tattoomytoe Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 i can see drugs, and alcohal, as they can impair your think, state of mind. But why did food become so popular? i do not understand...yet it is one of my ways. i definately Do Not feel better after i eat a bag of cookies or chips....so why do we do it? i sometimes feel like i am being rebelious if i do what i should not like eating a whole cake, so why can't i just smoke a cigarrete and feel that same satisfaction? Link to post Share on other sites
Tony T Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 There are many theories in answer to your querie. Food is legal, readily available, tastes good and satisfies our hunger. That's half the answer. The other half lies with the fact that people don't know when to stop. Of course, where drugs are concerned they don't know when to stop either. Life is very painful, there is much stress and food offers a very temporary fix where we can take our minds off the world and Zen in on the taste of food. We keep on eating even when we've had enough. When we get nervous we head for the refigerator. Many people walk to the refrigerator subconsciously for no reason at all, stare blankly into it, grab something and walk away. From there they open the pantry to see what sort of cookies and other ready etibles are there. So some just eat too much out of boredom or habit. The only way to stop is environmental control. Be aware of what you need to keep out of the refrigerator and out of the house. Like any addict, you'll go through withdrawal symptoms for a few days. But if you learn to take a swig of water when you go into the refrigerator and not go for food...and if there is nothing around to snack on...eventually you'll depend solely on what you get at meals. Then if you master eating just what you need instead of what restaurants pile on your plate, you will have arrived. I find it amusing that you have a rather appetizing and sexy avatar. Don't know what part of it to go for first. Link to post Share on other sites
Arabess Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 Originally posted by Tony The only way to stop is environmental control. Be aware of what you need to keep out of the refrigerator and out of the house. Like any addict, you'll go through withdrawal symptoms for a few days. But if you learn to take a swig of water when you go into the refrigerator and not go for food...and if there is nothing around to snack on...eventually you'll depend solely on what you get at meals. Then if you master eating just what you need instead of what restaurants pile on your plate, you will have arrived. EXACTLY. It's amazing how good an apple tastes when there isn't anything else in the house to snack on! Link to post Share on other sites
sassygal Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 I don't think food is really any different. Maybe eating is what makes you feel better at the time, where as some may feel the need to drink. Either way afterwards you feel bad about it right? The next time you get a sudden urse to eat a whole cake or bag of cookies try one of these. Go for a walk, go to the gym, or pull out your favorite record and dance around the house!!! This seems kinda silly I know..........but it really releaves the tention for me. You will forget about that cake and have asense of accomplishment. If you don't like dancing try doing something you enjoy to take your mind off of it. It will get easier as time goes by, good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 You're going to scream, but again it's about neurochemicals. Food fixes things. Carbs raise seratonin. It's another form of self-medication. Be aware of what you need to keep out of the refrigerator and out of the house. This really works. Of course, you also have to forbid yourself from running out to a fast-food place to get something because there's no junk in the house. If the only things you have in the house for dinner are vegies and chicken, you'll end up making a healthy meal. Oh, and dump all your cooking oil; use olive oil sparingly and don't fry stuff. Make these few changes and pretty soon you get used to eating differently and then you're over the hump because you won't want to go back. I haven't bought a bag of chips in years. I have maybe one doughnut a month. And I really don't miss that stuff! Link to post Share on other sites
echocrush Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 How did food become such a "popular" coping mechanism? "It's okay baby don't cry, here... have a cookie" Link to post Share on other sites
spencer Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 Originally posted by echocrush "It's okay baby don't cry, here... have a cookie" yup............. food is love Link to post Share on other sites
reasontosigh Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 I just figured it was an oral thing - like something to replace thumb sucking. Link to post Share on other sites
Sundaymorning Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 In some instances pertaining to an Eating Disorder, the eating or bingeing on food is not what is calming, it is the after effect. Afterwards, one does not have to feel bad about whatever had them eat in the first place....they only have one feeling- guilt or fat- for eating what they just did. Feeling fat and focusing on that is alot easier than focusing on the multifaceted problem that was originally there. Link to post Share on other sites
yes Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 this is such a hot topic for me. i am guilty of using food to make me feel better, and although i'm by no means overweight, i try quite hard to avoid doing that, beyond a reasonable consolating cookie or smth. my method is this: before eating something, i take a moment to listen to my stomach and ask it - do you really want this? MANY times the answer is - No thanks. if you must keep your mouth busy (lol), do this: keep a bottle of water by yourself at all times. it's good for you, anyway! happy moderated munching, -yes PS sometimes i still pig out and eat a huge meal of ribs and wings or something, but when u'r used to moderated eating, u'r very conscious of what u'r doing, and the pig-outs become truly RARE and are spiced with a hint of guilt. Link to post Share on other sites
Fedup&givingup Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 Originally posted by tattoomytoe i can see drugs, and alcohal, as they can impair your think, state of mind. But why did food become so popular? i do not understand...yet it is one of my ways. i definately Do Not feel better after i eat a bag of cookies or chips....so why do we do it? i sometimes feel like i am being rebelious if i do what i should not like eating a whole cake, so why can't i just smoke a cigarrete and feel that same satisfaction? I think a lot of it has to do with immediate gratification. Link to post Share on other sites
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