ACT and eating issues

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

Maybe someone else has the same issues or some suggestions on how to

use the ACT principles for problems related with... I guess a food

addiction....

OK, here we go.

I am struggling with obsessive thoughts over weight and eating. I

have for quite a long time. I guess most women do to some extend. I

am not overweight but will be if I keep eating like this.

I realise all the reasons why I eat, comfort and distration mainly,

but I don't seem to be able to stop using food this way. I am totally

aware that this is a very ineffective way to deal with any problems

but, again, it is the only way I seem to be able to cope.

I have tried many, many things including lots of dieting and eating

plans to try and get a grip on this.

I have been in therapy and have not found anything I can do that will

help.

I am trying not to obsess about food and weight, hoping that trying

not to contol it will help....but it doesn't.

In the Happiness Trap is a chapter called 'Urge Surfing'. I think the

approach is great and I have tried it (not working so far).

I actually quit smoking using something similar.

Somehow I am rebelling against eating less (no problems with

exercise, I like it), everytime I try and sit with my feelings I fail.

Almost every time.

I've put on weight, my clothes don't fit, and this is of course

making everything worse.

I would like nothing more than to eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm

full and not obsess over food in between.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks,

Birgit

Perth, Australia