Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

It's difficult to change an ingrained pattern of behavior. I know it has been difficult for me to change my pattern of behavior in regard to food. Because food serves us on an emotional level as well as physical, it becomes much more difficult to make lasting and satisfying changes. I think that IBS makes us feel that we no longer have control over what we eat - the IBS is "controlling" us and what we eat. No one likes to be controlled by something or someone else.

I find it is easier for me if I plan ahead and keep foods ready that I can eat when I'm overwhelmingly hungry or just plain tempted by something else. I try to keep safe snacks on hand - even in my backpack or handbag. This really helps me because I tend to get really cranky when my blood sugar drops. My poor husband has learned that when I say "I'm hungry", it's not just an idle observation.

I don't know if you are in a situation where you are able to cook or bake for yourself. If you can cook your own foods and bake your own treats, you can have more control over what ingredients are in your foods. For example, you could then have safe muffins on hand to combat the temptation to have an unsafe donut.

The biggest thing is not to beat yourself up when you make mistakes. Learn from them. Think about what you can do to take control of your eating situations. I think if you really think this through, you will be able to come up with some short term and long term solutions.

Blessings

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator