Ever have one of those days when you seem to eat and eat and eat? Thankfully, I do not seem to have them very often (holidays do not count!) But I have learned a few things about when I do have those days.
First of all, since they are few and far between, I do try to not get too angry at myself for a day-long binge. I also am learning to realize that day-long binges have nothing to do with hunger and everything to do with emotions (known or suppressed). I find that stress, fear, depression, etc. can all lead me to consuming far more calories than I might otherwise consume on a given day.
I am trying to remind myself in those moments to stop and understand what is really going on. Perhaps if I am able to name the stress/ frustration/ feelings then I will be able to continue the day without the psychological need to continue to eat and eat and eat. I suppose there is some truth to the metaphor that eating is filling a void like water fills a bucket… the only problem is, it really does not fill the void – so it ends up being like a bucket with a leak.
Today, 161 days ’til 40, I will work to remind myself to slow down and focus on what is really going on with me, rather than stuffing/ suppressing feelings or stress with food or other means.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
Lani Longshore
September 13, 2012 at 00:14
Don’t forget about hormones. Menopause has been a revelation to me about the effect of hormones on my best-laid plans.
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:59
Ah, yes – so sadly true…..
Another Thousand Words
September 13, 2012 at 00:23
How true, 400…and another very insightful post!
So many (including myself, at times) have used food and other things as a stress/frustration/feelings reliever…never stopping to face the situation/cause. It has taken me many years to remedy, and yes, it was difficult…but very rewarding (physically AND mentally!) when I instead take a walk or a long ‘hot-then-cold’ shower–both of which force me to think and focus.
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:59
Thanks so much! I need to figure out when to divert my energies too – you have done a great job!
walkwiththerabbi
September 13, 2012 at 01:06
And if we find ourselves in the same place at the same time, I say we get our partner/spouse together, and go out for a glass or two of vino. May not get rid of the source issues, but we’ll have a great time!
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:58
I love your thoughts on this!!!
walkwiththerabbi
September 15, 2012 at 00:04
May I start early, like in a few hours (assuming you haven’t already started)? Hugs from here to you and your honey.
400daystil40
September 15, 2012 at 23:29
hehehe 🙂
viveka
September 13, 2012 at 02:35
The best diet is when you’re in love … you only need fresh air and love *smile – I’m one of them that eat of boredom and when I don’t feel good with myself – I eat if I’m down .. and I eat in good friends company …
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:58
Great point!
knitxpressions
September 13, 2012 at 05:46
I have read before that stress can indeed cause people to eat more, so no surprises there that you do it. It’s really dangerous but at least you catch yourself doing it!
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:57
Yes, true – catching yourself is the first step = now I have to stop myself!!!
sakuraandme
September 13, 2012 at 10:49
The fridge is my first port of call when my moods all over the place.
I have to use all my willpower to pull myself away.
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:57
Me too – sometimes my will power is much better than others.
edwardonbebop
September 13, 2012 at 17:37
Nice post !
🙂
I found out that some pills, especially antidepressant could increase the sensation of hunger.
Antidepressants usually have a positive effect on the mood, and very often with a good mood comes a bigger appetite !
🙂
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:57
It is indeed true! Meds can make a person ravenously hungry!
buckwheatsrisk
September 13, 2012 at 18:43
pms for me…lol
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:56
!:)!
Long Life Cats and Dogs
September 13, 2012 at 21:44
hmmm – worrying – maybe I have bad stress days every day 😀
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:56
🙂
The Quiet Borderline (back in hospital)
September 13, 2012 at 22:02
I’ve gained so much weight since being hospitalised. I put it partly down to the medications (and my doctors do too) but also comfort eating and generally being inactive.
I buy myself mini chocolate Kit Kats and say I’ll eat one a day but before I know it, I’ve eaten three like today! Not good.
Thank you for the reminder that binges are a sign of something worth looking in to.
400daystil40
September 14, 2012 at 23:56
Yes, meds can be awful that way….. yea, and the mini chocolates are a killer!
tchistorygal
September 15, 2012 at 15:12
I don’t keep enough in my frige, so I go astray then because I’m hungry and all I have is easy to eat junk. I eat out way too much, but it’s social, and once and a while my will power kicks in for a few weeks and I say no to binge, but all I can say is that at age 60 I’d better keep moving! I love to binge. And for me – it just looks good! And it tastes good.
400daystil40
September 15, 2012 at 23:30
Yes, I often have the same problem!!!