Over eating

I have put on weight over the last 6 months. I have started a new job and am finding it more difficult to fit in exercise, although I still manage to play tag rugby every Monday and go on a run at the weekend, sometimes I also fit in yoga. My clothes are much tighter around my stomach. I had a polypsectomy and hysteroscopy under general in September and have since been diagnosed with Endometriosis. I therefore want to eat healthier. Health is generally a priority for me. I keep finding myself buying snacks on the way home and having unhealthy foods like crisps and snacks and chocolate for dinner rather than something nutritious.

Unintentional model (starting with the action line and working from there)

Circumstance: I am on my way home from work.
Thought: I’ve had a tough day at work (I’ll often be ruminating on the way home) and I’ve worked late. I need to reward myself/I want to look forward to something.
Feeling: stressed about my day at work.
Action: I go to M&S and buy antipasti and crisps and then something sweet on my way home.
Result: I feel bloated and feel shame for overeating.

The above model can also happen on a day I leave work early and things have gone to plan and have the whole evening free. It is something around food being a reward. If I bulk cook food in advance then this is less likely. And I am trying to fit this into my weekend but at the moment I am so tired at the weekend or I have social plans or I am staying at my boyfriends so this is not always possible.

Another unintentional model based on my thoughts around food.

Circumstance: I am heading home from work.
Thought: It would be nice to have some chocolate to look forward to this evening.
Feeling: comfort and excitement
Action: buy chocolate (and while I’m in the shops likely other things)
Result: I eat snacks rather than a nutritious dinner.

It is something about being comforted with food and wanting to have something to look forward to in the evening.

Intentional model

Circumstance: I am on my way home from work and don’t have anything planned for dinner and so need to pick something up from the shops.
Thought: I know I am tired and it might take a little longer but I will feel better if I nourish myself.
Feeling: determination
Action: buy salmon and brocolli and sweet potato
Result: I eat well and feel proud of myself.

Please could I have feedback and help in general with this?

 

Answer:

 

First of all, good on you for bringing awareness to this and then bringing it here to Ask A Coach to work through it! The first step is building awareness.

The trend I’m seeing in your posts is that purchasing the food is in response to a craving, and because you want a reward or a way to comfort yourself. It makes so much sense that this happens through food – I don’t know the science, but I am aware that food affects our bodies in immediate ways and sugar, salt and whatever the sciency people put into crisps and whatnot are  things that physiologically make us feel good (from what I understand) – it makes so much sense that this is where you go first.

What do you want to reward yourself for? What do you think about having cravings and letting that be okay?

Let’s start there and see what you come back with as you what investigate this a little more deeply. Notice what arises for you as you answer these questions and meet yourself with love in this place. You are a human having a human experience – it’s really that simple, and that easy to give love to.