Eating when not hungry...

[janaq2003]

This is such a horrible habit that has risen it's ugly head. After I do it, I feel like a slug and nauseated. How many of you deal with this and how have you been able to overcome it?

[Lucie]

I used to be an emotional eater. I looked forward to food almost like shopping. I realize that underlying issues that caused me to feel helpless incited my urge to eat. Often times eating when not hungry is a sign of boredom. Find something to do. Also, when you are about to eat something, ask yourself if you are really hungry. Drink water, it helps stifle the urge to eat. Good luck!

[Ladybug33]

I usually also eat out of pure boredom. I find it very helpful to always have sugarless gum around. This way I can just chew a piece rather than grabbing another "snack".

Try it - it helps.

[LHCF2009]

If I'm not hungary then I don't eat. Like the poster above, try chewing some gum or sucking on a piece of candy (i.e. jolly rancher).

[NappyMD]

Ugh, this one was/is huge for me! When I am on services that don't see a lot of action I gain weight, and when I'm kept busy in the ER I lose weight. Other than gum and carrots, my only solution has been specializing in ER :look:

Oh, and if it's a long evening at home alone, a walk/jog really helps, BUT this is still a major vice for me!

[vainღ♥♡jane]

pick up a book. i love to read, and if i get into it, that fake craving will lose my attention.

go for a quick walk.

read my food journal entry for the day, and see the last thing i ate and at what time.

brush your teeth. food is soooo gross with that minty taste in your mouth.

[Chromia]

I deal with this. I'll eat not because I'm hungry, but because I want the taste or the texture of a certain food, or to relax or take a break.

It helps me to find something else to do. If I watch a movie on HBO or a DVD I won't think about food because there are no commercial breaks.

Luckily I can walk around the mall without wanting to eat (I somehow got over what felt like an addiction to Auntie Anne's pretzels), so sometimes I'll just go to the mall and browse.

Sometimes chewing sugarfree gum or drinking diet pop helps.

Going to a bookstore and reading helps me also. Even though there's food at Barnes & Noble and Borders I'm able to sit there and read books and magazines without wanting food.

[Lenee925]

Hoodia and eating more meals throughout the day has helped a lot. I don't do it anymore, go figure.

[la flaca]

Me too!! But, I only do that when I'm eating too much carbs (not the healthy ones).