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How to not binge eat when feeling overly emotional?

10 Answers
Last Updated: 09/07/2021 at 7:39pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2015 6:00pm
Hmm... well binge eating is a coping mechanism. The best way would be to do something that gets you away from the pantry when you have such urges - like going for a walk, take pictures (even garbage cans are interesting objects, worthy of a picture), listen to music outside - something that moves your mind from that. Afterwards, you have to try to think about why you binge eat. And recognize that, even though it feels it helps you, it's not an healthy coping mechanism - and as such, you should avoid it and find another, healthier, coping mechanism!
GoldenDragonEyes60
May 4th, 2015 7:28pm
Keep yourself in check. If you feel like you want to eat, check yourself, are you really hungry or are you just feeling emotional? If you have to, write yourself a note on the fridge or cupboards, so that when you go for the food you can remind yourself.
stargirl27
June 8th, 2015 10:00am
do not stock up on food, do not go to malls or places who cell yummy food, stay away from restaurant delivery brochures
PoliteOcean
September 6th, 2015 8:07pm
Everyone is different. If you feel that you are turning to food when you become overly emotional perhaps journaling your feelings can help you. Also, if you feel its an unhealthy issue then perhaps speaking with a trusted person, therapist or counselor can help.
Anonymous
October 27th, 2015 6:24am
When I feel the need to binge, I make myself do the opposite, work out. I'll crank out a few push-ups or sit-ups or go for a run. I've found that this helps me to feel in control of myself and of my body.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2016 7:33pm
I've found that exercising and keeping myself busy has been the two most helpful things in avoiding binge eating. Of course everyone is different in what works for them, but I've found them very effective.
EmpathicVision
January 16th, 2017 2:37am
Oh that's a tough one. Man...I know it may sound ridiculous but I hug. I hug my pillow or I cuddle up with my cat or I find a friend who is okay with ridiculously long hugs. Otherwise I say something else that feels good. If that's music or dancing or screaming or taking a long shower or whatever, I say give it to yourself instead of food.
LightafterDarkeness
February 7th, 2017 10:15pm
Not binge eating when feeling overly emotional can be difficult. It can help to understand why we do it. One of the answers for this is that we often do it to comfort ourselves. To reduce binge eating, you could choose healthier foods which can maintain your energy levels and support your mood. You could also opt for a glass of water before you eat, this way, you're less likely to eat too much.
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2018 11:38pm
When you are feeling overly emotional, in order to not binge eat you can control you're eagerness to do it and have an alternative activity to do instead of solving your problems with food.
calmingPerspective87
September 7th, 2021 7:39pm
It was a complete struggle trying to learn and how to stop binge eating. It became a bit easier to me whenever I started identifying physical hunger with it being emotional. It's important to be able to identify which one is which so it doesn't become a downward spiral into it being a cycle. As well as just finding other ways to deal with the emotional stress that connects to the binge eating. Meditating would also help in the process of being in the middle of feeling helpless and feeling that the only thing that could help me in the moment would be to eat.