Part of this journey is about getting in touch with my feelings and understanding how I use food and exercise to deal with those feelings. When I was talking to my male friend the other day I mentioned that a stressful situation made me want some ice cream. He didn't understand how eating food could make me feel better. And he's right, strictly speaking. But momentarily the yumminess feels good.
The trick is to understand the connection between my snacking and my feelings. For me, my greatest comfort comes from having control over a situation. I live for plans and calendars and to-do lists and schedules. I thrive on the predictable. This is why Isagenix is such a great program for me; it's predictable and plan-friendly.
But life is not always like this. When I was autonomous and completely independent (read single and alone) I had control over just about every aspect of my life except for work issues, and those I had learned to leave at work and not take home with me. But for the past month or so I've been in a relationship that has some very unpredictable elements. Interesting how my snacking has become more frequent during that same time...
So, what can I do? The snacking does not SOLVE anything, and that's the first thing I have to accept. Sure, it feels good for the few minutes I'm chewing on that protein bar or scooping out that hummus, but the real problems remain when the bowl has been licked clean. The snack has no bearing on the outcome of the real issue.
Second, I should keep in mind the compounding effect of emotions. I may be stressed about things happening in this relationship, but bingeing on guacamole or popcorn only makes me feel sick and guilty on top of stressed. Which makes me more stressed and depressed, which makes me want to eat more.
This ridiculous and immature cycle must stop. How stupid can you be?
Of course, I usually think of these things after I've stuffed my face. The trick will be to add this to my self-dialogue BEFORE the snacking, and to take things one day at a time.
The trick is to understand the connection between my snacking and my feelings. For me, my greatest comfort comes from having control over a situation. I live for plans and calendars and to-do lists and schedules. I thrive on the predictable. This is why Isagenix is such a great program for me; it's predictable and plan-friendly.
But life is not always like this. When I was autonomous and completely independent (read single and alone) I had control over just about every aspect of my life except for work issues, and those I had learned to leave at work and not take home with me. But for the past month or so I've been in a relationship that has some very unpredictable elements. Interesting how my snacking has become more frequent during that same time...
So, what can I do? The snacking does not SOLVE anything, and that's the first thing I have to accept. Sure, it feels good for the few minutes I'm chewing on that protein bar or scooping out that hummus, but the real problems remain when the bowl has been licked clean. The snack has no bearing on the outcome of the real issue.
Second, I should keep in mind the compounding effect of emotions. I may be stressed about things happening in this relationship, but bingeing on guacamole or popcorn only makes me feel sick and guilty on top of stressed. Which makes me more stressed and depressed, which makes me want to eat more.
This ridiculous and immature cycle must stop. How stupid can you be?
Of course, I usually think of these things after I've stuffed my face. The trick will be to add this to my self-dialogue BEFORE the snacking, and to take things one day at a time.
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