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How can I stop using food as a control mechanism?

10 Answers
Last Updated: 07/17/2018 at 6:19pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Alex DS Ellis, MA, LMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

Feeling depressed or anxious can be so overwhelming. I want to help you feel better and be able to enjoy life. You are not alone and you deserve emotional support.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
May 4th, 2015 7:09am
maybe set down at the first of the day and limit yourself and stay on a schedule. You go to food because you have the control over it when everything else is a mess. you just have to figure out the amount you want to eat and keep yourself to that schedule.
Anonymous
May 26th, 2015 4:43pm
Try and start using music or something else for a while and not food.I have that problem too and I just listen to music:)
helpfuldot
June 15th, 2015 9:14pm
If you measure food, or count calories, or however you control your food, try breaking from that. If it would help, have someone else prepare your food so you can't control it. Also learning other coping mechanisms like writing, art, or other hobbies to distract can be a big help.
Anonymous
September 21st, 2015 12:02am
you need to make a plan about what to eat, and the time when are you eating if you want to escape from this control
Anonymous
January 4th, 2016 1:31pm
Reward myself with different experiences instead of food. Realize I have self control and busy myself with other activities.
warmeyes116
February 2nd, 2016 4:56am
Look at whats happened in the past, and identify what your trigger is. Once you know try to avoid those situations and find other ways to control.
Anonymous
March 29th, 2016 11:36pm
By replacing food with people and using people as your outlet rather than food. This is always going to be difficult as your eating disorder is your friend and the only coping mechanism you have known. However, reaching out is always the hardest thing to do. Once you have taken that step you have already gained a friend who can help battle your eating disorder with you
BeautifulGlobe14
August 22nd, 2017 11:23pm
I'd recommend seeing a specialist if it gets out of control. But try to figure out the things you like to do. For instance your hobbies, and go and do those. Distract yourself. And instead of always eating as times, drink water because sometimes our emotions feed on us and we tend to look for food as a way out. And sometimes we aren't really hungry, we just need water. But also busy yourself, not to the point of being extreme but enough to get your mind off of it. And make sure it's something enjoyable.
elissforyou
February 19th, 2018 7:10pm
Hide it, the best way is not to see it. When I see my phone around I need to check it, but when I put it beside me or I "hide" it I don't need it, I forget about it
Anonymous
July 17th, 2018 6:19pm
Find something like music or writing down your feelings as a control mechanism instead of eating.