Anonymous wrote:Work out. Have endless cups of tea when kids go to bed. Watch really bad reality tv to zone out.

+1 watch bad reality tv. It makes me feel better. Preferably without the wine and snacks!

When you start to get overwhelmed, acknowledge the feelings, then redirect your behavior to something else, like laundry or read a book or leave the house for a walk. I used binging to numb my emotions but finally figured out how to feel my emotions. It's hard if that has been your coping mechanism. Talk therapy doesn't always work, I have tried it. I just had to grow out of the behavior. Good luck! You are not alone.

Me too, OP. Eating is the ONLY thing I get to do for myself now that I have kids. I don’t have a solution for you, but me too.

Work out. Have endless cups of tea when kids go to bed. Watch really bad reality tv to zone out.

Exercise outdoors is mandatory for me as a mom to maintain my sanity. Find something you like to do. It doesn't have to be gym time -- I rarely set foot in a gym. Hikes are blissful.

If I worked from home I would weigh a lot more (and I'm not skinny). Being at home drives me to the kitchen.

You need to:

Eat more healthy fats during the morning and afternoon
Drink a lot of water
Plan foods you can eat in volume (like microwave popcorn)
Find ways to feel better that doesn't involve the kitchen
Chew gum a lot

I'm an emotional eater too since becoming a mom. I get it Op.

It's not much of a solution, but I started allowing myself to graze and stuff myself on the junk/sweet food (so satisfying!) to take the edge off but then switch to a "healthier " food (dry cereal, nuts, etc).

I'm also giving myself me-time . I need quiet to recharge daily .

I was doing this pretty regularly during the pandemic (which was horrible for my kids and my relationship with them). I just didn’t have any other coping mechanism. Try to find something for yourself, exercise is good or time with a friend or reading good books. I now do more of these and feel less inclined to binge.

Anonymous wrote:Sharing that I probably used to binge eat. I never identified it as a primary problem. I went to talk therapy to deal with how to deal with stress in my interpersonal relationships. I noticed one day that I was not binge eating anymore, at all. Maybe work with a therapist on the sources of emotions you are soothing.

Meaning, that your primary problem may be feeling so alone in this world with the kids, not the binge eating.

Sharing that I probably used to binge eat. I never identified it as a primary problem. I went to talk therapy to deal with how to deal with stress in my interpersonal relationships. I noticed one day that I was not binge eating anymore, at all. Maybe work with a therapist on the sources of emotions you are soothing.

This is easier said than done but we have to learn self soothing techniques. Soothe yourself in some other way (there is self massage -arms, legs, face, head, feet -- there is aromatherapy, guided meditations, adult coloring books). For a distraction, I also listen to audio books constantly. Some people find anti-depressants help.

I struggle too but it's worth trying a few things to see what sticks. There are tons of online support groups - 12 step programs where you don't have to physically go somewhere. You'll feel a sense of community and be able to share.

you go to therapy to learn skills that help you avoid binge eating

Yes. Work from home. Will look into EAP because something needs to happen. -OP

Do you WOH? Does your employer have an EAP?

This is my coping mechanism when I cant handle my kids. I’ve known parents who turn to drinking wine or tequila or online shopping. But I’ve found myself binge eating because I don’t drink. What do you do to handle / escape mom meltdown?

I understand many will say therapy but there is no emergency therapy phone line and my own mom is dead. And my closest friend with a child my age never shares the downside or lows of motherhood so I feel alone.