Re: Hello, nice to meet you. From a new member:)

[Guest guest]

Welcome. Glad to have you on board. Many of us have been where you have been and most of us have discovered one thing DIETS DON'T WORK. Sandy

 

Hi Everyone,

I just joined the intuitive eating group last night, but it was very late, and I couldn't begin participating until today. I don't know if I could say that I'm " excited " about working through my food and emotional issues, but I'm encouraged, motivated and ready for change. I am excited by the prospect of a life that isn't overrun by food- obsessing, eating, crying because of another binge, the constant worry that someone will discover my struggle. I know that freedom from compulsive eating is possible and achievable.

A bit of my background...

I can't remember a time in my life where I had a healthy relationship with food or with my body. Growing up I was heavily influenced by my mother's compulsive eating, binging and dieting, and it didn't take long for me to adopt very negative attitudes and behaviors toward food. I think my first diets and binges were beginning around the time I was 11. On top of that I have a natural tendancy toward the melancholy and perfectionism so I constantly threw myself toward food to avoid uncomfortable feelings.

My compulsive eating has negatively impacted my life, and although I have fought to lose weight and maintain healthy eating and exercising, it has always been very aesthetically focused laden with binges between regimes and I would cling to every latest diet for my salvation from food and fat hell.

A theraptist once recommended I read a book on intuitive eating, and I remember thinking the idea was interesting but required too much " feelings " work and really I just wanted her to tell me how to lose 30lbs forever and never think about chocolate again.

Years later, not quite so superficial and slightly more sure of myself, I began searching for a life change, not just a quick way to fit into smaller jeans, and I found " Women, Food and God " by Geneen Roth, and I decided that this life of intuitive eating, seeking spirituality and self-awareness was the way I wanted to live my life. A full life, without food obsession and complusion, is possible! (I'm not advertising her book, I'm sure there are many great titles and authors but this is the one that turned on the lightbulb in my food como)

It is an uphill climb, but through the help of God and friends I see the goal is worth working for!

[Guest guest]

Welcome. Glad to have you on board. Many of us have been where you have been and most of us have discovered one thing DIETS DON'T WORK. Sandy

 

Hi Everyone,

I just joined the intuitive eating group last night, but it was very late, and I couldn't begin participating until today. I don't know if I could say that I'm " excited " about working through my food and emotional issues, but I'm encouraged, motivated and ready for change. I am excited by the prospect of a life that isn't overrun by food- obsessing, eating, crying because of another binge, the constant worry that someone will discover my struggle. I know that freedom from compulsive eating is possible and achievable.

A bit of my background...

I can't remember a time in my life where I had a healthy relationship with food or with my body. Growing up I was heavily influenced by my mother's compulsive eating, binging and dieting, and it didn't take long for me to adopt very negative attitudes and behaviors toward food. I think my first diets and binges were beginning around the time I was 11. On top of that I have a natural tendancy toward the melancholy and perfectionism so I constantly threw myself toward food to avoid uncomfortable feelings.

My compulsive eating has negatively impacted my life, and although I have fought to lose weight and maintain healthy eating and exercising, it has always been very aesthetically focused laden with binges between regimes and I would cling to every latest diet for my salvation from food and fat hell.

A theraptist once recommended I read a book on intuitive eating, and I remember thinking the idea was interesting but required too much " feelings " work and really I just wanted her to tell me how to lose 30lbs forever and never think about chocolate again.

Years later, not quite so superficial and slightly more sure of myself, I began searching for a life change, not just a quick way to fit into smaller jeans, and I found " Women, Food and God " by Geneen Roth, and I decided that this life of intuitive eating, seeking spirituality and self-awareness was the way I wanted to live my life. A full life, without food obsession and complusion, is possible! (I'm not advertising her book, I'm sure there are many great titles and authors but this is the one that turned on the lightbulb in my food como)

It is an uphill climb, but through the help of God and friends I see the goal is worth working for!

[Guest guest]

Welcome. Glad to have you on board. Many of us have been where you have been and most of us have discovered one thing DIETS DON'T WORK. Sandy

 

Hi Everyone,

I just joined the intuitive eating group last night, but it was very late, and I couldn't begin participating until today. I don't know if I could say that I'm " excited " about working through my food and emotional issues, but I'm encouraged, motivated and ready for change. I am excited by the prospect of a life that isn't overrun by food- obsessing, eating, crying because of another binge, the constant worry that someone will discover my struggle. I know that freedom from compulsive eating is possible and achievable.

A bit of my background...

I can't remember a time in my life where I had a healthy relationship with food or with my body. Growing up I was heavily influenced by my mother's compulsive eating, binging and dieting, and it didn't take long for me to adopt very negative attitudes and behaviors toward food. I think my first diets and binges were beginning around the time I was 11. On top of that I have a natural tendancy toward the melancholy and perfectionism so I constantly threw myself toward food to avoid uncomfortable feelings.

My compulsive eating has negatively impacted my life, and although I have fought to lose weight and maintain healthy eating and exercising, it has always been very aesthetically focused laden with binges between regimes and I would cling to every latest diet for my salvation from food and fat hell.

A theraptist once recommended I read a book on intuitive eating, and I remember thinking the idea was interesting but required too much " feelings " work and really I just wanted her to tell me how to lose 30lbs forever and never think about chocolate again.

Years later, not quite so superficial and slightly more sure of myself, I began searching for a life change, not just a quick way to fit into smaller jeans, and I found " Women, Food and God " by Geneen Roth, and I decided that this life of intuitive eating, seeking spirituality and self-awareness was the way I wanted to live my life. A full life, without food obsession and complusion, is possible! (I'm not advertising her book, I'm sure there are many great titles and authors but this is the one that turned on the lightbulb in my food como)

It is an uphill climb, but through the help of God and friends I see the goal is worth working for!

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome to the group! I can absolutely understand the feeling of things sometimes involving too many " feelings. " I tried to read Women, Food, and God awhile ago and it felt far too much like that to me at the time, but I' recently re-read it (was probably more " ready " ) and a lot of the concepts really hit home and were very helpful. I hope you find a lot of support and learning here. Please share whenever you have a question or just need some help!

Best Wishes,Casey

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome to the group! I can absolutely understand the feeling of things sometimes involving too many " feelings. " I tried to read Women, Food, and God awhile ago and it felt far too much like that to me at the time, but I' recently re-read it (was probably more " ready " ) and a lot of the concepts really hit home and were very helpful. I hope you find a lot of support and learning here. Please share whenever you have a question or just need some help!

Best Wishes,Casey

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome to the group! I can absolutely understand the feeling of things sometimes involving too many " feelings. " I tried to read Women, Food, and God awhile ago and it felt far too much like that to me at the time, but I' recently re-read it (was probably more " ready " ) and a lot of the concepts really hit home and were very helpful. I hope you find a lot of support and learning here. Please share whenever you have a question or just need some help!

Best Wishes,Casey

[Guest guest]

Welcome!

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wed, May 18, 2011 1:17:13 PMSubject: Hello, nice to meet you. From a new member:)

Hi Everyone,I just joined the intuitive eating group last night, but it was very late, and I couldn't begin participating until today. I don't know if I could say that I'm "excited" about working through my food and emotional issues, but I'm encouraged, motivated and ready for change. I am excited by the prospect of a life that isn't overrun by food- obsessing, eating, crying because of another binge, the constant worry that someone will discover my struggle. I know that freedom from compulsive eating is possible and achievable.A bit of my background...I can't remember a time in my life where I had a healthy relationship with food or with my body. Growing up I was heavily influenced by my mother's compulsive eating, binging and dieting, and it didn't take long for me to adopt very negative attitudes and behaviors toward food. I think my first diets and binges were beginning around the time I was 11. On top of that I have a

natural tendancy toward the melancholy and perfectionism so I constantly threw myself toward food to avoid uncomfortable feelings. My compulsive eating has negatively impacted my life, and although I have fought to lose weight and maintain healthy eating and exercising, it has always been very aesthetically focused laden with binges between regimes and I would cling to every latest diet for my salvation from food and fat hell.A theraptist once recommended I read a book on intuitive eating, and I remember thinking the idea was interesting but required too much "feelings" work and really I just wanted her to tell me how to lose 30lbs forever and never think about chocolate again.Years later, not quite so superficial and slightly more sure of myself, I began searching for a life change, not just a quick way to fit into smaller jeans, and I found "Women, Food and God" by Geneen Roth, and I decided that this life of intuitive eating,

seeking spirituality and self-awareness was the way I wanted to live my life. A full life, without food obsession and complusion, is possible! (I'm not advertising her book, I'm sure there are many great titles and authors but this is the one that turned on the lightbulb in my food como)It is an uphill climb, but through the help of God and friends I see the goal is worth working for!

[Guest guest]

Welcome!

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wed, May 18, 2011 1:17:13 PMSubject: Hello, nice to meet you. From a new member:)

Hi Everyone,I just joined the intuitive eating group last night, but it was very late, and I couldn't begin participating until today. I don't know if I could say that I'm "excited" about working through my food and emotional issues, but I'm encouraged, motivated and ready for change. I am excited by the prospect of a life that isn't overrun by food- obsessing, eating, crying because of another binge, the constant worry that someone will discover my struggle. I know that freedom from compulsive eating is possible and achievable.A bit of my background...I can't remember a time in my life where I had a healthy relationship with food or with my body. Growing up I was heavily influenced by my mother's compulsive eating, binging and dieting, and it didn't take long for me to adopt very negative attitudes and behaviors toward food. I think my first diets and binges were beginning around the time I was 11. On top of that I have a

natural tendancy toward the melancholy and perfectionism so I constantly threw myself toward food to avoid uncomfortable feelings. My compulsive eating has negatively impacted my life, and although I have fought to lose weight and maintain healthy eating and exercising, it has always been very aesthetically focused laden with binges between regimes and I would cling to every latest diet for my salvation from food and fat hell.A theraptist once recommended I read a book on intuitive eating, and I remember thinking the idea was interesting but required too much "feelings" work and really I just wanted her to tell me how to lose 30lbs forever and never think about chocolate again.Years later, not quite so superficial and slightly more sure of myself, I began searching for a life change, not just a quick way to fit into smaller jeans, and I found "Women, Food and God" by Geneen Roth, and I decided that this life of intuitive eating,

seeking spirituality and self-awareness was the way I wanted to live my life. A full life, without food obsession and complusion, is possible! (I'm not advertising her book, I'm sure there are many great titles and authors but this is the one that turned on the lightbulb in my food como)It is an uphill climb, but through the help of God and friends I see the goal is worth working for!

[Guest guest]

Welcome!

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wed, May 18, 2011 1:17:13 PMSubject: Hello, nice to meet you. From a new member:)

Hi Everyone,I just joined the intuitive eating group last night, but it was very late, and I couldn't begin participating until today. I don't know if I could say that I'm "excited" about working through my food and emotional issues, but I'm encouraged, motivated and ready for change. I am excited by the prospect of a life that isn't overrun by food- obsessing, eating, crying because of another binge, the constant worry that someone will discover my struggle. I know that freedom from compulsive eating is possible and achievable.A bit of my background...I can't remember a time in my life where I had a healthy relationship with food or with my body. Growing up I was heavily influenced by my mother's compulsive eating, binging and dieting, and it didn't take long for me to adopt very negative attitudes and behaviors toward food. I think my first diets and binges were beginning around the time I was 11. On top of that I have a

natural tendancy toward the melancholy and perfectionism so I constantly threw myself toward food to avoid uncomfortable feelings. My compulsive eating has negatively impacted my life, and although I have fought to lose weight and maintain healthy eating and exercising, it has always been very aesthetically focused laden with binges between regimes and I would cling to every latest diet for my salvation from food and fat hell.A theraptist once recommended I read a book on intuitive eating, and I remember thinking the idea was interesting but required too much "feelings" work and really I just wanted her to tell me how to lose 30lbs forever and never think about chocolate again.Years later, not quite so superficial and slightly more sure of myself, I began searching for a life change, not just a quick way to fit into smaller jeans, and I found "Women, Food and God" by Geneen Roth, and I decided that this life of intuitive eating,

seeking spirituality and self-awareness was the way I wanted to live my life. A full life, without food obsession and complusion, is possible! (I'm not advertising her book, I'm sure there are many great titles and authors but this is the one that turned on the lightbulb in my food como)It is an uphill climb, but through the help of God and friends I see the goal is worth working for!

[Guest guest]

Thank you Casey for your encouraging response. I have been reading the daily

messages, but I'm stilling figuring out how this works:) I think this support

group will be so helpful because I'm often struggling most with food when I'm

near my computer, so instead of eating for reasons other than hunger I can hop

on my computer and participate in this community. also, sometimes clarity comes

from the perspective of another set of eyes....maybe truths will be revealed to

me that I hadn't thought, considered or understood before.

As far as my difficulty with the " feelings " thing goes, I'm struggling to be

patient with myself and learn to actually accept feelings, recognize them and

tolerate them without running to food. I actually love the book 'women, food and

God' and I believe that asking why i'm running to food for reasons other than

hunger is an opportunity to grow in awareness and acceptance of who I am, BUT I

don't usually understand what the feelings are that are driving me to eat (not

out of hunger) and why it is sooo hard to stop--very frustrating! If I lost a

loved one or something horrible happened to me then I feel the connections to my

feelings and food would be obvious, however I just feel a strong pull to eat adn

when I stop and ask myself " why? " I'm frozen. " because the food is there and

it's good " is usually the sarcastic response ringing in my ears.

I'm making a point to journal more and take deep breaths throughout the day,

which really helps me remain aware of when I'm being drawn to food for reasons

other than hunger.

I might be rambling on too long, but there are many things i'm eager to

discuss:)

thanks for listening

>

> Hello and welcome to the group! I can absolutely understand the feeling of

> things sometimes involving too many " feelings. " I tried to read Women, Food,

> and God awhile ago and it felt far too much like that to me at the time, but

> I' recently re-read it (was probably more " ready " ) and a lot of the concepts

> really hit home and were very helpful. I hope you find a lot of support and

> learning here. Please share whenever you have a question or just need some

> help!

>

> Best Wishes,

> Casey

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the warm welcome!

when I start thinking that intuitive eating is too hard and that a diet would

offer the results I'm really after, I remember that the diets ALWAYS fail and if

i'm willing to put as much effort and energy into healing my relationship with

food and self as I was putting into berating and destroying myself with

compulsive eating then I will make permanent healthy changes that allow me to

live a life free from food stress!

>

> >

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > I just joined the intuitive eating group last night, but it was very late,

> > and I couldn't begin participating until today. I don't know if I could say

> > that I'm " excited " about working through my food and emotional issues, but

> > I'm encouraged, motivated and ready for change. I am excited by the prospect

> > of a life that isn't overrun by food- obsessing, eating, crying because of

> > another binge, the constant worry that someone will discover my struggle. I

> > know that freedom from compulsive eating is possible and achievable.

> >

> > A bit of my background...

> >

> > I can't remember a time in my life where I had a healthy relationship with

> > food or with my body. Growing up I was heavily influenced by my mother's

> > compulsive eating, binging and dieting, and it didn't take long for me to

> > adopt very negative attitudes and behaviors toward food. I think my first

> > diets and binges were beginning around the time I was 11. On top of that I

> > have a natural tendancy toward the melancholy and perfectionism so I

> > constantly threw myself toward food to avoid uncomfortable feelings.

> >

> > My compulsive eating has negatively impacted my life, and although I have

> > fought to lose weight and maintain healthy eating and exercising, it has

> > always been very aesthetically focused laden with binges between regimes and

> > I would cling to every latest diet for my salvation from food and fat hell.

> >

> > A theraptist once recommended I read a book on intuitive eating, and I

> > remember thinking the idea was interesting but required too much " feelings "

> > work and really I just wanted her to tell me how to lose 30lbs forever and

> > never think about chocolate again.

> >

> > Years later, not quite so superficial and slightly more sure of myself, I

> > began searching for a life change, not just a quick way to fit into smaller

> > jeans, and I found " Women, Food and God " by Geneen Roth, and I decided that

> > this life of intuitive eating, seeking spirituality and self-awareness was

> > the way I wanted to live my life. A full life, without food obsession and

> > complusion, is possible! (I'm not advertising her book, I'm sure there are

> > many great titles and authors but this is the one that turned on the

> > lightbulb in my food como)

> >

> > It is an uphill climb, but through the help of God and friends I see the

> > goal is worth working for!

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi again - I also have a hard time identifying the " feelings " that are the cause of a compulsive eating session. I usually can identify them after the fact but not before or during. Part of this I think comes from a rebellious sense, an unwillingness to confront my feelings and give up the comfort of the binge. I don't have any useful solutions, but I do know that even if you can't identify the cause at least you can use the desire to eat compulsively as a good indicator that there is something going on in your mind or heart, even if you can't tell what it is right away.

Best Wishes!Casey