How do you deal with the emotional/food triggers?

[The New Kel 1,312]

I am approaching 10 weeks post op. I discovered I was an emotional food addict about 8 weeks ago.

I have been, and plan on staying true to the plan. There is no way physically I could eat the crap I used to eat even if I wanted to. 9.5 days out of 10 I feel happy and fine and satisfied without thinking of how food used to comfort me. There are a few times that my emotional tie to food still provokes sadness in me, because I no longer partake.

The fall and winter season is full of triggers for me. Christmas shopping- I used to love shopping all afternoon then binging on crap. It felt fulfilling. And fun. Football Sundays- making food was at least half the fun. I mentally associate lots of cold weather activities with comfort food.

I have been substituting heathy foods in place of the stuff I would love before. I'm just wondering how everyone deals with these triggers and what your triggers are. When I think of how I used to eat, I realize I was mentally comforting myself big time. The new year will bring me new things to make myself happy, and a change of mentality, that is my hope!

[simpsongrad 85]

Good question and it is hard! I, too, find myself looking for ways to divert from past triggers and since i love to cook and bake, it is especially hard. My mom was a wonderful cook/baker and making the things she used to make, like christmas candy and Cookies, makes me want to do that as well. Mom has been gone for five years this December 31st so I always associate this time with her. I wish I had the answers on how to combat it but I don't. Just know you are not alone feeling the way you do. I am right there with you.

[The New Kel 1,312]

@@simpsongrad

My mom too! I associate a lot of emotional eating triggers with my mom. Sharing good times, baking, cooking, shopping.

I think that is part of the foundation of my emotional issues with food. I associate food with her comfort.

We just need to find emotional replacements, right? I'm working on it. One day at a time! Thanks for sharing your experience with me.

[Malin 470]

@@simpsongrad @@The New Kel I'm mom to 3 kids (2 boys, 1 stepdaughter). And this time of year, I find myself thinking "I HAVE to make this" or "I have to keep Christmas Cookies around" (like those impossibly pretty ones on Pintrest and facebook). It's like a measure of my mommyhood. When I was a kid, Christmas was a whirl of my mom and grandmothers making tons of Christmas candy that would be nibbled on until Christmas Eve/Christmas. (I HATED Divinity, and they always made a ton of it)

Instead of making food, I'm thinking of focusing on experiences together (Church, charity work, walking and looking at the lights, concerts) than the food part.

But it's so dang hard. I had an incredibly crappy day Tuesday, and what was the first thing I had my husband do? Go get me a chocolate malt from Sonic (I'm pre-op). I tried to make my day better with a malt. I just felt fatter and the crappy day wasn't any better really.

[The New Kel 1,312]

Thanks for sharing @@Malin

It's hard to fight the holiday triggers. I think you have great ideas though! I love the idea of channeling my emotions into church, charity and volunteer. maybe I can still bake, but wrap them up and give to charities in town. Love your ideas!

[LittleLizzieLilliput 919]

What I do, and this is gonna sound so simple and basic, but I try to feel the feelings. So for emotional eating, I now express my emotions and feel them. It means more crying and anger but less weight.

What I think you mean is more or a pleasure habit. You enjoy these pleasurable processes which include eating. My suggestion is pamper yourself some other way. Get a massage, mani/pedi, or some other sort of pampering. A hot soak in the tub with candles and music or a book. It's divine!!

This is when it's time to change your habits and find another way to sooth yourself that is not self-destructive.

[theantichick 2,204]

I'm still working on this one. I started therapy back in the spring about my food issues. I'm doing better, but it's a struggle. food doesn't give me the emotional satisfaction it did before surgery, so I am having to find other ways to deal with my emotions. My therapist has me working on making lists of things I can do instead of eating when I'm bored, angry, frustrated, sad, or anxious.

[Wonder WomanNJ 119]

I'm glad I came across your post! I too am a food addict. I'm an emotional eater, food is my best friend, my diary, my companion. The love affair ends December 21st and while I'm not concerned about the surgery, I AM concerned that I may have some time of separation anxiety. Most people would laugh at that - I'm sure most of you will understand.

I live in a house of "foodies". 2 boys (18/16) and my boyfriend. We legitimately enjoy our food. I worry that after the surgery, I am going to be faced with hard times managing my wants to eat with them.

[Clementine Sky 707]

I keep food options on hand that is satisfying and comforting, but are far more sensible alternatives than what I gravitated towards in the past. Last night I was craving something sweet, and a lemon bar from Trader Joe's satisfied it and only had ten carbs and a reasonable number of calories and fat. I also look for other ways of comforting or distracting myself, like going on a bike ride, watching a show I enjoy, texting with a friend, or the like. I'll indulge my other senses by lighting a candle (love the ones from Anthropologie and Candles by Victoria), or taking a long soak in the bath.

[The New Kel 1,312]

What I do, and this is gonna sound so simple and basic, but I try to feel the feelings. So for emotional eating, I now express my emotions and feel them. It means more crying and anger but less weight.

What I think you mean is more or a pleasure habit. You enjoy these pleasurable processes which include eating. My suggestion is pamper yourself some other way. Get a massage, mani/pedi, or some other sort of pampering. A hot soak in the tub with candles and music or a book. It's divine!!

This is when it's time to change your habits and find another way to sooth yourself that is not self-destructive.

Great post, thank you. I think you are right that my emotional tie is closely linked to pleasure. So its time for me to start looking for things that make me feel that good. I love your ideas.

[The New Kel 1,312]

I'm still working on this one. I started therapy back in the spring about my food issues. I'm doing better, but it's a struggle. food doesn't give me the emotional satisfaction it did before surgery, so I am having to find other ways to deal with my emotions. My therapist has me working on making lists of things I can do instead of eating when I'm bored, angry, frustrated, sad, or anxious.

I've thought about therapy, just haven't taken the initiative yet. Food doesn't give me the same pleasure anymore either. Which is really a good thing, for this weight loss process. But my mind misses the pleasure. thanks for your post!

[The New Kel 1,312]

I'm glad I came across your post! I too am a food addict. I'm an emotional eater, food is my best friend, my diary, my companion. The love affair ends December 21st and while I'm not concerned about the surgery, I AM concerned that I may have some time of separation anxiety. Most people would laugh at that - I'm sure most of you will understand.

I live in a house of "foodies". 2 boys (18/16) and my boyfriend. We legitimately enjoy our food. I worry that after the surgery, I am going to be faced with hard times managing my wants to eat with them.

I can really relate. Food (bad food anyway) was the one "friend" that I ran to on any occasion. That companion is gone now, in the form it took before. its good that you are already considering the anxiety, because the emotional aspect is real, and it is much like losing a friend. A dysfunctional friend, but a friend none the less.

[The New Kel 1,312]

I keep food options on hand that is satisfying and comforting, but are far more sensible alternatives than what I gravitated towards in the past. Last night I was craving something sweet, and a lemon bar from Trader Joe's satisfied it and only had ten carbs and a reasonable number of calories and fat. I also look for other ways of comforting or distracting myself, like going on a bike ride, watching a show I enjoy, texting with a friend, or the like. I'll indulge my other senses by lighting a candle (love the ones from Anthropologie and Candles by Victoria), or taking a long soak in the bath.

The Trader Joe's lemon bars sound like a good alternative! I should look for them to keep on hand for those rare occasions. You posted some great ideas on how to stay distracted.

[Wonder WomanNJ 119]

Guys, thank you for all the good replies!

[Gary Bentz 102]

Poorly

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