Binge Eating When Sad

by Rita
(India)

Hello Stefanie,

I am a new mom and I left my job to take care of my baby...

My husband is a great guy but I get stressed out very often...and when my mom-in-law say something about the baby when he cries, I feel inadequate as a mom and then I feel really depressed and crave for anything chocolate.... and also stuff like peanut butter or creme cheese....

And I feel good the moment I eat them but its like a cycle and I cant help but eat anything that makes me feel good....I know I have this emotional eating thing and I know that I have put on weight and I feel guilty every time I eat ....and to get rid of that guilt I eat some more.....

I try to do the positive thinking and try to control my feelings but that just makes me all the more sad and tired, making me want to eat more comfort food.....please help me...


ANSWER


I totally understand how you are feeling!

I do find that after a baby; it seems to be increasingly challenging to avoid the junk food.

After my baby #2 I made some major changes to my eating, kicked binge eating and created this website. But after baby #3.... I reverted back to some old patterns for a short period of time. Due to stress and postpartum; it may become harder to stay on track, but not impossible.

The key to remember is that the better you eat; the better you feel and the less you crave the junk.

Remember that it is okay to have treats; but make sure its not in response to stress or unwanted emotions.

When you feel upset, stressed, or have a "wonderful" comment from the your mother-in-law... use something other than food.

One of the best ways to relieve stress and create some positive momentum is to write in a journal. Make sure that after you've 'vented'; to recognize the trigger and look for a proactive approach to solving the issue.

If writing isn't your thing; then use something else that fuels your tank. It may be meditation, deep breathing, some yoga, or a walk in nature. Do what works and what empowers you.

You may find my free e-zine and e-course helpful if you aren't already signed up...

You can find them here.

All my Best,

Stefanie