What’s your “go-to” food when you’re stressed, upset, angry, or otherwise driven to food for an emotional reason?
One of my clients lamented hers, and I had to confess that it was also mine before I broke my Diet Yo-Yo: Cheap grocery store cake – white cake, buttercream frosting, and sprinkles. The more frosting, the better.
How could that meet a need? It’s not even interesting. Not even that good.
Yet it did. Something about that sweet, creamy, buttery, vanilla flavor touched something deep in me. And one piece was never really enough. I wanted more, and the truth is, no amount would satisfy because it wasn’t about the food. It was about a connection.
And no, it doesn’t make any sense, and it doesn’t have to. As an emotional eating counselor, I help clients uncover and release the origins of such a connection. As a coach, however, the main focus is how we go forward from here. You may not need to know the origin – sometimes we can unwind things simply by recognizing the hold food has on us and then making a different choice.
Want to give it a shot?
Here’s your assignment should you choose to accept it:
Identify your go-to food. Note situations that drive you to it.
Specifically, what need do you expect that food to meet?
What else might meet the need? Make a list of multiple options.
How can you arrange for that to be as available as the food?
At first, it will not seem quite right. You’ve been using food for a long time, and that’s your standby. Food is just easy, but it’s not the only option. Give yourself time and grace to practice making a different choice.
