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How can I control my eating when I have impulse control issues?

86 Answers
Last Updated: 04/08/2022 at 7:44am
1 Tip to Feel Better
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Paola Giordani, Psychoanalyst

Licensed Psychoanalyst

I have helped and am helping people cope with loss, divorce, anguish and parenting. Depression is also a major issue that comes up.

Top Rated Answers
SashaListens
August 27th, 2016 8:20am
You have to literally fight the cravings/impulses as if you are being attacked. Don't fight back and perish or fight back and regain self-control and confidence. It's not bigger than you, it's not stronger than you, you have to learn to fight it.
mindfulcyclist
January 21st, 2017 12:13am
My experience with eating is an emotional one, and when impulse is an issue, I recommend beginning to set a routine that re-patterns what your impulses are. Often when I sit down to work, an overwhelming urge to get up and go to the kitchen comes over me. In this moment, I remind myself to take a breath, deeply, and for a minute, breath as deeply as possible, repeatedly, in an effort to calm the anxiety I feel about getting to work to possibly messing up. If this doesn't calm me, I refer to the H.A.L.T. method: Am I Hungry? Anxious? Lonely? Tired? This line of questioning can help me fix the problem. I may truly be hungry, in which case, I eat a sensible snack. I may be anxious about work, in which case I remind myself that eating will only be a distraction to block my ability to achieve. If I am tired or lonely, then food also will not mitigate these feelings. If I am tired, I try to manage my sleep better the next next, making it a priority to create a healthy, calm bedtime routine. If I am lonely, then I reach out to a friend or family member. Both of these things make me feel more full and centered than anything in the fridge. And worst comes to worst, if I give into an impulsive eating episode, I remind myself that this is not the pattern I want to set, and I re-set for the next day. With food, every day can be different, every hour can be different. Be kind to yourself when creating boundaries with food. When I finally set my boundaries, I try to be firm with them. When I do cross the line though, I am kind to myself. It is okay.
ScarlettHelper12
October 1st, 2016 1:06am
Start keeping a food journal, at least for a week. Eat as you normally would, but log in the journal what you eat and when; how you feel before and after, the presence of some trigger that pushes you to food; the situation. Meanwhile, if you haven't, start exercising. Small steps, like a walk, or a few sprints, or some bodyweight exercise. It will help immensely. Report how that goes, too. After a week or two, analyze your journal, and try to look for patterns. Work with your findings. Lastly, surround yourself with love: family, friends, some hobby, music, art, 7 cups. Good luck!
recoveringlistener
April 5th, 2018 1:47pm
"Controlling" eating often leads to restriction which in some people can lead to a restrict-binge cycle- usually disordered eating if not an eating disorder. If you are having difficulty with emotional eating, compulsive/impulsive eating, and/or binging, reaching out to an expert may help! Not depriving yourself and quitting labeling food or eating as "good" or "bad"/"healthy" or "unhealthy" can help a lot of mental anguish around it too :)
SeaOfVoices
November 5th, 2016 8:57am
I've had a lot of problems with binge eating growing up. It's harder than a lot of people make out so I understand how stressed you might be. What I do is I only eat when I'm hungry. When I am, I get less food than what I think I need and leave. After 20 minutes if I'm still hungry, I get more. Be kind to yourself and don't give up if you slip up.
Anonymous
September 2nd, 2016 8:45pm
Recognize what might put you at a higher risk for suddenly wanting/needing to eat, like commercials and ads for food. Social media can have a lot of food images and stories depending on a variety of factors. If boredom is the cause then be more active/busy, or, remember to do something before eating again. Even if you open or look at the fridge while not physically hungry, get up and do something in a completely different area of your house.
Anonymous
August 12th, 2016 2:49am
You can try to focus on something else. Have a list of things you like to do, for exmple watch netflix, fix your nails, read a book and so on..
LunaRamond
December 14th, 2016 12:11pm
Put away the temptations and do something else to avoid it then eventually a confrontation will be nessecary but when it reaches that point your best bet is to go seek professional help through therapy.
TheTripleS719
September 17th, 2016 9:34pm
Drink water. It fills you up pretty fast, especially if you're not actually hungry. Water is a good way to make you drop unwanted weight as well.
Hopefulxyou
April 8th, 2022 7:44am
I like to suck on ice to get that sensation of eating something, you can also chew on it if your teeth are able to :) Distractions are also a big help and I know how clique it sounds but it truly is helpful. Going on walks, watching a movie, doing a sport, or doing something you've always wanted to do is a great way to distract yourself. But if it gets too hard I do recommend seeing a professional. I'm very proud of you for reaching out and just know there's a lot of support available and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed but take your time.
MathewLutzMA
April 8th, 2017 3:20am
I tend to chew gum or do something physical, eating is healthy if your doing it in a healthy manner. If you feel like its out of being impulsive find something to do that will cause good effects.
Georgia
August 27th, 2017 1:25pm
One of the ways to control eating when you have impulse control issues is plate size. According to scientific research, the smaller the plate, the less food you put on it. For example, if you've made a lasagna and you have a small plate, you're more likely to put a smaller portion of that lasagna on your plate than you are a bigger one. This always tricks your mind and stomach into thinking your fuller so you don't want more. Another way is when you're hungry, but you're only hungry because of your impulse control, drinking water or eating some fruit is a healthier option for you to take :)
Anonymous
May 10th, 2018 12:30pm
If your feeling impulsive the best thing to do is distract yourself. Maybe go out for a walk or find a new funny app to play on your phone. The most important thing to do it distract yourself.
Anonymous
May 27th, 2018 10:13am
I try to meditate and stay calm. First thing is to try substitute the food that makes bad for my body to good and healthy foods.
Anonymous
June 1st, 2018 7:09pm
One shift you can do is not buy the trigger foods or the go-to foods that are impulsive to you...if they are not easily available then you wont be so tempted or have the opportunity to eat it right then and there.
Teddster
September 14th, 2019 6:41pm
First of all you have to remove the temptations from anywhere near you. Don't keep any unhealthy snacks in the house and when you have a craving for something unhealthy, just grab the first fruit that you see in front of you and eat that. I know it sounds hard but I've tried it and it's worked great for me so far. Whenever I get the urge to eat something sweet for example or fast food, I just try to eat something healthy instead as fast as possible. If I am not really hungry, the cravings are not as hard to resist to.
Anonymous
April 24th, 2019 5:19pm
When you figure out the secret, let me know. For me, I have to make sure there is no junk food in the house, that it's a monumental effort to go out, buy the stuff, come home, *then* pig out. The best ways to control impulses like that are to stay on track with goals, to keep order in your life in the ways you want, to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Too often we slip in one area or exhaust ourselves and then find other areas slipping as well, to the point where we wonder how to get out of this hole. One step at a time, and build good habits on top of good habits. Progress, not perfection.
Anonymous
November 7th, 2018 12:49pm
Keep in touch with your emotions. Are you eating because you’re hungry or need nutrients, or or you eating to fill an emotional void. For snacking, grab a portion of what you want to eat, move away from the pantry, and eat without distractions. Still hungry? Go get some more, but only if you feel the physical sensation of hunger, not the mental want for food. Stop, breathe, and think. What are other things that can keep you satisfied emotionally. Talking to a loved one? Spending some self care time with just you? Planning a movie night with friends. You deserve fulfillment, and mindless eating isn’t going to provide that. Have a wonderful day.
AshlynnIShere
September 29th, 2018 6:00am
Eating is a comfort. When nothing goes right, or you feel that you are in the wrong, eating can be there for you. Although it feels good, it’s not healthy. The way you can control them is by eating what you want, but cutting down the portions little by little, until you have a healthy amount. Then, little by little take away any unhealthy things and replace them with healthier things. Healthy foods consist of; fruits, veggies, light meat. It’s also good to get rid of over consuming bad drinks. Do the same thing as what you would do with the food. Cut down the portions little by little, and then start to slowly switch to the better drinks. Healthier drink choices consist of; water, milk (or almond, soy, and lactose free milk), and once in a while smoothies.
TinyboiTrin
September 25th, 2018 7:52pm
I understand avoiding impulsive eating isn’t always possible, although planning daily times meals help if you cannot wait until then get yourself a bag of peanuts/strawberries or something healthy with a glass of water instead of giving into junk food impulse. This helps me on a regular basis because I stress eat. Avoid the candy aisle too, try to forget it exists all together. Try to remember that sugar and impulsive junk consumption will most likely worsen your mood. The most important thing is staying healthy and remembering your diet plan and eating schedule, if you have any medications remember to take those to. If you end up giving into your impulse don’t feel guilty or sad about it, you can try again, it’s okay. Rutiene and plans take time
Anonymous
August 15th, 2018 7:47am
Firstly, seek professional help. 7 Cups can only do so much, and professional help will be much more effective. To answer the question, try and eat slightly smaller meals each day. Take out one small thing, or a small amount of something of your meal and not eat it. And then each day, take something else out. Eventually, you will get to a place where you are eating meals that are more “reasonable”.
Anonymous
January 4th, 2019 11:19pm
In my experience, I feel like eating when I have other problems I need to focus on, or other stressors in my life that I don't want to deal with. Some ways to stop impulsively eating might be to start keeping track of when you feel the urge to eat unhealthily, so you can learn your triggers. Then once you figure those out you can tell your family and friends to check in and keep a closer eye on you when they notice you're feeling that way. Another way is to distract yourself, get out of the house and take a walk (or wherever the tempting food is,) or go somewhere where food is not allowed, like the library or church. If nothing else works, you can buy one of those lock boxes with a timer that won't unlock until a certain amount of time has passed.
peacefulforever333
October 25th, 2019 8:36pm
An eating disorder deals with many control issues. Either eating less where they get a sense of control over their life. overeating where they treat themselves for emotional comfort. Binge eating is associated changes in mood, which help to get the persons mind off adverse event. Over evaluating shape and weight, how you view your appearance, which leads to unhelpful behaviours. Dietary restraint some concerns that does not allow the person to eat. those are a few types where impulse issues occur, and Impulses can't be controlled. As I read there are several ways, routines, exercises to deal with such issue. But for starters I thought one way to deal is with 3 ways. first : monitor yourself...Recording what you eat and weigh your self each week. Second: regular eating...Eating 3 meals and two snacks ( underweight). And eating every four hours... no more than that. Third: writing SMART goals. those three exercises well get a person with impulse started on the track to control their eating habits.
Anonymous
November 21st, 2019 9:10pm
You can try and substitute something else for food. If there is something else you enjoy you can try to replace it with eating. This may take time, but I believe in you. You can do anything you put your mind to. You can eventually try to replace this habit with exercising, yoga, or something beneficial. Your problem may be related to a internal or external conflict. Try to find something to do that's beneficial. You may even find guidance by doing an self reflection. I encourage you to do something today be the best version of you.
heavenEars4852
December 19th, 2019 10:20pm
Sometimes planning out meals from start to finish can help with impulse control. Plan out what food you will eat during the day and set them aside in your refrigerator. It’s important to try o eat healthy ! Write them down so you can stay on track. Then plan out when you will eat your meals. A good schedule for eating is making sure you get nourishment every three hours. It is also worth trying to figure out why you are leaning on eating as a coping mechanism. Are you trying to escape from something or hide some feelings?
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2020 10:39pm
When it comes to eating disorders, you have to be very careful. There are 2 types of eating disorders: 1. eating little to nothing at all, 2. or eating to much. Both are equally dangerous for the body, and if you notice sings of either progressing, you should seek professional help immediately. Controlling your eating, is an important part. Try to have at least 3 meals a day, 1 hot one and 2 cold ones. Make sure they are healthy and give you the nutritions your body needs. T
bellarina74
March 25th, 2020 3:22pm
Have you looked at some support groups or enlisting your family and close friends to help you through this difficult time? I'm sure they love you and want the best for you so if you let them know you are experiencing a problem, I am sure they will help you through it. This may seem like a daunting thing to do but remember they love you and they would not want to see you unhappy or facing a state of depression. If it seems too confronting to face all your family then maybe just pick one or two members that you feel closest too and ask them if you can confide in them.
Anonymous
April 4th, 2020 6:34am
I have experienced that horror of impulsive eating and for me it was a mind thing. I ate because if my mind or mouth said I was I hungry i needed to eat. Not true. A good bit of advice I got from my doctor when I was pregnant(gained over a 100 lbs) is eat when you're hungry but don't eat to get full. This was the easiest way for me to eat better because eventually your body will learn to survive on the smaller portions you're fixing yourself. I hope this helps you be able to make wiser choices when its comes to food.
murrmaidkitty
September 16th, 2018 5:18am
Impulse control when it comes to eating is hard to deal with sometimes. You could set out snacks beforehand so when you get hungry you have a specific food to eat, instead of just eating whatever is closest. You can also keep healthy snacks out, which will keep your body and brain more healthy and happy than junk food. Drinking water also helps when it comes to keeping you full. Sometimes, your body thinks it is hungry when it is really just thirsty. The most important thing when it comes to eating is to eat what is just right for your body. Not too much or too little.
strawberryamanda1217
May 9th, 2020 10:31pm
When I have impulse issues when it comes to eating, I try to distract myself with other activities. I do yoga in my room or on my porch, go for a run/hike/ or walk, etc. Important food for thought is that during this time we should really work to appreciate nature. If you stay cooped up in your house all day, it will be much harder to resist temptations. Also, you start to get bored of the same scenery, which leads you to only eat because you have nothing else to do. Doing as much as sitting on your porch everyday for an hour can do so much good for your mental stability as well as help you resist temptations.