How can I control my eating when I have impulse control issues?

When it comes to eating disorders, you have to be very careful. There are 2 types of eating disorders: 1. eating little to nothing at all, 2. or eating to much. Both are equally dangerous for the body, and if you notice sings of either progressing, you should seek professional help immediately. Controlling your eating, is an important part. Try to have at least 3 meals a day, 1 hot one and 2 cold ones. Make sure they are healthy and give you the nutritions your body needs. T

Have you looked at some support groups or enlisting your family and close friends to help you through this difficult time? I'm sure they love you and want the best for you so if you let them know you are experiencing a problem, I am sure they will help you through it. This may seem like a daunting thing to do but remember they love you and they would not want to see you unhappy or facing a state of depression. If it seems too confronting to face all your family then maybe just pick one or two members that you feel closest too and ask them if you can confide in them.

I have experienced that horror of impulsive eating and for me it was a mind thing. I ate because if my mind or mouth said I was I hungry i needed to eat. Not true. A good bit of advice I got from my doctor when I was pregnant(gained over a 100 lbs) is eat when you're hungry but don't eat to get full. This was the easiest way for me to eat better because eventually your body will learn to survive on the smaller portions you're fixing yourself. I hope this helps you be able to make wiser choices when its comes to food.

When I have impulse issues when it comes to eating, I try to distract myself with other activities. I do yoga in my room or on my porch, go for a run/hike/ or walk, etc. Important food for thought is that during this time we should really work to appreciate nature. If you stay cooped up in your house all day, it will be much harder to resist temptations. Also, you start to get bored of the same scenery, which leads you to only eat because you have nothing else to do. Doing as much as sitting on your porch everyday for an hour can do so much good for your mental stability as well as help you resist temptations.

Try changing these impulses to something different, try and take up a hobby that you can impulsively do rather than eating. This could be drawing or painting or something you're interested in.

I think distracting yourself really helps, things like reading, excising, watching tv or simply just talking to someone. Do something productive!

You can ask for help with friends, family, relatives and/or someone you look up with for overall support. And of course, we'll always listen to you at 7 cups.

Learning and practicing mindfulness. Yes, it can be really, really hard. You might go into self-denial or even escaping your present reality, be it your emotions or dealing with tough situations and people. Try your very best and you are worthy! Think long-term, perhaps ask yourself, will the consequences of my excessive food choices be bad for you in a month? a year? 5 years from now? Lastly, be mindful of what you eat (as specific as you can break it down into the food groups - protein, veggies, carbs, fats, fibre...) and frequency (3- 4 hours is a good rule of thumb). For some, snacking on healthy, good -for-you foods might be what you need and help assist with the impulse control.

It is extremely hard, but I find the best thing to do is to try and take a step back and focus on why you are eating.

Start small. Reward yourself when you hit certain goals. Find something other than food that you can let your impulses out on. Whether it be music, spending time with friends, or going swimming. Most importantly, talk to someone. You are not alone.