your feelings about the use and 'misuse' of food in your life...

3 of the cellar and cheese uncles were kids during the 1944 Dutch Hongerwinter

So you can understand their excesses when seen in that context.

Hello @TAB

how are you ? gosh forums have changed so much since then

perhaps take this to one of your threads so as not to distract

Hi @Sahara,

I'm over the moon with your intro! This thread could be a lightning bolt for some like myself. I've read through each post from @Faith-and-Hope, @Former-Member, @Appleblossom and @TAB. I think maybe the topic has been misinterpreted, though if I'm off the mark, please respond.

The point of being present when considering food choice for people who struggle with emotional eating, is similar to practicing mindfulness with anxiety.

The reason I mentioned 'anxiety' on the other thread in regards to these urges, is not so much about the food, but more about 'resisting' the food we crave; that's when the urge or panic seems to increase.

Anyone who's experienced anxiety symptoms will know that fighting it only makes matters worse. It's the same with 'resisting' the wrong food. I guess you could call it challenging our childhood beliefs and behavioural programming. Not easy on any level.

Habitual use of sweet food or whatever's desirable, seems to be a symptom of not wanting to feel bad feelings. Our culture's designed to celebrate good feelings, and not express feelings that hurt. So we curb them with what works...for me it's yumminess!

Sugar's the most addictive substance known to man, so there's a physical side to this as well. Marketing techniques aimed at kids, uses good feelings via 'taste' sensations to boost their profits. Psychologists now have permanent positions in these companies to target and groom kids into using taste to 'feel better'. (Ensuring future adult customers)

Sugar is a drug...end of story. Some are more inclined than others to fall victim to addiction as per research. I'm one of them. There's also a genetic aspect also.

So @Sahara, I think it's really important to notice how we feel before, during and after eating unhealthy foods. If there's a pattern, then it's important not only to write about it for ourselves, but share those insights with others.

Well done!

Hope xo

hello @Hope4me

I respect the topic that you have written about and feel personally that it plays a huge role in many peoples lives in the western world.

my response earlier was to a singular person not the subject ...apologies for any confusion there...don't be concerned...find myself apologising often on here....just me am different...yes...yes I know...just am...

My perception of this subject is that food is something that we put in our mouths ..then... our systems do their work....fulfil a purpose...provide satisfaction physically...

physical and mental aspects of our bodies are so intrinsically intertwined and of course throw out all sorts of indicators....receptors I believe is a commonly used term...

if we are anxious...grieving....sad...whatever...does not really matter the word that we apply to the feeling...what matters is the actual feeling

research tells us that if our body is in need...we must give it something ...do something...of course we are not aware of this at the time that this message is received....hunger appears to be understood to be what satisfies our needs in the western world again...cultural thinking does apply...

therefore many who are inactive ...no offence please....when my mental illness is completely suffocating me ...this is what happens....this also occurs with people who do not have mental illness...may have physical illness...restricting or completely preventing any physical activity..

the body wants....needs can be met by putting something into our mouths.....can even go back to babies...suckling...dummies..

whatever..

sugar fix is a huge concern....we will put into our mouths what we like or prefer...most often containing sugar ....this actually creates more of a need to have more sugar...the inevitable circle has commenced..

chocolate is my preference....yes I will devour a whole block when distressed...emotionally unwell..

I know that many will find this too deep...

I am in a very difficult place at the moment emotionally ....

most important thing that I can add is that this is of course my opinion.....

And it’s valued @Former-Member ...... ❣️

Hello @Former-Member,

I read (1st post) how you tried to redirect conversation back to topic and appreciate this.

Your opinion is valuable! I find your style of writing intelligent and informative, including personal expression of feelings and thoughts on this important issue. Please don't apologise for being yourself.

Your views on food's connection to us as a normal process of life and, how people who don't have a MI also experience these feelings is really valid. (Sugar being the most prevalent drug of choice for many)

I too love chocolate, but it's not my go-to choice for self medicating. Actually, it depends on mood and internal stirrings. I find if I'm experiencing fear, this motivates my impulses more than anything else, and nothing can satiate or relieve the urge until the issue's conscious and talked about.

My personal safety is of constant concern, and triggers might be from TV or magazine articles; even a conversation with my mum, causing flashbacks or very fearful/confused feelings. (Complex PTSD) I've learned good techniques to identify, cope and minimise effects of most triggers, which in turn has lowered anxiety levels considerably. I'm hoping what I've learned can help in addressing my relationship with food.

My friend who works in an addiction centre is calling tonight to discuss my theory; I'm hopeful. Again, thanks for your thoughts. I look forward to more..

@Faith-and-Hope;

Everything you've spoken about is absolutely on the money. I'm envious and happy you've found balance in the way you approach food, your body, mindset and their interractions. Could you share with us what you'd advise for me when I try to resist eating, let's say cake, and become anxious? I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

@Sahara;

Tonight I opted for a bottle of ginger beer instead of coffee which satisfied my sweet tooth. I thought about water, but instantly turned my nose up. (Cringing at that disclosure 😕 ) While drinking it, I felt 'normal'.

I hope you're ok. You haven't poked your head in for a while. Looking forward to your return.

Hey @TAB and @Appleblossom;

Do you relate to using food to self medicate? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Hope xo

@Hope4meI totally got that sugar is a drug for over 30 years ago and so do my 3 children. It is one of the good things I managed to pass on to ALL of them.They have benefitted and I certainly do not regret that. We are all relatively low sugar consumers. Can I have a TICK please @Faith-and-Hope?

My bin-ge eating lately has been about self punishment, my YES and NO dilemnas and MY ACCESS to food and submitting to the requirements of any who provided food to me. Being forced and humilated to eat ... being guilted for eating ... etc etc ... It is also about locating various bodily feelings and pains and needs and sensations. Working out the difference between strain around the heart, pregnancy feelings, what is the liver, the lung and the tum. I am methodically working through them all ... in a mix of the approaches that @Sahara posted. I had not seen it discussed so well and succintly but they are my approaches as well. Thanks a lot. @Sahara My dad would also have gone through similar stuff, for different reasons, but all that influenced ME.

SO though I did not do the common "sugar: and "dieting" Weight Watchers thing ...

I admit have food issues.

That is a great phrase @Former-Member

"CULTURAL THINKING DOES APPLY" It is a rich world with many cultures, hybridities and intersectional identities.

Seen a few movies that show many shades of grey in all participants of the European wars. Did not tag you @TABor anyone else as I was speaking generally about some of my family's food styles at the end of the WWII. One of the cellar and cheese uncles is Aussie born and filled my head with his whinges, but he and his offspring (4 cousins) are very competitive ... should see the way the uncles compare their favourite drinks. It upsets me now as they put their TASTES" before the loves in my family ... hmmm ...

No worries @TAB I have german friends and am still horrified by the inflation rates endured between the wars .... needing pram loads of money to buy basic staples ... the bloomin Treaty of Versaille and triggers in the Caucasus re start of WWI ...

I really like the cultural ref about the essen/fressen .. thanks ... my life is always richer for such insights, better than reading a pop novel.

Didn't some bloomin stoopid grown ups started those fights! I stand clear of the german/dutch issues as some dutch people get right up my nose and I like some germans better. I am HYBRID and less than half dutch ...some dimwit lowlander told me off for not being pure ... but now I know the silly blighter was really insulting his own daughter ... I have to wear my teflon suit of armour and flick back insults ... to NOT FRIENDS .... I have just been the one who had no dad or mother or husband to protect me and mingled and continue to mingle with all cultures races who treat me right. Bogans do not treat me right. SO they are OFF the list, even if they are born in Australia and come from convict royalty. A lot depends on what is genetic and what is cultural.

HYBRIDITIES are evolutionarily advantageous....

Australia is in a strong position regarding the richness of cultures represented and living here.

fancy saying to an old lady in a church choir that she was not PURE because she was only half dutch .... gimme a break ...

Singing English and Flemish and Latin and

one Deutsche Magnificat atm. Totally gorgeous. YOU know I am BIG FAN of deutsche music.

It is by Sheidt. I will think of you @TAB @Jacques and other german friends and the sadness of war when I sing it in the 2 churches ...

Its totally amazing but there is only one chinese woman in our choir and I "think?" I remember her catching the tram in 1970s. I will have to ask her tomorrow. Facial and body recognition is also an issue for me with all changes when I was a kid.

Gotta go prepare,

Apple