Avoiding Food for Comfort!

It's not called comfort food for nothing. Psychologists believe that food is a primary source of comfort for many people. As we grew, we were spoiled by candy-toting grandparents, soothed with ice cream after a scare and rewarded with jelly beans for not crying during a haircut. Little wonder then that we now turn to a milk shake or a slice of cake when we're scared, the boss yells at us or our partner says something hurtful.

What are the things that send us seeking comfort? I have listed some common triggers, as well as suggestions for dealing with them so that we won't race to the refrigerator at the first sign of crisis.

Stress

Feeling stressed out? Reach for a tennis racquet instead of a handful of cookies. Go out and beat that ball. Sweat it out until you're too tired to gorge on anything. Jump on a treadmill or bike and start sweating. Then spend some time thinking positively about what you can do to deal with the problem. This way, you avoid creating the additional problem of making yourself feel bad for falling off your eating plan.

Boredom

Stay busy. Take up a hobby, learn a craft, join a club, make new friends. Keep your hands busy so they don't wander toward the nearest food.

Pain

It's a common response to soothe an emotional or physical hurt with a pleasurable flavor. Discuss your aches with a physician or talk to a trusted friend or a professional if the hurt is emotional. Take control of the matter before it controls you.

Disappointment

You've tried to eat carefully and the scale says you've gained rather than lost. You missed out on the job, got dumped or lost a competition. Instead of turning to the bucket of ice-cream, take a deep breath, drink a tall glass of water and enjoy a long walk in the fresh air.

Happiness

Surprisingly, feeling happy and content can sometimes lead to overeating or eating happy foods (you know, candy, chocolate, chips, etc.). It's the reward mentality: Life is good so I deserve this. Watch out for vacations too. Just because you're in the Caribbean doesn't mean it's a good idea to overdo it on the margaritas and fries. Think of other rewards that you can use to celebrate the good times. Go shopping for clothes if your size is right or accessories if it's not. Think perfume rather than potato chips, a massage rather than a milk shake, theater tickets rather than chocolates.

Identify Your Comfort Foods

Identifying a problem is 90 percent of the solution. Comfort foods can become your greatest ally if you identify them along with the issues that make you seek comfort. Once you know what your comfort foods and situations are, find alternatives for them if they are becoming a crutch. So You Struck Out? Okay, we all do it from time to time. Just forgive yourself. The more you beat yourself up, the more you'll need comfort! Tell yourself: It's a new day tomorrow. Life is good. I am good. I can do this thing. Then smile and plan how you will not get caught again tomorrow.

How Do You Combat Your Comfort Foods

What are your experiences with comfort food? What are they? Let us know by leaving a comment below.


Kelly Huggins
Exercise Science, B.S.
Owner, Fitness Together