In the past 1/2 year, when I feel so anxious and miserable that I can't stand it, I do go for the food. Unfortunately I have the same question you do. Just thought I'd reply because you aren't alone at all. I hate the damn cravings. I hate them. I am mad at my body for craving something entirely unhealthy instead of a behavior that isn't so painful. I am furious, in fact. What is this craziness about? I am simply scared that finding different coping mechanisms won't work. I believe most all of us understand where you are coming from. That's probably why we are on this site. Hugs and wellness to you.

Thanks for writing to me...I just went to my first OA meeting last night. What do you (or anyone out there!) think of restricting triggering foods from your diet vs. intuitive eating(eating what you think your body needs at the moment)? I am personally restricting all the food that I know from experience will lead to a binge..I am on day five. My fear is that to not eat chips, fried food, etc AT ALL will trigger a binge anyway. I just want to stop compulsively eating. Beyond that, I am pretty sure I need to deal with the anxiety that I live with every day. Has anyone had any luck with a 12 step program?

Oh, it is SO not you. When you figure out how to fill up that empty void with out the food, please clue me in!

I have been a freak about reading this site and journalling every day because it is something to do besides eat. I do fine until after supper-that's my eattin' time so I have to find something else to do. I know I can't control it on my own so I just don't have bad stuff in the house. I have set it up at work so everyone knows I am on a diet and I would be embarrased to eat bad stuff in front of them. I know it sounds stupid but for today it is working. It might not work tomorrow but it worked today. (Except for the piece of b-day cake and scoop of icecream) But I made my sister take the rest home so I wouldn't be tempted...otherwise that cake would have been history!!! A day at a time Carly. That's all we can handle. Let yesterday and tomorrow take care of themselves.

That's a hard one, isn't it? Wondering if you should avoid the "trigger food" or not. At first I did. At first I needed to. Now I don't because that is not what triggers my binges. Don't you wish there was just a yes or no answer once and for all?!!! Congratulations on day five. And congrats on going to a OA.

I know exactly how you feel. i am addicted to food and food is definantly a comfort, a sigh of relief. I really do not know how i did it but i have managed for about 3 weeks now to keep only healthy foods in my apartment that when i do binge it is on healthy foods, while it is still over eating it is a start. then within the last two weeks i have been eating only one meal idea, and drinking liquids the rest of the day, crystal light is always good. i find if i don't eat i am less tempted to binge and/or over eat. i am about to start week three so hope i am able to continue until i am at my desired weight, but i still have anxiety and that has not gone away. something to try might be eat standing up in the kitchen away from the tv and everything that way it takes the pleasure out of eating...good luck!