Suggestions?

Drink a big glass of water
Brush your teeth
Go for a walk

Anyone have more?

A counselor friend suggested a similar idea to me. She asked me to write the ideas on note cards and keep them handy. She calls them "Lifesaver cards." If I will use them, they are indeed that!

Dorothy--use the cards whether you want to or not, just do it. Force yourself to do right by you. You are worth whatever it is you have to go through to change. Don't let any negative thoughts or reasoning stop you from doing a card action. We have to take a stand and stop the overeating.

My list so far:

Meditate
Watch the clouds float by
Listen to relaxing music
Listen to upbeat music
Sing outloud
Dance
Walk
Call a supportive friend
Journalize
Read
Listen to an affirmation cd
Coach a client
Looking out a window
Listening to birds chip
Play with my pets
Give myself some compliments
Go window shopping
Help someone in need
Go to a nursing home and read to someone.
Draw
Paint

Enough for me anyone else have ideas?

This is an excellent idea. I know boredom is my big enemy and this just may help that! I'm in.

I think this is a brilliant idea and am sooo already making my list. I am home alone all day most days while hubby works and cannot drive, so I tend to eat when there is nothing else to do, but when I really think about it, I can always find something else if I REALLY want to. I also eat when I am lonely, and this site has already helped so much with that. Thank you all so much for being here.

I think this is a wonderful idea and I am so in on it. This is something I think is very do-able. I eat when I am bored (as well as every other emotion) and if I can just follow through with this I think it will make a difference. Thank you Misty for the great idea. I am really enjoying this site for all the wonderful support!

hey- i think this is a good idea. and very doable...thanks for the idea

Update me everyone, how is your new living skills going? I decided to change the name from coping skill (too negative) to living skills (more positve)

well if every day goes as today has gone, my 20 things list is going to have to be more like 40 and I will be a much more productive and busy person LOL I think I put way too many productive things and not as many chill-out type things. The problem with substituting these actions for munching is if you have the craving pretty much all day long, as I did today, you wear yourself out LOL oh well my house is clean and I got a probably burned a bunch of calories :) but tomorrow I am soo adding more watch the clouds type of stuff and scratching some of the more constructive stuff off altogether :)

thats a great idea!!!

I love this idea and plan to use other's ideas as well as mine! A few ideas: work in the yard (or at least go outside and get away from the temptation), surf the internet for new info. on healthy lifestyle choices, check on your DS friends!