How can I control my eating when I have impulse control issues?
SashaListens
on
Aug 27, 2016
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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.
Dealing with eating disorders?
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mindfulcyclist
on
Jan 21, 2017
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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
on
Oct 1, 2016
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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
on
Apr 5, 2018
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"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
on
Nov 5, 2016
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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
on
Sep 2, 2016
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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
on
Aug 12, 2016
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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..
TheTripleS719
on
Sep 17, 2016
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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.
LunaRamond
on
Dec 14, 2016
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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.
MathewLutzMA
on
Apr 8, 2017
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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
on
Aug 27, 2017
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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 :)
Hopefulxyou
on
Apr 8, 2022
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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.
Anonymous
on
May 10, 2018
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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
on
May 27, 2018
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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
on
Jun 1, 2018
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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.
murrmaidkitty
on
Sep 16, 2018
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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.
Anonymous
on
Jan 4, 2019
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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
on
Oct 25, 2019
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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
on
Nov 21, 2019
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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
on
Dec 19, 2019
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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?