The following is taken from 'Intuitive Eating' that people have recommended. I just read a little of the book and some of it resonated with me. Yes, I do emotionally eat. No, I usually don't stuff myself. Yes, I think it has something to do with avoiding things in my life and not dealing with it and eating for comfort or from stress. Here's some of what I read:
Some of the reasons for emotional eating:
sensory gratifications
comfort
distraction
sedation
punishment
Emotional trigger:
boredom and procrastination
bribery and reward
excitement
soothing
being connected...losing the reins
love
trust, anger and rage
stress anxiety
mild depression
How using food serves me vs.
how if does a disservice to meit tastes good
vs. it makes me overweight
it's reliable - it's always there
vs. my clothes don't fit
it soothes me
vs. my cholesterol is high
it numbs my feelings
vs. I'm numbed to the joys of life
it keeps me from feeling bored
vs. I'm uncomfortable walking and exercising
Overeating is a red flag that something isn't right in your life.
Overeating can occur when your lifestyle become unbalanced with too many responsibilities and obligations, with too little time for pleasure and relaxation. Consequently, food is used to indulge, escape and relax (albeit briefly.)
When you find this happening, it may be a signal for you to reevaluate your life and find ways to put more balance into it. If you don't make these necessary changes, food remains important by filling an unmet need.
I think I will try to find this book at the libary or buy it as it's pretty cheap and I'm so tired of the dieting roller coaster and this is an alternative way to make peace with food while getting more active.
I have been working out this week and feeling better. I hope I can keep this up when school/work starts up next week! And as for the weight....ahhh, I am up, up, up. I was maintaining for a while at 219 but alas I'm at 227. Yikes! But, the good news is I'm back to eating well and exercising. I'm working out two times today, though it's at an easy level. I can't believe how far I've fallen again. My fitness if low again after being high last August and doing that race. I can't believe how much fitness level I've lost. The body does atrophy with not much use, that's for sure! Here's hoping I can keep exercise in my life forever instead of just for a season every year. So far I've exercised 5 times in the last week so that feels good.
I saw a mom today from my son's preschool last year. I haven't seen her since May and wow, she looked different. I asked her if she lost weight and she said 'yes, 30 pounds' and I said, 'I think I found it'. ha ha. Seriously, she looked awesome and I so want to feel that way again. I want to lose the weight and look good and be healthy and feel good about my body again. It will happen if I want it bad enough. I know it's about changing for good and that is the plan.
I have a few new pics on the side bar if you haven't seen them...just of my boy and hubby. Have a great week!