I haven't encountered information of this kind anywhere, so I'm feeling pretty alone with my "eating-at-the-computer compulsion." Yes, I'm preoccupied with my weight, obsessed with food and my eating is generally out of control, but I constantly feel this urge to eat while I'm surfing the Internet or chatting. When when I'm not hungry, I so badly want to have an appettite so I can feel the pleasure of satisfying it while I'm locked up and save in my room, distracting my thoughts by looking up something that interests me on the Internet. It's like my own little piece of heaven. Whenever I manage not to bring food into my room, I do so much better in terms of my eating, but it's such a huge addiction for me. Is there ANYONE out there who can relate AT ALL or maybe give me links to some web sites that would have this info? I guess it's not a common problem, but I need help!

Thanks.

Im completely opposite of you. i don't eat when im at the computer, only if im hungry(like on computer at lunch time or breakfast).

Not at the computer, but at night, reading or watching TV. Yes, I can relate to it feeling like "my own piece of heaven". I tend to eat less for dinner so I am still hungry later so I can enjoy it.
It has been much worse. I used to eat HUGE portions at night. Sometimes a loaf of bread or something. Making up for it by hardly eating anythig during the day.
Kathrin

Computer brings on the binges for me and no other time does it. So I limit my time to about half an hour, any longer and I start hunting for food of any kind.

Hi Stigma,

I appreciated your reply about compulsive overeating! Ironically, the computer is about the only place I don't eat! (all those of years of dad saying "Not near the computer!!!!) My car is another matter! The minute I get in I feel the urge to eat or drink. I eat about 75% of my meals in the car (usually from McD's , Burger King ect).

I could really relate to what you wrote. I'm basically an addict to food. I suffer from depression and I eat to escape! I eat and then I sleep. A huge portion of my income goes to food. (In fact I pretty much work to support my weight *sad smile*) When I'm feeling good, I tend to be able to control my weight, but all othr times, I'm out of control. I just binged for an hour. I feel sooooo sick. I'm going to go back to bed in a minute. I'm so fat. I hate myself these days.

I wouldn't mind being fat if I could control my eating. (well ... maybe not this fat! I'm two pounds away from the fattest I've been in a year -but if tonight's binge is any indication - I might be there by tomorrow!)

anyway, I guess I just wanted to talk - not many people are addicted to food. It's kinda lonely. Good luck tomorrow!

Jilly

Stigma:
Please don't feel TOO lonely, b/c truthfully many many many more ppl are "obssessed" with food! actually more than you would EVER probably think. 50,000 people die a year from eating disorders (and not just bulimia and anorexia) And thats not even the count of thousands upon thousands not dying per year- yet are suffering! Don't be too hard on yourself. It's such a terrible and HUGE struggle. OMG is it hard!? Ha; as a matter of fact im eating RIGHT NOW. lol..oops.
well just don' feel too lonely it's more comman than you'd think http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

Oops, that wasnt supposed to be towards Stigma! sorry

Eating in front of the computer or the TV can be a nervous habit (or like just something to do.) I do that too, at times. I think the key thing to do is to eat nutritious natural foods. Typically these natural non-processed foods have a much higher nutrition to calorie ratio. By eating correctly, therefore you supply your body with its needs, and then you do not feel hungry anymore.

I think people with eating disorders (whether they eat too much or not enough) should look at nutrition quite closely. A lot of us, that belong to this fast-food culture, are continuing to have problems along this line. When we do eat, we eat too much of the wrong foods. A lot of processed foods are filled with hidden sugars which are also high in calories.

To start with, look for foods that are on the outside edge of the supermarket. There you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, eggs, milk etc. Stay with those natural foods. For snacks at the computer you might want to try to munch on peanuts, raisins, lightly buttered popcorn, and carrots etc. Instead of fast food restaurants, bring some fruit along with you instead. Sometimes when we are in a hurry, we can eat this fruit to tie us over until we are ready for a meal at home, at school, or at work.

Years ago I decided to first eliminate all cakes, cookies, chips, sodas, candies, pastries, and donuts etc. That alone was a great step in the right direction. When you cut out the bad high calorie (and low nutrition) foods, if forces you to eat better.

Add some exercise to this changed diet regimen, and some of you can say goodbye to eating disorders. It takes a lot of work to make these changes (weeks to months). Take your time and see if this would work for you.

Hi,
I am exactly like you. I eat, eat, eat at my computer. It's terrible. If I don't have something to munch on while sitting here, I get really crabby. I have also gained about 15 lbs. in the last year. Most of which I blame on computer eating...don't have an answer other than maybe limiting my time on the puter. The prob is, I LOVE MY COMPUTER!!!
Such a problem. LOL
spiritl http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

i have a tendecy to eat when I'm at the computer too, which is why i generally visit message boards or chatrooms as you can'ty eat and type at the same time (unless it's gum or something, which isn't so bad)

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Don't dream the dream, be the dream....