It is a simple fact that we must eat to live—but we should not be living to eat. Food fills an important need when it satisfies actual physical hunger and refuels our bodies to keep them healthy and strong. However, sometimes we develop eating cues to cope with emotional hungers. Have you ever eaten when you were under a lot of stress, angry, sad or bored? Have you ever eaten when you were celebrating a happy time? Have you ever eaten to put off doing something?
Do you ever find yourself eating when you are anxious or worrying about something? There are many things that can trigger emotional hunger. The more we mull them over in our mind, the more that relationships, finances, health, bad weather and global concerns can all weigh on you and lead you to the cupboard or fridge. Eating does not resolve the issue but for a short bit, it may soothe us. If we carry these concerns to bed with us and they interrupt our rest, the tiredness from lack of sleep may even lead us to the kitchen! As the next few days unfold, jot down any emotional hunger triggers you can identify as you go about your day.
We feel the way we think. Worry and anxiety start in the mind. We have within us the power to turn our thoughts around. Are your thoughts rational or irrational? Are you finding constructive steps to resolve issues over which you can have control, or are you rehashing things beyond your influence or power to change for the better? Is an issue yours to resolve? Is it something you need to let go?
My grandmom always said that worry was like trying to go to town in a rocking chair: You can do it all day and not get anywhere. I have found that she is right. Worry wastes time, energy and precious resources and can be exhausting. If you are a worrier who carries all your troubles to bed with you, try this easy exercise for a week. Find a rock (size is up to you) and take it with you when heading for bed. Before climbing in and pulling up the covers, hold the rock and pour all of your cares and concerns into the rock and place it on the nightstand. If the worries start leaking back into your mind, get out of bed, grab the rock and stand there until they are all back in the rock. Then, climb back in bed. Repeat as needed. Eventually, your mind will believe what you are telling it. Bed is for resting and rejuvenation. I can set things aside for that. I am an intelligent person!
I Care, Barb
By SHIRLEY WASHINGTON October 16, 2019
I like it , just like in pray , God tell us to case all our cares upon him because he cares
for us. We are not made , to carry a heavy load of worries and burdens.
Thanks for reminding us not carry worry or take our trouble to bed,
In other words, have good night sleep.
By KAY KALLSEN October 16, 2019
Thank you for all these good thoughts and Ideas!
By Judy A Culbertson October 15, 2019
Right on! I like to share these Moments of Truth with my TOPS chapter. We were just talking about emotional eating at last night’s meeting. I will put this in my “TOPS Bag” to share soon. I plan to try the rock idea. I have a “worry stone” that I will use. Thanks, Barb.
By Angie October 14, 2019
After the stressful couple of weeks I have had and all the times I’ve turned to food because I did not “have control of my emotions” I really needed to read this today. Thank you!
By CK October 14, 2019
Your grandmom was very wise and appreciate the “Words Of Wisdom”. Another keeper and glad I signed up for your Emails–GREAT STUFF!
By Kathy Loparo October 14, 2019
This truly gives me ammunition for stress eating. The power to turn our thoughts around is enlightening in the fact identifying the emotion and working through it is the battle that I have. Analysis before eating is a tool that I am going to use. I also like the idea of rewarding myself through other means than food for a high emotional time.
By Libby Durham October 14, 2019
HOW RIGHT YOU ARE—ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE PAST 39!!!!!!
By Sylvia Duncan October 14, 2019
What a great idea to us the rock as a receptacle.
Bedtime is no time for solving problems so those concerns might as well be irretrievable.
Am enjoying your common sense approach.
By Donna October 14, 2019
I don’t put my worries in a rock, but I do put them in balloons and send them to God every night. In return He sends me back balloons filled with peace, and joy, and love. I guess it’s kind of the same thing – except God can really take my problems and solve them, which the rock cannot. And my Faith makes it happen! God bless.
By CK October 14, 2019
I would have to agree w/you on that and prayer works miracles!