Re: My story

June 17, 2009

what if you just decide to eat sugar CONSCIOUSLY? what if you sit down at the table and put a napkin in your lap and do nothing but savor the taste and pay attention to your hunger for it? and then also be conscious of your emotions as you eat it?

maybe it's your ability to lose yourself in it, and not the sugar itself, is what you crave? if that is the case, if by eating it consciously you lose that tool, you may realize you have other ways to " tranquilize " yourself for a while? my latest tool for this is Grey's Anatomy, on Netflix. it used to be food and a book. but the Netflix by itself does it for me now. a movie is too long, but i can always squeeze in one sinful tv show! it feels oh so delicously decadent!

i totally agree with NOT restricting sugar! i used to try to do this and it ALWAYS backfired on me! now i tell myself i can have it whenever i want, all i have to do is eat it consciously. i eat a lot less of it, but still definitely enjoy it!

Insteadof looking at it as a forbidin food look at it as a food That does not feel good in your body. you just don't feel like your being good to your self by choosing a food that does not process well in your body. If you had diabedis and the dr said evey time you eat sugar you are going to make your self sicker. If you lookd at it that way it not about being deprived it about choosing what makes your body feel good

-----Original MFessage-----

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 8:08:37 am

To: IntuitiveEating_Support

Subject: Re: My story

,

I am shocked you just wrote about this! Shocked in a good way, lol! For the past few days I've been researching sugar addiction and have found that I am a real sugar addict. Now I'm having extreme difficulty trying to figure out how to do IE and deal with my sugar addiction. " After I eat sugar I feel great but then the " let down " comes and then I feel so tired. I'm guessing that's why I feel tired all the time. Now I feel like I'm forbidding a food which in the long run never turns out to be a pretty situation in the end. I'm just confused right now. Yesterday I was back to reading about " diets " (Sugar Busters) and I know I can't go there anymore but I'm sick of feeling sick after eating sugar but yet I crave it. Thanks for writing about your experience.

Barb

Subject: My story

To: " Eating Intuitive " <IntuitiveEating_Support >

Date: Monday, June 15, 2009,

--

June 17, 2009

Hi Barb,

I know the group owner - Gillian (an IE coach) has some rather strong feelings

about food/sugar 'addictions' (as in NOT). What I've come to find for myself is

that when I eat foods that have higher 'sweet' levels, it can start a roller

coaster ride of ups and downs for me. Yes glucose hits the blood 'running' and

provides an immediate energizing effect. But as quickly as this comes, it also

passes pretty fast and a 'crash' is felt. If one chooses to 'cure' this with

ingesting more 'quick energy' input, off you go again!

Yet there are many options that can result in a better reaction for yourself.

Eating sweets with something more substantial (protein/fat) can help 'level' out

the high. Example - say you almost empty the jelly jar onto your toast, but you

eat sausage and eggs at that same breakfast, I doubt you would get the 'yippee!'

high you would get if you ONLY ate the toast.

I have come to find it difficult to label any ONE thing as bad (unless its

something one is allergic to ;-), but am working at finding what pleases my

body, when and how much etc. Fear of 'addictions' is one of the reasons I

believe that legalizing foods is a very good suggestion.

Best to you, Katcha

IEing since March 2007

>

> ,

> I am shocked you just wrote about this! Shocked in a good way, lol! For the

past few days I've been researching sugar addiction and have found that I am a

real sugar addict. Now I'm having extreme difficulty trying to figure out how to

do IE and deal with my sugar addiction. " After I eat sugar I feel great but then

the " let down " comes and then I feel so tired. I'm guessing that's why I feel

tired all the time. Now I feel like I'm forbidding a food which in the long run

never turns out to be a pretty situation in the end. I'm just confused right

now. Yesterday I was back to reading about " diets " (Sugar Busters) and I know I

can't go there anymore but I'm sick of feeling sick after eating sugar but yet I

crave it. Thanks for writing about your experience.

>

> Barb

>

June 17, 2009

Wow, thank you for sharing. That remind me about my addiction to sugar. It was

very though experiences when I find out being diabetic and I had to stop sugar

completely for few months to get used to it. However I did go back eat some

sugar again but appear I have able to handle it much better without the feel

urges to overeating those sugar stuff.

Welcome

Eliza

>

> I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating

as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any

suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly

appreciated also!

>

> I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to

the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired.

I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was!

>

> UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now

the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her

weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me.

I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants!

>

> I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it

would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four

months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? " I can tell you have lost weight

in your face and arms, but you still have your gut. " . Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe

my body just the way it is!

>

> Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+

years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to

my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!

>

> I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make

a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave

part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor

each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an

opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I

can do that.

>

> BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large

quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on

them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the

realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater.

>

> With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only

half-way finished with it.

>

> Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit

when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a

daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of

miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5

year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just

wasn't a feasible option.

>

> Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware

that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER

forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby

after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other

uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only

thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second

before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has

always been plentiful in my pantry!

>

> Knobloch

> Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

>

June 17, 2009

Would you say that your body or your mind has the sugar addicion

Re: My story

I hope that you would email Gillian and ask her for her thoughts (directly). I

don't think she agrees with the thought that sugar is 'addictive'. And really

one can use many foods to 'tranquilize' so its not a one-to-one connection to

sugar only?

Katcha

IEing since March 2007

>

> Does Gillian believe people use sugar to tranquilize?

> Knobloch

June 17, 2009

I share the sugar addiction. Working on seeing it as just another food i can

have but weighing how it will feed my body as i & #39;m trying to see food as

necessary fuel rather than a source of comfort. Long way to go but i & #39;m

seeing slight improvements. Sharon

My story

To: " Eating Intuitive " <IntuitiveEating_Support > Date: Monday,

June 15, 2009, 10:57 AM

I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as

it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any

suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly

appreciated also! I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods.

From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever

quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I

was! UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was

now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her

weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me.

I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants! I WAS NOT bigger than them,

and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost

25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14

in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? " I can tell you have lost

weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut. " . Nice, hiuh? Well,

I LoVe my body just the way it is! Anyway my point in writing this is that I

have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my

anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today

at 189! I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able

to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and

leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to

savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue

had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm

mindful I can do that. BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I

eat them in large quantities for the way they make me

feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly

as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic

profile of an emotional eater. With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great

progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it. Here are some truths about

me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching

career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power

sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the

ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a

teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option.

Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that

I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER forbidden

sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while

June 17, 2009

I hope that you would email Gillian and ask her for her thoughts (directly). I

don't think she agrees with the thought that sugar is 'addictive'. And really

one can use many foods to 'tranquilize' so its not a one-to-one connection to

sugar only?

Katcha

IEing since March 2007

>

> Does Gillian believe people use sugar to tranquilize?

> Knobloch

June 17, 2009

Ok. I see that. That's helpful information. I'll have to try out french fries and steak.... Or carrots and salsa to see if I can get the same highs! Lol! I'm open to anything! KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. CellularFrom: "Katcha" Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:48:19 -0000To: <IntuitiveEating_Support >Subject: Re: My story I hope that you would email Gillian and ask her for her thoughts (directly). I don't think she agrees with the thought that sugar is 'addictive'. And really one can use many foods to 'tranquilize' so its not a one-to-one connection to sugar only? Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > Does Gillian believe people use sugar to tranquilize? > Knobloch

June 17, 2009

Sugar is tricky.

For me, I gave myself permission to eat the sugary things I craved --

pastry, ice cream, etc. I went nuts at first, but after a while they lost

their magic, & now I can eat them occasionally. & I'm more in tune w/what

they do to my body -- sugar usually makes me feel wired, then sleepy,

neither of which I like.

I bought a bundt cake a week and a half ago. More than half is still there.

For me, IE works even with sugar.

Harry

FW: Re: My story

I share the sugar addiction. Working on seeing it as just another food i can

have but weighing how it will feed my body as i & #39;m trying to see food as

necessary fuel rather than a source of comfort. Long way to go but i & #39;m

seeing slight improvements. Sharon

My

story To: " Eating Intuitive " <IntuitiveEating_Support > Date:

Monday, June 15, 2009, 10:57 AM

I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional

eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter

tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with

sugar would be greatly appreciated also! I have gone many years without

restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate

whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care

how much I weighed or what size I was! UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds

and my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. I

was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me,

and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's

and Sister's pants! I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next

time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from

an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? " I can

tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your

gut. " . Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is! Anyway my point

in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from

my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my.

highest weight of 225 and still today at 189! I am NOT addicted to the taste

of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all day

like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot

car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite,

sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity

to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do

that. BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in

large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I

binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly

come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional

eater. With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm

only half-way finished with it. Here are some truths about me... I was a

binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly

after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a

tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth

of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching

career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option. Until

reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I

was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER

forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while

------------------------------------

June 18, 2009

Good for you, Harry. I'm hoping to get to that point, too. Right now I'm at the "going nuts" part most days.

Sharon

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 11:10:33 PMSubject: RE: Re: My storySugar is tricky. For me, I gave myself permission to eat the sugary things I craved --pastry, ice cream, etc. I went nuts at first, but after a while they losttheir magic, & now I can eat them occasionally. & I'm more in tune w/whatthey do to my body -- sugar usually makes me feel wired, then sleepy,neither of which I like.I bought a bundt cake a week and a half ago. More than half is still there. For me, IE works even with sugar. Harry-----Original Message-----From: IntuitiveEating_Support [mailto:IntuitiveEating_Support ] On Behalf Of Sharon PughSent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 3:40 PMTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Subject: FW: Re: My storyI share the sugar addiction. Working on seeing it as just another food i canhave but weighing how it will feed my body as i'm trying to see food asnecessary fuel rather than a source of comfort. Long way to go but i'mseeing slight improvements. Sharon Mystory To: "Eating Intuitive" <IntuitiveEating_Support > Date:Monday, June 15, 2009, 10:57 AM I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotionaleating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the countertranquilizer. Any

suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate withsugar would be greatly appreciated also! I have gone many years withoutrestricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I atewhatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not carehow much I weighed or what size I was! UNTIL my older sister lost 90 poundsand my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. Iwas happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me,and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom'sand Sister's pants! I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the nexttime they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went froman 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? "I cantell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have yourgut.". Nice,

hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is! Anyway my pointin writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... frommy skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my.highest weight of 225 and still today at 189! I am NOT addicted to the tasteof sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all daylike my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hotcar seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite,sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunityto share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can dothat. BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them inlarge quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. Ibinge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadlycome to the

realization that this is the classic profile of an emotionaleater. With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'monly half-way finished with it. Here are some truths about me... I was abinge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortlyafter that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as atranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birthof my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teachingcareer to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option. Untilreading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that Iwas using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVERforbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while ------------------------------------Yahoo!

Groups Links------------------------------------

June 18, 2009

The tranquilizing effect of sugar, food, alcohol, etc.. is about avoiding

feelings. A big break through in my case has been not labeling any of my

feelings as " bad " and allowing them to be and sit with them. It's as if we have

to learn to trust that we can withstand feeling certain feelings that maybe at

one time seemed uncomfortable or unsafe to us and not identify the feelings as

who we are-- aka, I am angry therefore I am a bad person. For me that is about

learning how to appropriately express and acknowledge anger (because we nice

gals never get angry do we? ), disappointment, grief, etc... all the stuff

that is somehow seen as bad. In the end feelings are just feelings-- we can all

withstand them and we are not alone in them.

Not sure if this makes any sense, but that's my take on it!

>

> I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating

as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any

suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly

appreciated also!

>

> I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to

the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired.

I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was!

>

> UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now

the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her

weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me.

I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants!

>

> I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it

would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four

months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? " I can tell you have lost weight

in your face and arms, but you still have your gut. " . Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe

my body just the way it is!

>

> Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+

years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to

my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!

>

> I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make

a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave

part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor

each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an

opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I

can do that.

>

> BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large

quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on

them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the

realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater.

>

> With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only

half-way finished with it.

>

> Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit

when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a

daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of

miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5

year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just

wasn't a feasible option.

>

> Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware

that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER

forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby

after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other

uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only

thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second

before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has

always been plentiful in my pantry!

>

> Knobloch

> Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular

>

June 18, 2009

Great point, . Thanks for sharing. I'm going to focus on this concept today.

Sharon

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 9:37:18 AMSubject: Re: My storyThe tranquilizing effect of sugar, food, alcohol, etc.. is about avoiding feelings. A big break through in my case has been not labeling any of my feelings as "bad" and allowing them to be and sit with them. It's as if we have to learn to trust that we can withstand feeling certain feelings that maybe at one time seemed uncomfortable or unsafe to us and not identify the feelings as who we are-- aka, I am angry therefore I am a bad person. For me that is about learning how to appropriately express and acknowledge anger (because we nice gals never get angry do we? ),

disappointment, grief, etc... all the stuff that is somehow seen as bad. In the end feelings are just feelings-- we can all withstand them and we are not alone in them.Not sure if this makes any sense, but that's my take on it! >> I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly appreciated also! > > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I

weighed or what size I was! > > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants! > > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? "I can tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut.". Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is!> > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!> > I am NOT

addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that.> > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater. > > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it. > > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching

career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option. > > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry! > > >

Knobloch> Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S.. Cellular>------------------------------------

June 18, 2009

This is something that I have learned recently, too, about sitting with one's feelings. I was getting pretty expert at numbing them, and when I realized I could feel the feelings without actually having any action associated with him - just be with those feelings, it was much less overwhelming or unsafe. I loved everything you said about your feelings not being who you are - I think that I have been making feelings exactly that, a reflection somehow on me. Thanks, !

The tranquilizing effect of sugar, food, alcohol, etc.. is about avoiding feelings. A big break through in my case has been not labeling any of my feelings as " bad " and allowing them to be and sit with them. It's as if we have to learn to trust that we can withstand feeling certain feelings that maybe at one time seemed uncomfortable or unsafe to us and not identify the feelings as who we are-- aka, I am angry therefore I am a bad person. For me that is about learning how to appropriately express and acknowledge anger (because we nice gals never get angry do we? ), disappointment, grief, etc... all the stuff that is somehow seen as bad. In the end feelings are just feelings-- we can all withstand them and we are not alone in them.

Not sure if this makes any sense, but that's my take on it!

>

> I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly appreciated also!

>

> I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was!

>

> UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants!

>

> I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? " I can tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut. " . Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is!

>

> Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!

>

> I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that.

>

> BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater.

>

> With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it.

>

> Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option.

>

> Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry!

>

> Knobloch

> Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular

>

June 18, 2009

Hear hear! Well said... Feelings are the key, I believe. I'm still

struggling with this piece, but I'm making progress bit by bit.

Harry

Re: My story

The tranquilizing effect of sugar, food, alcohol, etc.. is about avoiding

feelings. A big break through in my case has been not labeling any of my

feelings as " bad " and allowing them to be and sit with them. It's as if we

have to learn to trust that we can withstand feeling certain feelings that

maybe at one time seemed uncomfortable or unsafe to us and not identify the

feelings as who we are-- aka, I am angry therefore I am a bad person. For

me that is about learning how to appropriately express and acknowledge anger

(because we nice gals never get angry do we? ), disappointment, grief,

etc... all the stuff that is somehow seen as bad. In the end feelings are

just feelings-- we can all withstand them and we are not alone in them.

Not sure if this makes any sense, but that's my take on it!

>

> I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional

> eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter

tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with

sugar would be greatly appreciated also!

>

> I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age

> 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever

quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size

I was!

>

> UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I

> was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I

knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches

shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants!

>

> I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd

> see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W

> to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? " I can

> tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have

> your gut. " . Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is!

>

> Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction

> for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first

> years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at

> 189!

>

> I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able

> to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter

> does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted

> mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my

> mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the

> joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that.

>

> BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in

> large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I

binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly

come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional

eater.

>

> With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm

> only half-way finished with it.

>

> Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and

> quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and

had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long

chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy

son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing

on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option.

>

> Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally

> unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I

have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while

losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its

power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt,

anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my

feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available!

And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry!

>

> Knobloch

> Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular

>

------------------------------------

June 18, 2009

I guess my problem is I can't figure out what feelings I'm hiding! I read about

others family issues and bad " memories " they had growing up. I had a normal

childhood. No real bad memories that effect me today. A lot of books I've read

about emotional eating they suggest you're trying to numb old/current feelings.

But what if you really don't have any? Food seems to just be addictive for me

and especially sugar! If I had to choose between a carrot or candy..it would be

a no brainer for me! I love this board! It's really opening my eyes to things!

Barb

> >

> > I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating

as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any

suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly

appreciated also!

> >

> > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to

the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired.

I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was!

> >

> > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was

now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her

weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me.

I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants!

> >

> > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me

it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four

months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? " I can tell you have lost weight

in your face and arms, but you still have your gut. " . Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe

my body just the way it is!

> >

> > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for

20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of

marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!

> >

> > I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to

make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and

leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to

savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue

had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm

mindful I can do that.

> >

> > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large

quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on

them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the

realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater.

> >

> > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only

half-way finished with it.

> >

> > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit

when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a

daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of

miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5

year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just

wasn't a feasible option.

> >

> > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware

that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER

forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby

after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other

uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only

thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second

before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has

always been plentiful in my pantry!

> >

> > Knobloch

> > Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular

> >

>

June 18, 2009

I'm so glad to read these posts and know that I'm not the only one taking tiny baby steps to get to my ultimate goal and be in tune with my body.

Sharon

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 10:33:29 AMSubject: RE: Re: My storyHear hear! Well said... Feelings are the key, I believe. I'm stillstruggling with this piece, but I'm making progress bit by bit.Harry-----Original Message-----From: IntuitiveEating_Support [mailto:IntuitiveEating_Support ] On Behalf Of jbs263Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 8:37

AMTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Subject: Re: My storyThe tranquilizing effect of sugar, food, alcohol, etc.. is about avoidingfeelings. A big break through in my case has been not labeling any of myfeelings as "bad" and allowing them to be and sit with them. It's as if wehave to learn to trust that we can withstand feeling certain feelings thatmaybe at one time seemed uncomfortable or unsafe to us and not identify thefeelings as who we are-- aka, I am angry therefore I am a bad person. Forme that is about learning how to appropriately express and acknowledge anger(because we nice gals never get angry do we? ), disappointment, grief,etc... all the stuff that is somehow seen as bad. In the end feelings arejust feelings-- we

can all withstand them and we are not alone in them.Not sure if this makes any sense, but that's my take on it! >> I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional > eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the countertranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate withsugar would be greatly appreciated also!> > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age > 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whateverquantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what sizeI was!> > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother

informed me that I > was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but Iknew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inchesshorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants!> > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd > see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W > to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? "I can > tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have > your gut.". Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is!> > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction > for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first > years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at > 189!> > I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar,

for if I was, I would be able > to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter > does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted > mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my > mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the > joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that.> > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in > large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. Ibinge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadlycome to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotionaleater.> > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm > only half-way finished with it.> > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and

> quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married andhad a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a longchain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthyson. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeingon alcohol just wasn't a feasible option.> > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally > unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, Ihave NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects whilelosing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied itspower to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt,anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing myfeelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available!And trust me, it is and has always been

plentiful in my pantry!> > > Knobloch> Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular>------------------------------------

June 18, 2009

Thanks for sharing, Barb. I can totally relate.

Sharon

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 10:40:30 AMSubject: Re: My storyI guess my problem is I can't figure out what feelings I'm hiding! I read about others family issues and bad "memories" they had growing up. I had a normal childhood. No real bad memories that effect me today. A lot of books I've read about emotional eating they suggest you're trying to numb old/current feelings. But what if you really don't have any? Food seems to just be addictive for me and especially sugar! If I had to choose between a carrot or candy..it would be a no brainer for me! I love this board! It's really opening my eyes to things!Barb> >> > I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly appreciated also! > > > > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was! > > > > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me

that I was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants! > > > > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? "I can tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut.". Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is!> > > > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!> > > > I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar

last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that.> > > > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater. > > > > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it. > > > > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter.

I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option. > > > > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry! > > > > > > Knobloch> > Sent from my

BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular> >>------------------------------------

June 18, 2009

Yes, ... I'm just a food addict ... not restricted to sugary foods alone. I think I like the temporary high that sugar gives. But, I sure hate the fall that follows.

As for the steel cut oats, I have trouble finding them in my small town in West Virginia too. I use quick cooking oats ... it only takes a couple of minutes on top of the stove. For me, cleaning the pan was the biggest headache about oatmeal. Then my dad told me that an old buddy of his in the army said to soak the pan in COLD water instead of hot. For some reason that helps release the oatmeal. Works every time.

Sharon

To: Eating Intuitive <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:35:26 AMSubject: Re: Re: My story

Oh my gosh. I was just analyzing the pepperoni situation vs the sugar.... Although I use many different foods to tranquilize (pepperoni and mc donald's fries for sure) I think I have been turning to sugar because it isn't fatty. Oh my! I have a lot of foods to rethink. Are you following this Sharon. Watch yourself - I bet you have other tranquilizing foods too!!!!! Hmmm at least the pepperoni has protein. I like to eat oatmeal for breakfast, but with being home this summer and having to drag my kids out of bed at 7 am to get to swim team, t ball, horse workouts, most days I don't have time to make myself look nice. To cook it quickly I have to put my ingredients in an ice cream bucket and microwave it 3 minutes. The gallon bucket is because it crawls up the side and makes a mess of the microwave! I have searched all of Iowa for the "steel oats" and cannot find them. How are they different than regular Quaker oats. I don't like the

individual pre-flavored instant packets, but they are quicker to make. Hmmm.... I think I get the 'high' with my oatmeal, a nice happy full tummy, but I just feel sick with the instant preflavored packets. Would it work to precook and freeze it in individual servings?Thanks for hanging in there with me Katcha... I'm learning so much.

KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

From: "" Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:09:42 +0000To: Eating Intuitive<IntuitiveEating_Support >Subject: Re: Re: My story

The CRAZY thing is that I managed to get the same numbness/high on some sliced pepperoni this am. When katcha said she didn't think Gillian would believe sugar in particular is a tranquilizer or addictive, I decided to see if I use other foods that way... And I'm starting to see that I do! I'm not singling out sugar anymore.... I'm listening Harry about the feelings, and and . I have a lot to process now.. I just need to put it into effect! Thank you ALL so much!

KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

From: "bbspaller" Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:40:30 -0000To: <IntuitiveEating_ Support@yahoogro ups.com>Subject: [intuitiveEating_ Support] Re: My story

I guess my problem is I can't figure out what feelings I'm hiding! I read about others family issues and bad "memories" they had growing up. I had a normal childhood. No real bad memories that effect me today. A lot of books I've read about emotional eating they suggest you're trying to numb old/current feelings. But what if you really don't have any? Food seems to just be addictive for me and especially sugar! If I had to choose between a carrot or candy..it would be a no brainer for me! I love this board! It's really opening my eyes to things!Barb>

>> > I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly appreciated also! > > > > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was! > > > > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants! > > > > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds

and went from an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? "I can tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut.". Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is!> > > > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!> > > > I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that.> > > > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste,

I eat them in large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater. > > > > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it. > > > > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option. > > > > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said

before, I have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry! > > > > > > Knobloch> > Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular> >>

June 18, 2009

Barb ~

I agree with Mikki. No need to find a childhood issue. It can be any kind of

current stress/issue. I even know a few people, I'm one of them, who always

like to eat when I'm happy. So, it really could be anything.

>

> Barb I don't think emotional eating is all about childhood trauma, nor do I

> think that (as put forth by some of the self-help books I've read lately)

> that we are inevitably locked in some sort of " fear/rage/need " relationships

> with our mothers that leaves indelible scars LOL.

>

> Neither is emotional eating necessarily a result of repressing strong,

> destructive, or frightening feelings! It can be, but I think that fleeting

> (and entirely normal) feelings of loneliness or sadness, PMS, anger at a

> friend for being thoughtless, frustration at the economic or political

> situation ... ANY feeling that is in that moment uncomfortable or just not

> *convenient* could generate an urge to self-soothe by eating. Say it was a

> long day at work and the kids have friends over and I'm trying to get dinner

> on the table and my husband forgot to pick up a key ingredient, blah blah

> blah, I don't have *time* to " sit with my emotions " LOL, I need to cope for

> the moment and get everyone fed and the mess cleaned up and the baby to bed

> ..... and eating helps me cope. you can imagine a hundred situations where

> food can be a quick and easy alternative to self-analysis in the moment. I

> think for some people this because such an easy habit that we stop thinking

> about it. I know when my twins were in their terrible two's, I kept my

> mouth busy with food so I wouldn't holler at them for whatever crazy mess

> they'd made THIS time...

>

> So I wouldn't worry too much about digging up some hidden childhood trauma

> If you do recognize the signs of emotional eating it could easily be a

> response to normal adult pressures.... Lord knows we seem to all lead busy

> high-stress lives these days ....

>

> Mikki

>

June 18, 2009

You can also cook them in a rice cooker! Ours is teflon coated so easy to clean...Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryFrom: Sharon Pugh Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:36:56 -0700 (PDT)To: <IntuitiveEating_Support >Subject: Re: Re: My story Yes, ... I'm just a food addict ... not restricted to sugary foods alone. I think I like the temporary high that sugar gives. But, I sure hate the fall that follows. As for the steel cut oats, I have trouble finding them in my small town in West Virginia too. I use quick cooking oats ... it only takes a couple of minutes on top of the stove. For me, cleaning the pan was the biggest headache about oatmeal. Then my dad told me that an old buddy of his in the army said to soak the pan in COLD water instead of hot. For some reason that helps release the oatmeal. Works every time. SharonFrom: <iteachbkk>To: Eating Intuitive <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:35:26 AMSubject: Re: Re: My story Oh my gosh. I was just analyzing the pepperoni situation vs the sugar.... Although I use many different foods to tranquilize (pepperoni and mc donald's fries for sure) I think I have been turning to sugar because it isn't fatty. Oh my! I have a lot of foods to rethink. Are you following this Sharon. Watch yourself - I bet you have other tranquilizing foods too!!!!! Hmmm at least the pepperoni has protein. I like to eat oatmeal for breakfast, but with being home this summer and having to drag my kids out of bed at 7 am to get to swim team, t ball, horse workouts, most days I don't have time to make myself look nice. To cook it quickly I have to put my ingredients in an ice cream bucket and microwave it 3 minutes. The gallon bucket is because it crawls up the side and makes a mess of the microwave! I have searched all of Iowa for the "steel oats" and cannot find them. How are they different than regular Quaker oats. I don't like the individual pre-flavored instant packets, but they are quicker to make. Hmmm.... I think I get the 'high' with my oatmeal, a nice happy full tummy, but I just feel sick with the instant preflavored packets. Would it work to precook and freeze it in individual servings?Thanks for hanging in there with me Katcha... I'm learning so much. KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. CellularFrom: "" Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:09:42 +0000To: Eating Intuitive<IntuitiveEating_Support >Subject: Re: Re: My storyThe CRAZY thing is that I managed to get the same numbness/high on some sliced pepperoni this am. When katcha said she didn't think Gillian would believe sugar in particular is a tranquilizer or addictive, I decided to see if I use other foods that way... And I'm starting to see that I do! I'm not singling out sugar anymore.... I'm listening Harry about the feelings, and and . I have a lot to process now.. I just need to put it into effect! Thank you ALL so much! KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. CellularFrom: "bbspaller" Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:40:30 -0000To: <IntuitiveEating_ Support@yahoogro ups.com>Subject: [intuitiveEating_ Support] Re: My storyI guess my problem is I can't figure out what feelings I'm hiding! I read about others family issues and bad "memories" they had growing up. I had a normal childhood. No real bad memories that effect me today. A lot of books I've read about emotional eating they suggest you're trying to numb old/current feelings. But what if you really don't have any? Food seems to just be addictive for me and especially sugar! If I had to choose between a carrot or candy..it would be a no brainer for me! I love this board! It's really opening my eyes to things!Barb> >> > I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly appreciated also! > > > > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was! > > > > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants! > > > > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? "I can tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut.". Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is!> > > > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!> > > > I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that.> > > > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater. > > > > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it. > > > > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option. > > > > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry! > > > > > > Knobloch> > Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular> >>

June 18, 2009

I;ve heard that Trader Joes has pre-cooked, frozen steel cut oats in individual packets, though I haven't tried them.For some reason, oatmeal, even steel cut, makes me hungrier than when I started, so i rarely have it... but when I made it in my slow cooker (ie crockpot) it came out amazingly well! the best i ever had. i bet the rice cooker works similarly.

i think you could cook a bunch ahead of time and then heat just the amount you want for one serving when you are rushign in the morning.good luck!abby

You can also cook them in a rice cooker! Ours is teflon coated so easy to clean...Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryFrom: Sharon Pugh

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:36:56 -0700 (PDT)To: <IntuitiveEating_Support >

Subject: Re: Re: My story

Yes, ... I'm just a food addict ... not restricted to sugary foods alone. I think I like the temporary high that sugar gives. But, I sure hate the fall that follows. As for the steel cut oats, I have trouble finding them in my small town in West Virginia too. I use quick cooking oats ... it only takes a couple of minutes on top of the stove. For me, cleaning the pan was the biggest headache about oatmeal. Then my dad told me that an old buddy of his in the army said to soak the pan in COLD water instead of hot. For some reason that helps release the oatmeal. Works every time.

Sharon

To: Eating Intuitive <IntuitiveEating_Support >

Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:35:26 AMSubject: Re: Re: My story Oh my gosh. I was just analyzing the pepperoni situation vs the sugar.... Although I use many different foods to tranquilize (pepperoni and mc donald's fries for sure) I think I have been turning to sugar because it isn't fatty. Oh my! I have a lot of foods to rethink. Are you following this Sharon. Watch yourself - I bet you have other tranquilizing foods too!!!!!

Hmmm at least the pepperoni has protein. I like to eat oatmeal for breakfast, but with being home this summer and having to drag my kids out of bed at 7 am to get to swim team, t ball, horse workouts, most days I don't have time to make myself look nice. To cook it quickly I have to put my ingredients in an ice cream bucket and microwave it 3 minutes. The gallon bucket is because it crawls up the side and makes a mess of the microwave! I have searched all of Iowa for the " steel oats " and cannot find them. How are they different than regular Quaker oats. I don't like the individual pre-flavored instant packets, but they are quicker to make.

Hmmm.... I think I get the 'high' with my oatmeal, a nice happy full tummy, but I just feel sick with the instant preflavored packets. Would it work to precook and freeze it in individual servings?

Thanks for hanging in there with me Katcha... I'm learning so much. KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. CellularFrom: " "

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:09:42 +0000To: Eating Intuitive<IntuitiveEating_Support >Subject: Re: Re: My story

The CRAZY thing is that I managed to get the same numbness/high on some sliced pepperoni this am. When katcha said she didn't think Gillian would believe sugar in particular is a tranquilizer or addictive, I decided to see if I use other foods that way... And I'm starting to see that I do! I'm not singling out sugar anymore.... I'm listening Harry about the feelings, and and . I have a lot to process now.. I just need to put it into effect! Thank you ALL so much!

KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. CellularFrom: " bbspaller " Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:40:30 -0000To: <IntuitiveEating_ Support@yahoogro ups.com>

Subject: [intuitiveEating_ Support] Re: My storyI guess my problem is I can't figure out what feelings I'm hiding! I read about others family issues and bad " memories " they had growing up. I had a normal childhood. No real bad memories that effect me today. A lot of books I've read about emotional eating they suggest you're trying to numb old/current feelings. But what if you really don't have any? Food seems to just be addictive for me and especially sugar! If I had to choose between a carrot or candy..it would be a no brainer for me! I love this board! It's really opening my eyes to things!

Barb

> >> > I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly appreciated also!

> > > > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was!

> > > > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants!

> > > > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? " I can tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut. " . Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is!

> > > > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!

> > > > I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that.

> > > > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater.

> > > > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it. > > > > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option.

> > > > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry!

> > > > > > Knobloch> > Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular> >>

--

June 18, 2009

I eat oatmeal for breakfast too. I use quick oats. I just boil water, & mix everything right in the bowl & cover it for 10 mins. Comes out perfect every time, no microwave splatter.

[intuitiveEating_ Support] Re: My story

I guess my problem is I can't figure out what feelings I'm hiding! I read about others family issues and bad "memories" they had growing up. I had a normal childhood. No real bad memories that effect me today. A lot of books I've read about emotional eating they suggest you're trying to numb old/current feelings. But what if you really don't have any? Food seems to just be addictive for me and especially sugar! If I had to choose between a carrot or candy..it would be a no brainer for me! I love this board! It's really opening my eyes to things!Barb> >> > I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly appreciated also! > > > > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was! > > > > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants! > > > > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? "I can tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut.". Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is!> > > > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!> > > > I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that.> > > > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater. > > > > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it. > > > > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option. > > > > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry! > > > > > > Knobloch> > Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular> >>

June 18, 2009

Great idea and thanks! My husband told me to boil the water (in the microwave) separately and then add the oatmeal. It wasn't cooked though! I see now! I'll do what he said and cover it with some saran wrap while I wake the kids in the morning. I usually take them in the car with me and finish them at my desk! Thanks! I'll try that tomorrow morning! KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. CellularFrom: "Harry LeBlanc" Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:03:37 -0500To: <IntuitiveEating_Support >Subject: RE: Re: My story I eat oatmeal for breakfast too. I use quick oats. I just boil water, & mix everything right in the bowl & cover it for 10 mins. Comes out perfect every time, no microwave splatter. [intuitiveEating_ Support] Re: My story I guess my problem is I can't figure out what feelings I'm hiding! I read about others family issues and bad "memories" they had growing up. I had a normal childhood. No real bad memories that effect me today. A lot of books I've read about emotional eating they suggest you're trying to numb old/current feelings. But what if you really don't have any? Food seems to just be addictive for me and especially sugar! If I had to choose between a carrot or candy..it would be a no brainer for me! I love this board! It's really opening my eyes to things!Barb> >> > I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly appreciated also! > > > > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was! > > > > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants! > > > > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? "I can tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut.". Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is!> > > > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189!> > > > I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that.> > > > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater. > > > > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it. > > > > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option. > > > > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry! > > > > > > Knobloch> > Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular> >>

June 18, 2009

Thanks! Now I have lots of things to try and hopefully one will work enough to give me back my favorite morning breakfast! KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. CellularFrom: Abigail Wolfson Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:58:24 -0400To: <IntuitiveEating_Support >Subject: Re: Re: My story I;ve heard that Trader Joes has pre-cooked, frozen steel cut oats in individual packets, though I haven't tried them.For some reason, oatmeal, even steel cut, makes me hungrier than when I started, so i rarely have it... but when I made it in my slow cooker (ie crockpot) it came out amazingly well! the best i ever had. i bet the rice cooker works similarly. i think you could cook a bunch ahead of time and then heat just the amount you want for one serving when you are rushign in the morning.good luck!abbyOn Thu, Jun 18, 2009 at 2:22 PM, <mkbehnkegmail> wrote: You can also cook them in a rice cooker! Ours is teflon coated so easy to clean...Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryFrom: Sharon Pugh Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:36:56 -0700 (PDT)To: <IntuitiveEating_Support >Subject: Re: Re: My story Yes, ... I'm just a food addict ... not restricted to sugary foods alone. I think I like the temporary high that sugar gives. But, I sure hate the fall that follows. As for the steel cut oats, I have trouble finding them in my small town in West Virginia too. I use quick cooking oats ... it only takes a couple of minutes on top of the stove. For me, cleaning the pan was the biggest headache about oatmeal. Then my dad told me that an old buddy of his in the army said to soak the pan in COLD water instead of hot. For some reason that helps release the oatmeal. Works every time. SharonFrom: <iteachbkk>To: Eating Intuitive <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:35:26 AMSubject: Re: Re: My story Oh my gosh. I was just analyzing the pepperoni situation vs the sugar.... Although I use many different foods to tranquilize (pepperoni and mc donald's fries for sure) I think I have been turning to sugar because it isn't fatty. Oh my! I have a lot of foods to rethink. Are you following this Sharon. Watch yourself - I bet you have other tranquilizing foods too!!!!! Hmmm at least the pepperoni has protein. I like to eat oatmeal for breakfast, but with being home this summer and having to drag my kids out of bed at 7 am to get to swim team, t ball, horse workouts, most days I don't have time to make myself look nice. To cook it quickly I have to put my ingredients in an ice cream bucket and microwave it 3 minutes. The gallon bucket is because it crawls up the side and makes a mess of the microwave! I have searched all of Iowa for the " steel oats " and cannot find them. How are they different than regular Quaker oats. I don't like the individual pre-flavored instant packets, but they are quicker to make. Hmmm.... I think I get the 'high' with my oatmeal, a nice happy full tummy, but I just feel sick with the instant preflavored packets. Would it work to precook and freeze it in individual servings?Thanks for hanging in there with me Katcha... I'm learning so much. KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. CellularFrom: " " Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:09:42 +0000To: Eating Intuitive<IntuitiveEating_Support >Subject: Re: Re: My storyThe CRAZY thing is that I managed to get the same numbness/high on some sliced pepperoni this am. When katcha said she didn't think Gillian would believe sugar in particular is a tranquilizer or addictive, I decided to see if I use other foods that way... And I'm starting to see that I do! I'm not singling out sugar anymore.... I'm listening Harry about the feelings, and and . I have a lot to process now.. I just need to put it into effect! Thank you ALL so much! KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. CellularFrom: " bbspaller " Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:40:30 -0000To: <IntuitiveEating_ Support@yahoogro ups.com>Subject: [intuitiveEating_ Support] Re: My storyI guess my problem is I can't figure out what feelings I'm hiding! I read about others family issues and bad " memories " they had growing up. I had a normal childhood. No real bad memories that effect me today. A lot of books I've read about emotional eating they suggest you're trying to numb old/current feelings. But what if you really don't have any? Food seems to just be addictive for me and especially sugar! If I had to choose between a carrot or candy..it would be a no brainer for me! I love this board! It's really opening my eyes to things!Barb > >> > I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly appreciated also! > > > > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was! > > > > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants! > > > > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? " I can tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut. " . Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is! > > > > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189! > > > > I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that. > > > > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater. > > > > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it. > > > > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option. > > > > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry! > > > > > > Knobloch> > Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular> >> --

June 18, 2009

My most common dreaded and avoided feeling is anxiety. I am not good at judging how much time has passed or determining how long something will take, AND I hate being late. This causes such uncomfortable physical feelings that I can't breathe Sometimes. My mind races and so does my heart. Sugar (and now pepperoni, and oatmeal ) calm it somehow. most of my "life and childhood issues are resolved, however.) I'm just in the process of creating them for my OWN children. lol! KnoblochSent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. CellularFrom: "jbs263" Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:37:18 -0000To: <IntuitiveEating_Support >Subject: Re: My story The tranquilizing effect of sugar, food, alcohol, etc.. is about avoiding feelings. A big break through in my case has been not labeling any of my feelings as " bad " and allowing them to be and sit with them. It's as if we have to learn to trust that we can withstand feeling certain feelings that maybe at one time seemed uncomfortable or unsafe to us and not identify the feelings as who we are-- aka, I am angry therefore I am a bad person. For me that is about learning how to appropriately express and acknowledge anger (because we nice gals never get angry do we? ), disappointment, grief, etc... all the stuff that is somehow seen as bad. In the end feelings are just feelings-- we can all withstand them and we are not alone in them. Not sure if this makes any sense, but that's my take on it! > > I hope my story helps some of you understand the concept of emotional eating as it relates to sugar being used as an over the counter tranquilizer. Any suggestions for avoiding the urge top medicate with sugar would be greatly appreciated also! > > I have gone many years without restricting forbidden foods. From age 33 to the present, (I am 44) I ate whatever I wanted in whatever quantities I desired. I simply did not care how much I weighed or what size I was! > > UNTIL my older sister lost 90 pounds and my mother informed me that I was now the largest female in the family. I was happy for my sister, but I knew her weight was 20 pounds more than me, and her height was 3 inches shorter than me. I also saw the tags in Mom's and Sister's pants! > > I WAS NOT bigger than them, and I decided that the next time they'd see me it would be a no-brainer. I lost 25 pounds and went from an 18W to a 14 in four months. Guess what Mom said when she saw me? " I can tell you have lost weight in your face and arms, but you still have your gut. " . Nice, hiuh? Well, I LoVe my body just the way it is! > > Anyway my point in writing this is that I have had a sugar addiction for 20+ years... from my skinny college days, to my anorexic first years of marriage, to my. highest weight of 225 and still today at 189! > > I am NOT addicted to the taste of sugar, for if I was, I would be able to make a candy bar last all day like my skinny 12 year old daughter does (and leave part of it on the hot car seat to make a melted mess).. I too, used to savor each tiny bite, sliding it around my mouth so that each part of my tongue had an opportunity to share the joy of it. I am aware of this, and if I'm mindful I can do that. > > BUT I don't eat sugary foods for the way they taste, I eat them in large quantities for the way they make me feel AFTER I have eaten them. I binge on them, cramming them down as quickly as I can... And I have sadly come to the realization that this is the classic profile of an emotional eater. > > With the book Shrink Yourself, I have made great progress, and I'm only half-way finished with it. > > Here are some truths about me... I was a binge drinker in college and quit when I started my teaching career. Shortly after that I married and had a daughter. I learned the power sugar held as a tranquilizer when a long chain of miscarriages preceded the ultimate birth of my perfectly healthy son. With a 5 year old to care for and a teaching career to honor, bingeing on alcohol just wasn't a feasible option. > > Until reading Shrink Yourself (the first half so far) I was totally unaware that I was using sugar as a tranquilizer. Like I said before, I have NEVER forbidden sugar, but once I experienced its numbing effects while losing baby after baby, I held strong to it and unconsciously applied its power to other uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, fear, worry, hurt, anger... NOW the only thing I have left to work on is recognizing my feelings in the split second before I head for whatever sugar is available! And trust me, it is and has always been plentiful in my pantry! > > > Knobloch > Sent from my BlackBerryï¿½ wireless device from U.S. Cellular >

June 18, 2009

Sure sounds like perfect sense to me ehugs, Katcha

>

> I guess the healing and intuitive eating mentality comes into play when I

realize that I have the option of eating sugar, I just choose not to as a result

of the consequential feelings I have following. Does this make sense?

>

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