Manamoru - That's the first step. Congratulations. I know it doesn't feel like much, but recognition is key. Even in the 12 step programs, the first step is to admit that we are powerless over (______). I know I don't know you personally, but I'm very proud of you! I'm new to the site as well, it is my hope that I can be an encouragement as well as be encouraged from others struggling like I am.

I think there are so many just like us. No matter how well I know the answer (eat right and exercise), I can not for the life of me make that happen when I have food in front of me. I can literally have a conversation with myself saying eat right and the next thing I know I have chips and queso in my mouth. Hoping that joining this group and talking about it may be the "something new" to kick start me to doing more about it rather than just thinking about it. Good luck to you!

Thank you all for sharing I too am a mindless emotion lead eater.... I am also eating to fill the void of powerlessness over people blood family who are all skinny and beautiful i am the one chunky fat chubby it's all names I USED to go by now I am a recovering foodaholic one day at a time I have lost 75 lbs and ate 10 back on I joined cuz I want to be helped and help others you try to fill am empty void with endless hand to mouth junk food... I ain't as bad as I used to be and I am grateful for letting me share and for y'all sharing too.

I understand the struggle. I've given up on junk food (candy, cake, cookies, etc.) for almost 2 years, and just recently gone back and not sure why. I've always been an emotional eater and you think with the gastric sleeve surgery I had almost a year ago, my stomach would be full enough that I wouldn't go after those things, NOT! I appreciate you sharing your struggles and understand how you are feeling!

I know it doesn't feel like much, but you have taken a huge step! Congratulations. As it has already been said, the first step is to admit that we are powerless. I don't know if you are familiar with any 12-step programs (AA, NA, OA...), but the jist of the first three steps are: 1) I can't 2) God can 3) I think I'll let him. Insert "higher power" if you are not Christian. I struggle with step three, and I feel like I am in this endless cycle of admitting I have a problem with food, realizing that God can and will help me... but I struggle to truly let go. I have done a lot of therapy work in my day, but I cannot seem to get down and dirty about my food. I have told my therapist that (even though I DONT wanna), I want to focus on food. It's hard. I am a two-time, weight-loss surgery failure. There is nothing left that I can do except the old fashioned "exercise and eat right" thing. And I HATE it. I wanted a quick fix, but instead I gained 100 lbs. I never got to the root of why. That's what I am setting out to find - the why. So I can attack it head on..... hopefully.