[CastlesMadeOSand]

I am new to this and I am not even sure if what bothers me is what would actually be considered an eating disorder. Basically, my problem is that I can't stop. If the food is in front of me, I will eat it. I am not even hungry when I eat about 90% of the time. I just can't stop eating. I am not extremely overweight though. I am 5'9 and 165lbs (22 years old). I know that is not a healthy weight, but for as much as I eat, I should be more. An example is I came home from my parents house where I ate dinner and when I got home I was so bored that after eating a burger, baked potato, noodles, cake and ice cream at my parents, I came home and ate two bowls of macaroni and cheese and a turkey and cheese sandwich. I honestly have tried everything to stop but I think my only hope is to lock up the food cabinet. Maybe I don't have what you could call an eating disorder, but I sure could use some help if anyone is willing to offer their advice. I can't talk to my family about this because they all eat perfectly well and are in perfect shape. So, even though I am not obese, I am definitely the largest one in my family. Please help, I am getting very unhealthy. Thanks!!!

[Soidhonia]

Hello Castles.
It is good to see you posting regarding this issue. I feel that many people do the same thing,(especally women). and I commend you for being courageous enough to bring the subject up. I feel that you should talk to your therapist about your issue you are having with eating if you become bored, so the therapist can help you with the proper handling of the situation and regain some boundaries for your eating habits and help you fill your time with something more productive to do that eat for boredom. There are also diets that can help as well on the American Diabetes Association website that can help you to get the nutrition you need and help with meal planning as well. There is help for you from a therapist and I hope you talk to your therapist about your eating issues so you can get the help you need to help you regain control of your eating habits. Take care I hope the best for you Castles. Soidhonia

[EJ711]

Castles,

We are about the same height, but I'm significantly older.

I was always slim, until I turned 55.

We moved out to the country, and I miss having a sidewalk to exercise on.

Anyway my main point in writing was to welcome you here.

You have already completed the first step in getting your eating under control -- identifying that you have a problem.

Hugs,

EJ

[razeljenny]

welcome here. Please feel free to share any observations and feelings you have with us, for we will be supportive.

[silver_queen]

Welcome, Castles

You must realise that I have absolutely no experience in medical matters... but when I was reading your post it reminded me of some kind of thyroid problem... not sure which one but one of them, I believe, causes an increased appetite. How long has this been going on for? And have there been any other noticeable changes?

[winnetka]

CastlesMadeOSand,
From what I understand, overweight people who get enough exercise are healthier than "normal" weight people who are sedentary.
When I exercise, it makes me mindful, and it helps me not obsess about how much I ate or didn't eat. I biked 50 miles every day last summer, when I didn't work full time and didn't volunteer at all so I had a lot of time. I biked 15 mph. Now I work a lot of hours, my son has 3 orchestras that I drive him to, and I volunteer a lot, so I am only getting 25 miles in every day (indoors, on a trainer). But still 15 mph! *sigh* It helps me a lot.
Other people have more useful thoughts than mine, but please let us know how you're doing!