I have been reading a bit about compulsive eating and I think I do have some of the symptoms. This occurs when I’m stressed. I know it’s a coping mechanism. When it does occur, I do not overeat as much as choose to have sugar or junk food in place of a healthy meal. Instead of having breakfast, I’ll have cookies or a piece of cake. What happened on Friday really concerns me.
I can answer “yes” to at least six of the following questions*:
Do you eat when you’re not hungry?
Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?
Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating?
Do you give too much time and thought to food?
Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?
Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time?
Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?
Is your weight affecting the way you live your life?
Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal?
Do you resent others telling you to “use a little willpower” to stop overeating?
Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet “on your own” whenever you wish?
Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than mealtime?
Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?
Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition?
Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?
The one question that raises the biggest red flag for me is number 7. Although I cannot say this has occurred recently, I have been known to do this.
I have attended meetings every day this weekend. I must say I can relate to a lot of the thoughts and feelings that were shared. If nothing else, the meetings provided the support I need during this stressful transition in my life. I plan to continue attending these meetings. There’s no way I’m going to be eating boxes of Crunch and Munch and cake every time I get upset about something!
*Source: Overeaters Anonymous web site
