Mental Hunger

[mdaily1027 3]

How do you overcome your mental hunger or "sport eating"?

Tips/techniques

[tfarr 270]

I've been thinking the same thing. I'm not hungry but 2 times a day. But my mind is always looking for something to eat. It drives me insane

[mdaily1027 3]

Yes!!! I know I've been a little under stress lately and I've noticed old habits creeping back... So frustrating!! I've thought about going to a lap band support group but it's over an hour away... Need my will power back

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Great question!!! Head hunger will be there my whole life so I'm learning to recognize it and handle it.

First recognize it. If my hunger would be satisfied with an apple or an ounce of cheese then it's real hunger. Give it food and move on. If not:

Identify the feeling because there IS a feeling under it.

Anxiety

Worry

Anger

Joy

Relief

Sadness

Loneliness

Shame

Betrayal

Physically get up and change locations. At work this means walking the stairwell up and down a few times. Breathe deeply and break a sweat if that's practical. Change my physical status quo. shake it up.

Don't eat.

Don't eat.

Do. Not. Eat.

Do my nails. This occupies my feeding tools for up to an hour.

Do my hair.

I belong to 12-step groups, so getting my @$$ to a meeting works very well for me.

When fantasizing over the perfect meal, go for the dull and healthy one. Tell myself I can have the perfect one next time (delay tactic).

Get on BariatricPal and post about it. Ask for support and it will come.

Pray.

Walk. Get outside and walk. At work get outside and walk around the block or walk the stairs.

Get on the floor for some canine cuddles.

Take a bubble bath.

Get a foot massage.

Don't eat.

[gowalking 10,790]

Everything JustWatchMe said. Wonderful advice my friend.

[mdaily1027 3]

I agree... Amazing advice