Ah, comfort eating, second only to boredom eating. These two demons I'm all to familiar with.
I've recently lost a fair bit of weight and to be able to do this I had to banish these two, sharpish. While my method worked for me it is certianly not for everyone, and I am most deffinately NOT recommending it! At face value it might seem counter intuative - but you cannot argue with the results!
For me the only thing that works, other than a nice bit of company, is cannabis (I know, I know...). While the munchies are pretty bad at times, they are infinitely easier to deal with/control and ignore than the boredom spectre.
That and Team Fortress 2 (on the pc) - my main map being Dustbowl (I play on an Extreme server, the ones with the very low respawn timer). I can just sit there all day, it becomes hypnotic after a while, especially when playing as medic. Because your constantly blowing folk to bits and clearing out sentry gun nests etc, your hands are always busy (bit like smoking ciggies) and most of all it's great fun!!! And your actually playing with other real life people!
When its Saturday and raining outside and I've no one to talk to - these are my main go to distractions. (If I'm totally honest its Monday thru Sunday rain or shine...)
Say what you will, but 18 months ago my BMI on the NHS website was litterally off the chart - I was weighing in at 115kg (5' 9.5") and I looked shocking. I came off the "diet" about a year ago now when I hit my goal of 87kg (was initially 90kg). Hopped on the scales this morning and I'm coming in at a respectable 81.5kg.
Say what you will but I looked at myself in the mirror a couple of weeks ago and for the first time ever, I could see a bit of definition around my shoulders, from under a Tshirt! one of them Tshirts that have been in a carrier bag at the bottom of my wardrobe for the last 5 years cos I bought them and they were miles to small for me. Not any more, a couple actually look too big now
Everyone has their coping mechanisms, please don't think any less of me for mine. Like I said, I'm not recommending this for anyone, I'm simply telling you about my experiences.
Boredom eating is the worst for me, closely followed by boredom drinking, then comfort eating then comfort drinking.
You got to find your own distractions that work for you. This is mine, in the broad scheme of things my substance/alcohol abuse is negligable to what it was 10 years ago. I barely even drink anymore.
There is no chance I'm dealing with this life totally sober, not at the minute anyway.
CT