hippychick,

I know exactly how you feel. I know just how strong that compulsion can be. I've sat there, literally shaking, trying to stop myself from giving into the compulsion.

I think the key is to realize that it's not about food. Diet tips aren't going to help. For many people with compulsive overeating disorder, "dieting" only makes the problem worse. It tends to turn into a binge/restrict cycle, and never addresses the problem.

One thing that has really helped me is whenever I feel that compulsion, I try to think about what I'm really feeling. I mean, I know I'm not hungry...heck, sometimes I'm so full I feel sick, but still "need" to eat. So I just keep asking myself, "what am I feeling?" It's hard, because a lot of times the first couple of times I ask that question, the only thing I can think of is, I feel like eating something. But there's a deeper feeling. Are you happy? Are you sad? Are you lonely? And this part is *really* tough, but try not to beat yourself up about the eating...even if you give into the compulsion, just keep digging, trying to find out what feelings are behind it. As you uncover the feelings, and deal with them, then the compulsions will get weaker.

There is an author, Geneen Roth, who has written several books on compulsive overeating. You may want to check out her books.

Good luck...and feel free to PM me if you ever need to talk to someone who's in the same place you are.

*hugs*
Jo