Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I'm too not unhappy with my weight currently. I'm not overweight according to any chart, 5'10" 160lbs and I could probably gain a little bit more and still be okay with it. However my waist size has recently gone up to 32 inches and I preferred it at 30 inches.

I think I know the culprit. I'm a bit of a compulsive eater. Whenever I'm working on a big project or thinking my way through a problem, I start eating. These days it's completely Paleo but too much food is too much food.

It usually tends to be cherries or dates or figs these days. It's as if I need the food to keep me centered on the problem. I do have some symptoms of ADHD and that may have something to do with it. Not only is this not good for my waistline, it's not good for my budget.

So any advice on how to handle this? Anyone experiencing this, particularly other men? I know a lot of women suffer from emotional eating, but I don't think this is it. It's more just something for my hands and mouth to do. I've tried gum chewing but it's not quite the same.

flag	asked May 29 2012 at 17:24 Paul 145●1●8

	If it's compulsive, and you are centering your attention on the problem, not the food, why a tag that says "delicious"? Serious question. It sounds like deliciousness has nothing to do with it. – tdgor May 29 2012 at 20:04
	I still find the food enjoyable or I wouldn't want to eat it at all. I suppose I wasn't completely contentious when tagging. If people really pay attention to the tags I'll be more thoughtful with it in the future. – Paul May 30 2012 at 1:59

Mike T · Answer 1 · 2012-05-29 17:30:19Z UTC

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I've definitely had that. Sometimes mindless eating while working. Sometimes a way to procrastinate from working. I also now do it on paleo foods and coincidentally, happens a lot with fruit and dried fruit.

You could try to go and work somewhere where that food isn't available. If you're at work, don't bring it with you. If you're working at home, maybe go to a library or park.

answered May 29 2012 at 17:30

Mike T
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+1 Will take work to a park tomorrow. It sounds heavenly. – Spindrift May 29 2012 at 17:35

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I find myself doing it whenever I'm slightly stressed or highly focused. Sometimes I'm not even aware I'm doing it until I stop myself. Keeping food off my desk is a good first step. Thanks – Paul May 30 2012 at 2:04

Erik · Answer 2 · 2012-05-29 18:01:10Z UTC

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I am a full blown emotional eater. I eat when I get bored, stressed, emotional, happy you name it. I am a grazer so I generally want to eat though out the day. My weakness is nuts and I can devour excessive amounts of them.

What I have had to do is completely regiment my eating. No snacking no mindless eating. I set an alarm on my phone and if I can't stand the thought I chug a glass of water and take a quick walk (usually does the trick).

MY girlfriend doesn't understand it but like any addiction the pull to eat is overwhelming even if what you crave is Paleo!

answered May 29 2012 at 18:01

Erik
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	+1 I like the alarm idea. I think I'll try that. And, my wife also doesn't fully understand my compulsive eating. – Mike T May 29 2012 at 18:10
	-1 the alarm. I tried regimenting my daily meals and drinks and whatnot, and I felt much better listening to my body in the moment. YMMV. I'm also a nut addict. – Dan May 29 2012 at 21:11
	I'm glad I'm not the only one. I think setting an alarm is a good idea, or at least have a flexible schedule for when it's time to eat. Eating all of the time is my problem and a routine might help with that. Thanks for the answer. – Paul May 30 2012 at 2:02
	n=1. So you try the alarm and it works. Or it doesn't. Try something else. – misstenacity Apr 3 at 17:14

VB · Answer 3 · 2012-05-29 19:06:21Z UTC

I have been through that too. Every time I get stressed, I eat compulsively. I eat everything in sight. The good thing, you cannot overeat broccoli or cabbage. It just does not happen :)

I do not know the answer to your question, but I can tell you what really really helped me, although I am not a guy.

I increased my tubers intake (sweet potatoes, parsnips, pumpkin, beets) and decreased my sweets. No honey, dates, figs, any fruit, even berries.

I re-introduced fruit after a month of no sweet things and I do not crave sugar anymore! I guess my blood sugar levels have stabilized.

Hope this helped.

More Butter Please · Answer 4 · 2012-05-29 19:47:29Z UTC

For me, intermittent fasting was the thing that finally worked. I had a terrible habit of grabbing snacks through the day, even when I wasn't hungry, and a handful of almonds here and a hard-boiled egg or slice of leftover steak there was really adding up. Now, if I get munchy, I can stop myself by saying, "No--not until later."

If IF isn't your cup of tea, the advice Erik gave could be a great alternative.

Hack my Nervous / Compulsive eating issue

4 Answers