Are you constantly eating for comfort? There is a connection to this that is exactly the connection I had when I quit smoking the last time (I had quit once before). The first time I quit smoking was horrible, like kicking heroine. Seriously.

The last time I quit was completely different because I realized that I was avoiding the horrible discomfort of withdrawal and that is why I was still smoking. BUT – while still being a smoker, I was in a constant state of withdrawal. Every time I put out a cigarette, nicotine levels would start to drop in my blood stream, creating the uneasiness of withdrawal. Time would pass and the withdrawal would get very uncomfortable. When it got uncomfortable enough that I felt that undeniable urge for another cigarette, I would light up . . . . . .and start the process of withdrawal all over again. Over the years of being a smoker, the amount of time between needing a cigarette grew shorter and shorter. I went from carrying the same pack of cigarettes for days to smoking it in a day. Can you imagine if that pack of cigarettes was a pack of donuts? In my early years I could get by with a few donuts a day. But as time went on, soon I was needing the entire pack of donuts every day. Has your eating followed a similar pattern over the years? Are you giving into the need to comfort an urge more and more often?

When I realized just how much smoking was interfering with my life, and that while smoking I was keeping myself in a constant state of withdrawal, I quit – then and there – done. It was withdrawal I feared, but suddenly I understood I was keeping myself constantly in that pain while trying to avoid it. I chose to feel withdrawal one LAST time as opposed to constantly dealing with withdrawal.

When we are in a pattern of overeating (or over snacking or however you want to label overeating), it is the same as smoking. We are eating for comfort, but by eating we are creating more discomfort. You get immediate discomfort because your stomach is too full and you feel horribly guilty for having eaten too much. Then you get long-term discomfort because your body remains too heavy with extra burden. So instead, you can choose to feel the discomfort of not giving in to the urge/desire to eat to create long-term comfort. Just like when I put out that last cigarette and chose final withdrawal over constant withdrawal. Choose final discomfort over constant discomfort. Refuse to give into that urge to eat for comfort because you know it is creating even MORE discomfort for you. The only way you will truly comfort yourself for once and for all is to decide to feel that immediate discomfort of NOT eating so you can have permanent comfort in your body. Make that decision – make that choice, or continue to need comfort and never find it.

When you are doing what you want to do, you don’t need willpower at all. Remember, willpower only comes into play when you are doing something you don’t want to do. The first time I quit smoking, I was running on 100% willpower. It felt horrible and took a long time to get over. The second time I quit smoking, willpower had nothing to do with it and the discomfort of withdrawal over quickly. Instead of willpower, make the discomfort of not giving into the urge to overeat/snack something you WANT to experience. Then start to notice how much comfort you are gaining and you will want to continue on that way.