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Oh, my gosh! I never realized that (about the spelling)! That's so funny! (But

also not funny.) It happens to me most every day at work. By 10 am when it is my

planning time, I feel like I've run a marathon, and yet I can't relax because I

have more planning to do than one person can humanly do. So I end up eating the

snack I'd have if it wasn't a workday around midafternoon. And of course I can't

eat it mindfully. I want to gobble it down. It's my unhealthy way of

destressing. And yes, it's desserts I crave. It sets my craving for sweets in

full motion.

> > >

> > > For sure comforting one's self using food is common and feels effective at

the moment of need. The trouble begins when guilt sets in for doing this as well

as all the unpleasant after effects from excessive food intake. I also find

myself doing this at stressful times - its such an 'automatic' reaction in a lot

of ways. The only way I have been able to turn the tables on this undesired

practice is to 1) be aware that I am eating for comfort, not hunger, 2) give

myself permission to comfort myself - as best as I can at that moment - food

included, 3) turn my focus onto the food making sure I notice taste, texture and

how my body is receiving it., and 4) taking a deep breath, see if I can go

beyond the food to find what what it is that I really want for comfort - touch

(hug), distance from X (hurting factor) OR if this act of eating is self

punishment for whatever reason. That's a LOT to ask of one's self when caught in

the clutches of hurt or anger, but like most of IE 'training' - taking little

baby steps each time eventually turns into an assured 'way' that takes you where

you really need to be.

> > >

> > > BEST to us all, Katcha

> > > IEing since March 2007

> > >

>

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Oh, my gosh! I never realized that (about the spelling)! That's so funny! (But

also not funny.) It happens to me most every day at work. By 10 am when it is my

planning time, I feel like I've run a marathon, and yet I can't relax because I

have more planning to do than one person can humanly do. So I end up eating the

snack I'd have if it wasn't a workday around midafternoon. And of course I can't

eat it mindfully. I want to gobble it down. It's my unhealthy way of

destressing. And yes, it's desserts I crave. It sets my craving for sweets in

full motion.

> > >

> > > For sure comforting one's self using food is common and feels effective at

the moment of need. The trouble begins when guilt sets in for doing this as well

as all the unpleasant after effects from excessive food intake. I also find

myself doing this at stressful times - its such an 'automatic' reaction in a lot

of ways. The only way I have been able to turn the tables on this undesired

practice is to 1) be aware that I am eating for comfort, not hunger, 2) give

myself permission to comfort myself - as best as I can at that moment - food

included, 3) turn my focus onto the food making sure I notice taste, texture and

how my body is receiving it., and 4) taking a deep breath, see if I can go

beyond the food to find what what it is that I really want for comfort - touch

(hug), distance from X (hurting factor) OR if this act of eating is self

punishment for whatever reason. That's a LOT to ask of one's self when caught in

the clutches of hurt or anger, but like most of IE 'training' - taking little

baby steps each time eventually turns into an assured 'way' that takes you where

you really need to be.

> > >

> > > BEST to us all, Katcha

> > > IEing since March 2007

> > >

>

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Oh, my gosh! I never realized that (about the spelling)! That's so funny! (But

also not funny.) It happens to me most every day at work. By 10 am when it is my

planning time, I feel like I've run a marathon, and yet I can't relax because I

have more planning to do than one person can humanly do. So I end up eating the

snack I'd have if it wasn't a workday around midafternoon. And of course I can't

eat it mindfully. I want to gobble it down. It's my unhealthy way of

destressing. And yes, it's desserts I crave. It sets my craving for sweets in

full motion.

> > >

> > > For sure comforting one's self using food is common and feels effective at

the moment of need. The trouble begins when guilt sets in for doing this as well

as all the unpleasant after effects from excessive food intake. I also find

myself doing this at stressful times - its such an 'automatic' reaction in a lot

of ways. The only way I have been able to turn the tables on this undesired

practice is to 1) be aware that I am eating for comfort, not hunger, 2) give

myself permission to comfort myself - as best as I can at that moment - food

included, 3) turn my focus onto the food making sure I notice taste, texture and

how my body is receiving it., and 4) taking a deep breath, see if I can go

beyond the food to find what what it is that I really want for comfort - touch

(hug), distance from X (hurting factor) OR if this act of eating is self

punishment for whatever reason. That's a LOT to ask of one's self when caught in

the clutches of hurt or anger, but like most of IE 'training' - taking little

baby steps each time eventually turns into an assured 'way' that takes you where

you really need to be.

> > >

> > > BEST to us all, Katcha

> > > IEing since March 2007

> > >

>

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I have been motivating myself to get out and walk. It was hard at first but I've been at it for over 2 weeks now and my legs are getting stronger. I find that I'm really physically tired and I'm sleeping better. I also find that although I'm under a lot of stress, the walking is really helping me cope...it seems to stop the chatterbox in my head which was constantly rehashing my problems, especially at night when there was nothing that I could do about them.My library had a sale and I bought a bunch of cheesy detective stories on CDs. I only listen to them when I'm out walking and so, if the story is interesting, and I want to keep listening, I keep walking.CaroleTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Saturday, October 1, 2011 12:18:53 PMSubject: Re: comforting yourselfRight now, I'm reading a lot of cheesy detective stories. It's getting dark earlier and earlier every day around here and I'm moving into hybernation mode already. And, probably somebody else here already said this - just eat for comfort mindfully for a while and see where that leads.

Sandarah

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I have been motivating myself to get out and walk. It was hard at first but I've been at it for over 2 weeks now and my legs are getting stronger. I find that I'm really physically tired and I'm sleeping better. I also find that although I'm under a lot of stress, the walking is really helping me cope...it seems to stop the chatterbox in my head which was constantly rehashing my problems, especially at night when there was nothing that I could do about them.My library had a sale and I bought a bunch of cheesy detective stories on CDs. I only listen to them when I'm out walking and so, if the story is interesting, and I want to keep listening, I keep walking.CaroleTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Saturday, October 1, 2011 12:18:53 PMSubject: Re: comforting yourselfRight now, I'm reading a lot of cheesy detective stories. It's getting dark earlier and earlier every day around here and I'm moving into hybernation mode already. And, probably somebody else here already said this - just eat for comfort mindfully for a while and see where that leads.

Sandarah

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Happy that you could connect with something that would work for you Goergi :-) I

do hope that I didn't sound too 'advice-y' as I only wanted to share what I am

doing as an example. IE is so much about finding our OWN 'ways', and definitely

a return to crowning our own INternal selves as queen/king ;-) For me when I

notice an alarm bell (sounding SHOULD! SHOULD!) in my head, that is so much a

sign that diet mentality, food police and EXternal factors are (trying to)

driving MY show and not me. I love that IE lauds our own INternal rebel since

that is our best, and sometimes only, saving factor in this epic battle to

regain ourselves.

BEST to you, Katcha

IEing since March 2007

>

>

> Helpful advice Katcha - I love the breakdown to 4 steps and am trying that

right now. Goergi

>

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Carole,

Great motivator in the mysteries on CDs! Actually, you just made me realize I

am feeling stressed in my body and I have decided to take a walk to de-stress.

Thanks! Funny how I hadn't recognized the tension in the back of my head, neck,

and shoulders. Now it's SO OBVIOUS.

Jane

>

> I have been motivating myself to get out and walk. It was hard at first but

I've been at it for over 2 weeks now and my legs are getting stronger. I find

that I'm really physically tired and I'm sleeping better. I also find that

although I'm under a lot of stress, the walking is really helping me cope...it

seems to stop the chatterbox in my head which was constantly rehashing my

problems, especially at night when there was nothing that I could do about them.

>

> My library had a sale and I bought a bunch of cheesy detective stories on CDs.

I only listen to them when I'm out walking and so, if the story is interesting,

and I want to keep listening, I keep walking.

>

> Carole

>

>

> >________________________________

> >

> >To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> >Sent: Saturday, October 1, 2011 12:18:53 PM

> >Subject: Re: comforting yourself

> >

> >Right now, I'm reading a lot of cheesy detective stories. It's getting dark

earlier and earlier every day around here and I'm moving into hybernation mode

already. And, probably somebody else here already said this - just eat for

comfort mindfully for a while and see where that leads. Sandarah

> >

> >

> >

>

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Carole,

Great motivator in the mysteries on CDs! Actually, you just made me realize I

am feeling stressed in my body and I have decided to take a walk to de-stress.

Thanks! Funny how I hadn't recognized the tension in the back of my head, neck,

and shoulders. Now it's SO OBVIOUS.

Jane

>

> I have been motivating myself to get out and walk. It was hard at first but

I've been at it for over 2 weeks now and my legs are getting stronger. I find

that I'm really physically tired and I'm sleeping better. I also find that

although I'm under a lot of stress, the walking is really helping me cope...it

seems to stop the chatterbox in my head which was constantly rehashing my

problems, especially at night when there was nothing that I could do about them.

>

> My library had a sale and I bought a bunch of cheesy detective stories on CDs.

I only listen to them when I'm out walking and so, if the story is interesting,

and I want to keep listening, I keep walking.

>

> Carole

>

>

> >________________________________

> >

> >To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> >Sent: Saturday, October 1, 2011 12:18:53 PM

> >Subject: Re: comforting yourself

> >

> >Right now, I'm reading a lot of cheesy detective stories. It's getting dark

earlier and earlier every day around here and I'm moving into hybernation mode

already. And, probably somebody else here already said this - just eat for

comfort mindfully for a while and see where that leads. Sandarah

> >

> >

> >

>

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Carole,

Great motivator in the mysteries on CDs! Actually, you just made me realize I

am feeling stressed in my body and I have decided to take a walk to de-stress.

Thanks! Funny how I hadn't recognized the tension in the back of my head, neck,

and shoulders. Now it's SO OBVIOUS.

Jane

>

> I have been motivating myself to get out and walk. It was hard at first but

I've been at it for over 2 weeks now and my legs are getting stronger. I find

that I'm really physically tired and I'm sleeping better. I also find that

although I'm under a lot of stress, the walking is really helping me cope...it

seems to stop the chatterbox in my head which was constantly rehashing my

problems, especially at night when there was nothing that I could do about them.

>

> My library had a sale and I bought a bunch of cheesy detective stories on CDs.

I only listen to them when I'm out walking and so, if the story is interesting,

and I want to keep listening, I keep walking.

>

> Carole

>

>

> >________________________________

> >

> >To: IntuitiveEating_Support

> >Sent: Saturday, October 1, 2011 12:18:53 PM

> >Subject: Re: comforting yourself

> >

> >Right now, I'm reading a lot of cheesy detective stories. It's getting dark

earlier and earlier every day around here and I'm moving into hybernation mode

already. And, probably somebody else here already said this - just eat for

comfort mindfully for a while and see where that leads. Sandarah

> >

> >

> >

>

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Jane's response made me think of the book, "The Artist's Way" by Cameron. It's a really interactive book that helps you unlock your creativity, in whatever direction it may lie. It's divided into weeks (I think), so you can make a little project out of it.

Mimi

Subject: Re: comforting yourselfTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Date: Friday, September 30, 2011, 5:19 PM

Thea,Since you're missing your husband, perhaps other social contact would help? Maybe you could walk with a coworker on your lunch break (a walk always GIVES me energy, once I get off my duff. I'll bet you're really tired when you get home, and have probably missed the window for attending evening activities (a class in something you've always wanted to learn to do or a Bible study perhaps, or volunteering to help a benevolent organization). Even one mid-week evening activity might help give you something to look forward to and ease the missing social contact. What about visiting a friend or making a phone call to a different person each evening? If all else fails, checking some interesting books on CD out from the library to listen to on your commute and spending an hour each evening doing something (a craft project, preferably one which requires focus, or else a walk out of doors) might be much more rejuvenating that the typical escape tv

watching or reading a novel.What I'm suggesting is that while your reactions are perfectly normal, allowing your mind to wallow in your losses is very unhealthy. (This is my downfall - kudos for being able to see your blessings as well right now.) I find that physical activity makes me more energetic, even if it's only a 15 minute walk. And having very interesting input, like a book on tape, keeps my mind off my troubles. A creative project takes away the helpless feeling of being on a seemingly endless treadmill. It renews the mind, the busy hands are calming, and the results lift the spirits as well. Overall, my advice is to give your body somewhere to go, as in a walk, and your mind somewhere to go in a positive way as well. Ideally, you'll be able to make human contact each day with someone beyond your husband (as those contacts probably make you miss him and leave you sad when you say good-bye, whereas calls with friends aren't bittersweet

in that way. And if folks are long-distance, Skype is great and feels more like a real visit than a phone call, and it's free!Jane

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Jane's response made me think of the book, "The Artist's Way" by Cameron. It's a really interactive book that helps you unlock your creativity, in whatever direction it may lie. It's divided into weeks (I think), so you can make a little project out of it.

Mimi

Subject: Re: comforting yourselfTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Date: Friday, September 30, 2011, 5:19 PM

Thea,Since you're missing your husband, perhaps other social contact would help? Maybe you could walk with a coworker on your lunch break (a walk always GIVES me energy, once I get off my duff. I'll bet you're really tired when you get home, and have probably missed the window for attending evening activities (a class in something you've always wanted to learn to do or a Bible study perhaps, or volunteering to help a benevolent organization). Even one mid-week evening activity might help give you something to look forward to and ease the missing social contact. What about visiting a friend or making a phone call to a different person each evening? If all else fails, checking some interesting books on CD out from the library to listen to on your commute and spending an hour each evening doing something (a craft project, preferably one which requires focus, or else a walk out of doors) might be much more rejuvenating that the typical escape tv

watching or reading a novel.What I'm suggesting is that while your reactions are perfectly normal, allowing your mind to wallow in your losses is very unhealthy. (This is my downfall - kudos for being able to see your blessings as well right now.) I find that physical activity makes me more energetic, even if it's only a 15 minute walk. And having very interesting input, like a book on tape, keeps my mind off my troubles. A creative project takes away the helpless feeling of being on a seemingly endless treadmill. It renews the mind, the busy hands are calming, and the results lift the spirits as well. Overall, my advice is to give your body somewhere to go, as in a walk, and your mind somewhere to go in a positive way as well. Ideally, you'll be able to make human contact each day with someone beyond your husband (as those contacts probably make you miss him and leave you sad when you say good-bye, whereas calls with friends aren't bittersweet

in that way. And if folks are long-distance, Skype is great and feels more like a real visit than a phone call, and it's free!Jane

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Jane's response made me think of the book, "The Artist's Way" by Cameron. It's a really interactive book that helps you unlock your creativity, in whatever direction it may lie. It's divided into weeks (I think), so you can make a little project out of it.

Mimi

Subject: Re: comforting yourselfTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Date: Friday, September 30, 2011, 5:19 PM

Thea,Since you're missing your husband, perhaps other social contact would help? Maybe you could walk with a coworker on your lunch break (a walk always GIVES me energy, once I get off my duff. I'll bet you're really tired when you get home, and have probably missed the window for attending evening activities (a class in something you've always wanted to learn to do or a Bible study perhaps, or volunteering to help a benevolent organization). Even one mid-week evening activity might help give you something to look forward to and ease the missing social contact. What about visiting a friend or making a phone call to a different person each evening? If all else fails, checking some interesting books on CD out from the library to listen to on your commute and spending an hour each evening doing something (a craft project, preferably one which requires focus, or else a walk out of doors) might be much more rejuvenating that the typical escape tv

watching or reading a novel.What I'm suggesting is that while your reactions are perfectly normal, allowing your mind to wallow in your losses is very unhealthy. (This is my downfall - kudos for being able to see your blessings as well right now.) I find that physical activity makes me more energetic, even if it's only a 15 minute walk. And having very interesting input, like a book on tape, keeps my mind off my troubles. A creative project takes away the helpless feeling of being on a seemingly endless treadmill. It renews the mind, the busy hands are calming, and the results lift the spirits as well. Overall, my advice is to give your body somewhere to go, as in a walk, and your mind somewhere to go in a positive way as well. Ideally, you'll be able to make human contact each day with someone beyond your husband (as those contacts probably make you miss him and leave you sad when you say good-bye, whereas calls with friends aren't bittersweet

in that way. And if folks are long-distance, Skype is great and feels more like a real visit than a phone call, and it's free!Jane

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