I don't think she is ready for motivation therapy or executive function coaching yet.
More than anything I really want to help with the binge eating as it really gets her down but I realise I cannot do anything unless she is ready

Thanks @RainyDayCoffee . I really hope things improve for your DD soon.

Thank you. I will have a look at this.