Hi @ssablich, I’m fairly new to keto eating as well,–but, I can say that what has been a critical mindset for me is: always remember that a major, major point of this way of eating is that it will reduce your need for self-control. You should write that down, put it on your fridge, repeat it to yourself multiple times daily until it is totally woven into your thinking (or, just remember it, lol). When you’re still in the full throes of carb addiction and the Qdoba nachos are right over there right now, your mind is not going to internalize this very well. It does take some time. But, getting small tastes of going through parts of your day without being pushed around by your carb cravings will make you want more of that. Those parts eventually becoming full days will be a goal for yourself that you can truly get behind. Oh yeah, and another thing is–for the first maybe week or something, for goodness’s sake do NOT count calories or worry about weight loss yet! Just focus on eating fats and avoiding carbs at first. And remember the sentence up there in bold print, and stay aware of the fact that the light at the end of the tunnel IS there, the freedom from cravings will increasingly happen, whether it currently feels to you like it will or not. You can do it!
Accountability for a Solo Sister (Lonely Lady)
I would add that you could always have items around that are similar to your usual go-to “off the wagon” foods so that even of it isn’t ideal to emotionally eat at least it won’t leave you bloated and achy after.
Ideally you won’t emotionally eat, but that will take practice over time, and even outside support if you need it.
Just know that even if you do fall off the wagon into carb land again that we are all here for you, and we are all rooting for your continued success 
If you need more podcasts there is also The Obesity Code podcast, Keto Woman, and Ketogeek, too. I know I go through podcasts fast
I run a lot and prior to going low carb the thought of running several miles with nothing in the tank was crazy talk! 
Now, I actually enjoy runs more when I’ve only had my coffee. Of course I’ve taken to adding butter and coconut oil or heavy cream… having some now before work actually.
I won’t get to run until after work. Early morning I’m cooking for and shuttling kids to school and washing dishes and so on (single dad, it’s my second full time job). The short time I get between that and work is devoted to coffee and reading.
Anyway y’all have a great day.
What awesome encouragement! Thanks for sharing- I’m a BIG believer in writing down self-affirmations like that, and it’s an awesome perspective to keep in mind. I can be free from cravings. That’s a big deal.
Oh, I didn’t realize there WAS an Obesity Code podcast! Good to know. I loved the book- that is what got me started with IF. I’m working on the outside support for emotionally eating, and have been hit in the face with that a few times this week already It is such an important component of this, for me. I’d like to stop binge eating to handle stress or suppress negative emotions, even if it is bacon and salami I am shoving in my mouth instead of candy and chips!
Yep, The Obesity Code Podcast, 2KetoDudes, and Keto Woman are all podcasts under the 2keto umbrella run by the dudes (who also run this forum). 
I would also agree eliminating emotional eating entirely is for sure the ideal. I believe there is a thread on emotional eating somewhere on the forum if you search for it. There are plenty of people who have the same problem who may be able to offer advice to help you along
I’m so glad you are doing so well. I believe being keto will help with all that stress.
Yes! Personally I find this really helpful if I know I’m in a stretch that I’ll tend to emotionally eat. It never gets too bad for me but there are definitely times that any feeling of deprivation just doesn’t work, and it really helps when I can find a way to satisfy that urge to indulge that won’t leave me feeling derailed and upset.
You so have this and are on the right track! Recognizing carbs are addictive is really the first step. Knowing that having them, especially refined are playing with a slippery slope is also key. Since you know your using them for an emotional escape maybe there’s something else you could use instead… A short walk, group exercise classes…
A month or so ago I had crushing stress for a few weeks which drove insulin up. I finally got back on track. My solace cost me a few weeks to get everything back on track and weight moving again. I’ve been keto for most of this calendar year and have dropped 75lbs as a 56 yr. old guy… So we’re all a work in progress performing n=1 experiments learning about ourselves, body, mind and spirit.
PS: Everyone here is great. I probably should have reached out a bit before. But I’m a guy don’t seek support much but I’m happy to give it.
Yes! I have never heard this before but it resonates big time. That is the hardest thing for some of us–especially if we carry a load of stress that makes it harder to say No anyway.
It’s a vicious cycle, isn’t it? I’m emotional or stressed, I eat, and then I’m stressed and disappointed with myself. Bad habits… time to break them!
Oh my goodness! Nice work on your success- that’s impressive! I’m glad that you’re “back on track,” as you say, and it’s actually good to hear from people who fall down and then get back up again. I’m definitely working on finding replacements for emotional/stress eating, but time is at a premium right now, and it’s tricky.
Thanks for the tips! Good luck with your journey!
Yep yep yep! So true. What’s your favorite non-eating way to manage your stress?
Right now I am working it off on a treadmill. This is hugely surprising, since the only exercise I love is biking on my country roads. I can no longer do this now that summer and pleasant fall weather is definitely done for the year. I love moving through space; what is there to love about walking in place like a work dog?! However, lately my muscles have been craving to move, and since I discovered the ketodudes podcast, I walk at least half an hour while I listen. The benefits seem to last all day and one of them is this smug satisfaction I feel having my exercise behind me before I start work.
I take this a day at a time because plantar fasciitis can stop my progress and do can having a guest stay in that guest room.
So, other stress relievers: I get a lot of satisfaction from writing my thoughts, doing a brain dump that way. Also, it helps big time to unload and organize all I have to do into my bullet journal. Having it all on paper and keeping track of what needs to be done when really helps lighten my load. I was more stressed without this system. Are you familiar with this?
I’m 57 and I still haven’t figured out how to manage stress properly. I am trying to get more sleep, aiming for 7 hours, and my Fitbit helps here. I love to see it explode into green congratulations when I hit my target. It feels like getting a star from first grade teacher.
I also chew gum (is it called 5?) especially when driving over 20 minutes, because otherwise I’ll buy and eat peanut MnMs to keep my jaw moving, which makes my more alert for some reason.
Sometimes I walk away from my to do list and improvise on the piano for a few minutes, soothing pleasant folky melodies and chord progressions.
Rarely I’ll put on a movie and I am unashamed of my taste on these occasions: light hearted, witty romcoms or classic movies. I need please diversion, not a challenge to my worldview.
My favorite thing to do is to sit before a quiet woodstove and read fiction, but I rarely have time. I keep a pleasant, well written book by my bed to prepare my mind for sleep at bedtime.
What do you do?
@ssablich I also used to really, really struggle with carb cravings after long/stressful days. I was never a sweet carb craver–always savory. My eating habits were destructive to my self esteem AND my body/health.
2 years ago I did my first Whole 30 (if you’ve never heard of it, its basically a stricter version of Paleo, elimination diet done over 30 days). I’ve since completed 2 more Whole 30’s and have been eating Keto for almost 9 weeks now. The Whole 30 changed my relationship with food in a major, major way. A couple things I learned while doing Whole 30 that were completely mental, but have changed my life:
–30 days is a long time when you quit everything in the food world you love cold Turkey. Mantra #1 was “I am worth 30 days. My health is worth 30 days. Fighting serious/terminal disease is HARD, but 30 days to turn my life around is EASY. This is EASY.”
–Mantra #2 was simple, whenever I had a craving for ANYTHING I would ask myself "When has (craving of the day) ever made me feel beautiful? When has it made me feel like a successful person? When has it raised my self worth? When has it made me feel wonderful after eating it?
As I continue on my journey to a healthier weight and lifestyle, These are two tactics that I still have enormous success with. While my Keto diet really has no ending timeline (i.e. 30 days), I still constantly remind myself that in the long game… I AM WORTH IT.
As for cravings–every day I remind myself that a bag of Doritos has NEVER made me feel like an amazing person. And a grilled cheese has NEVER made me feel beautiful. Those admissions alone typically keep my cravings at bay.
From someone who has always used food to ease my stress and pain–I can tell you that over time it is totally controllable. So just check in as you need and let other people support you along the way. Good Luck!!!
Hi Stephanie
I can relate to emotional eating. I’ve always used it as a coping strategy and I’m working hard to find alternatives (that aren’t shopping!). I’ve only been doing keto for 3 weeks so having to face my real feelings without carbs to soothe the stress. I started eating sugar free last year but kept eating other carbs. After about six months it just fell apart and I realised I hadn’t faced the emotional side of things at all. I think you’re wise to connect with people here as there’s loads of support. I also found a really useful blog (not related to keto) by Karly Randolph Pitman who talks about healing from sugar addiction and ‘When Food is your Mother.’ I think her wise words gave me the insights I needed to start again and luckily I discovered keto shortly after. I can honestly say I’m quite confident I can face cravings with a much more positive mindset. She talks a lot about connecting with yourself and others. Anyway I hope you’re enjoying the keto way of eating. I love it so far.
Best wishes