Help! Where do I start?

[eddie z.]

My name is Eddie and I'm a compulsive overeater. Just practicing! I'm having a really hard time figuring out how to eat. I've been going to OA meetings now and then lately, but I haven't gotten a sponsor because I have an NA sponsor and I don't know about juggling the two programs.

I've tried to start eating "right" SEVERAL times since the first of August, but I always end up overeating something that IS on my diet, so then I give up, pig out for a while, and start over. My craving for sweets is somewhat less since my Zoloft dose was cut in half, but it's still there.

I got the name of a nutritionist who works with eating disorders from my therapist, but I don't think I can afford to go right now. I think I've asked this before on here, but I'll ask again. Who out there has some suggestions about balancing recovery from drug addiction AND food addiction? :spectacle

Thanks everybody!
Love and hugs, Eddie

[Pony]

Well tackling food addiction is different because you can't really go without eating. It's all about choices and moderation of portions. Excerise to your daily routine is very helpful, even if it's just a walk in your neighborhood.

Going to OA meetings is a good thing because you can get the support there from those that are dealing with the same issues....just like going to AA or NA. And getting a food sponsor is probably a great idea because again your dealing with food issues and your emotional issues surrounding this. You could give it a try and see if it works....if not, nothing lost....but if it turns out great well, then you got it!!!

Hugs and keep going.

[eddie z.]

Thanks so much, as always, Pony! You are always so prompt and wise. I guess I'm really not able to face the idea that I should give up the ice cream and a few other things even when they're artificially sweetened. It's the sweet taste that's the trigger, not just the sugar itself, right?

I do exercise regularly at least. And I'm making so good choices for the most part. Plus I'm actually eating three meals a day which is HUGE progress for me in a way. But I think overall, now that I'm eating better, I'm eating MORE. I wish there were some "safe" food I could have as much of as I want...without the consequences.

I keep discovering foods that are "on my diet" that I simply can't eat in moderation, so I have to cut them out, right? I feel bereft! I think I haven't surrendered yet or something. But it's so much harder than the drugs because, like you said, one must eat.

I know I need a food sponsor, but I'm afraid of becoming overcommitted. I mean, I don't even call my NA sponsor like I should now. I worry that my NA program will suffer if I start up in OA. I don't even know which meeting to go to tonight! Well, my mom's here to go to the YW, so I have to run.

Thanks again!
Love and hugs, Eddie

[Hopeless]

Eddie,

I can understand the overeating, although i'm not sure it is a problem, for me it could become one... I'm in the army and so my weight and overall physical shape is important. I was put on the overweight program, which of course sent me to the nutritionist. Have you done a food log? kept track of everything and anything that you eat as well as the calories in each? It helped me a lot!!!!

also you can pretty much eat all the veggies you want (most have a mere 35 calories per serving)! Celery and Cutecumbers (i cant spell!!) are great because their mostly water!! Pickels make great snacks, but not if your watching your sodium intake! Ummmm...lets see. drink lots and lots of water!!!!!!! it helps you feel full and you are less likely to eat when you're not hungary. also eat slowly! that way you know when you're full and the you dont gorge yourself.

make a new rule, where ever you usually do your snacking make it off limits for food consumption! If you have a significant other they could help you with this. Oh and try this drinking milk (non fat of course) and eating bananas can help curb your cravings for sweets. Hope this helps even a little. I have been batteling with my weight for a long time and have done a lot of research on the topic!

GOOD LUCK!!

[eddie z.]

Hey, Hopeless! Thank you so so much for your suggestions! I kept a food log once (19 years ago) for a class, but I'm a bit wary about doing that now because I think it encourages me to think too much about food. Does that make sense? I mean, are you supposed to use it to determine where you need to make changes? Or is it just supposed to make you more aware of your eating patterns? I guess I don't really understand how I would "use" it.

I DO need to eat more veggies and fortunately I don't have to worry about sodium intake. The water thing, though, is tricky for me. I tried that before and since, as an addict, I don't know how to do anything in moderation, I basically poisoned myself with too much water. I was "drunk" on it and also had to go to the bathroom ALL THE TIME (which is an issue for me anyway).

I hate that I'm saying, "Yes, but..." to your suggestions. I guess I've been battling a long time also, so I've tried some of the same things before. The idea about making certain areas off limits is new, though. I'll have to try not eating at the computer or in front of the TV! I think that would make me more conscious of my eating and may even enable me to eat slowly like you said.

My biggest question still has to do with whether eating anything remotely sweet (including milk and bananas) relieves sugar cravings or intensifies them. I read the South Beach Diet book, but it's still not clear to me if ARTIFICIAL sweeteners make one hungry the same way real carbs do. I can't figure out if my cravings are psychological/emotional or more physical. Hmmm...

Well, this is long enough! Thanks again, Hopeless, and again, I apologize for not taking more of your ideas. Love and hugs for all, Eddie