Causes of comfort eating include:
  • Genetics, which could predispose you towards obsessive-compulsive behaviour.
  • Temperament and personality. For instance if you tend towards perfectionism, you would have high expectations of yourself which would include your appearance. Pessimism and optimism would play a role in how you treat yourself.
  • Your upbringing and your family's attitude towards food and appearance would also influence you.
  • Traumatic incidences during your childhood like loss of a parent or any form of abuse could result in deep feelings of shame, worthlessness and inadequacy.
  • Social messages, media hype, the film industry play a huge role in promoting all eating problems.
    "Everyone" insists that thin is best. We have heard this over and over in many different ways and no matter how independent or liberal we are, we are still brain washed to believe and feel better when we are at our thinnest.
    Often the difference between a good day and a bad one is if we fit into our jeans easily. Sad, but true.

    On top of these layers are the things that go on inside the building of your life that make up the "triggers". Anything that "triggers" and stimulates painful feelings can cause you to want to comfort eat. Some triggers include:

  • A friend or family member who is obsessed with appearance and fat;
  • A romantic liaison that goes wrong;
  • Critical comments from someone about your weight;
  • Going through a difficult developmental phase like puberty or middle age.
  • PMS;
  • Having your first child and having to stay at home;
  • A move or change of any kind

    Once the trigger has got you eating, the cycle may become a habit that sticks.

    So what's the advice?

  • Get to know your deep down emotions. Be honest with yourself about feeling inadequate, worthless, powerless or bored and then seek help or talk it through with a close friend. There are ways to heal.

  • Don't let problems become an "excuse" to eat. Deal with the stressors and the difficulties head on before you collapse into a tub of ice cream.

  • Take a more rational approach to your difficulties and slowly give up negative thinking. Change perspective and find new, more functional and positive ways to view yourself and your situation.

  • Mostly, treat yourself more kindly. Nurture and comfort yourself in non-food ways. Like taking walks in nature, relaxing in a candlelit bathroom, read your favourite book, ask for help, hugs and time.

  • Be more self-accepting. Focus on your strengths and talents and embark on projects that enhance these.

  • Think carefully about your support system and your relationships. We all need strong, meaningful connections in our life. Set stronger boundaries too.

  • If you comfort eat sometimes, make it healthy. Try thick veggie stews; soups; low fat cottage cheese; pumpkin mashed with marmite; baked potatoes; carob chocolates; rice cakes; frozen yogurt. Have these readily available.

  • If your bingeing is out of control, get help from a psychologist or a dietician. Join an eating disorder support group.

  • Have a day or two a month where you give yourself permission to indulge. Choose delicious gastronomical delights. Savour the wonder of food flavour.
    Page: 2 of 2 - back
    RSS
    Digg
    de.li.cious
    facebook


    Print this page
    Send this article to a friend