Emotions and Food...

by Sarah
(North Carolina)

Why do they mix?

I sometimes find myself eating a lot when I'm depressed or upset. I feel like throwing it up but I know the dangers. One time I actually stuck my finger down my throat and tried... how can I stop this before it truly begins?


ANSWER

Food is a way to comfort ourselves or numb out emotions that we would rather not feel or deal with. It is easy to turn to food; but it is just a quick fix. It's comfort soon turns into regret and fuels depression.

The reason food is used is because it works (temporarily). Overeating, especially junk food, gives us a direct hit of "feel good" hormones in the brain.

The best way to stop a downward spiral to is face your emotions directly.

Instead of turning to food... use a healthy coping tool. Now I'm not talking about replacing eating with another bad habit; but with something that lifts you up.

A good place to start is with journal writing.
Use it when you would normally eat emotionally and just write out what you are feeling. After you feel like you've 'vented'; go back and see what triggered the urge to eat. When you find the trigger or stress that started the process you can create a proactive plan to address it directly.



All my Best,

Stefanie