Is my constant cravings replacing the smoking or emotional eating?!
Question: I quit smoking a few months ago and at first it seemed like everything was going smoothly. I've gone through an incredible career/life change and have had much more time to my self for thinking and reflecting. Now I get this anxious feeling in the evenings where I feel like I NEED something and I will eat but lately it hasn't really been helping, it's like I can't STOP eating now and the food I am craving is getting worse. At first I would eat sandwiches and veggies now I am craving cookies and chocolate!! I thought smoking again may help but I'm not even sure that's what this anxious feeling is anymore, I feel like I am having a hard time just relaxing in the evenings. What do you guys think this is?
Answers: I quit smoking a few months ago and at first it seemed like everything was going smoothly. I've gone through an incredible career/life change and have had much more time to my self for thinking and reflecting. Now I get this anxious feeling in the evenings where I feel like I NEED something and I will eat but lately it hasn't really been helping, it's like I can't STOP eating now and the food I am craving is getting worse. At first I would eat sandwiches and veggies now I am craving cookies and chocolate!! I thought smoking again may help but I'm not even sure that's what this anxious feeling is anymore, I feel like I am having a hard time just relaxing in the evenings. What do you guys think this is?
Eating sugar (or corn syrup as an ingredient) triggers insulin resistance which makes you even hungrier. It a vicious cycle.
Caffeine does the same thing.
Make yourself do something physical when cravings occur.
And reduce TV time.
When any life changing event occurs, everyone undergoes some kind of stress, whether it be from a positive event or negative one. This probably explains why you are feeling anxious at night, when your mind is not occupied. You probably do not have a good way of relaxing yourself without smoking. Eating gives a similar effect as smoking, since it can relax you and make you feel better. High calorie food, like cookies and chocolate, cravings are a good sign your brain is looking for a "feel good chemical" boost during the down time, since it usually recieves it from the smoking.
You need to be really careful with this because food addiction is a huge problem. Unlike smoking, you can not just completely desert food.
I would advise you go in to see a therapist who will be able to refer you to someone to an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety that can supply your brain with the chemicals it needs to relax and feel okay. You won't become addicted this way, your brain can relearn how to adequately use its own chemicals to make you feel this way, and you will be able to ween off the drug.
Before doing that, though, you could try finding other ways to relax yourself and see if that will be enough to break the habit you are developing. Usually calling a friend or family member for a chat works pretty well because it might be one of the few things to properly keep you distracted from the cravings. Try putting in a movie, taking a bath, etc. If these things are not enough, then I recommend the seeing someone plan :)