US Foodservice West Virginia Division

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For the past two months, I've been discussing my eating habits with Seattle psychotherapist Karen Lee, M.S.W. I've always had quite an appetite, and for as long as I can remember, I've turned to food when I'm happy, sad or bored. Until I became pregnant, my speedy metabolism worked in my favor, and I stayed at a healthy 120-130 pounds for years. It was only after my pregnancy, when I wound up with an oversized rear end and pounds that I just couldn't shake, that I realized that my day-to-day eating habits were more than a little out of control.
End emotional eating
Like many women, my tendency to put food in my mouth when I'm not hungry has a lot to do with what's going on in my head. In our twice-monthly sessions, Karen and I tackled some tough topics, including how my father, who left my family when I was young, may have made me feel abandoned. This could be one reason I find solace in food: It never rejects me. Karen's idea wasn't news to me, but it made more of an impact coming from someone outside my family.

Karen told me to ask myself two questions when I felt low: Am I really hungry? and, if not, what can I do besides eat to feel better? My list: 1) Take a walk with my daughter, Brooke; 2) Open a good book; 3) Call my mom; and 4) Exercise.
I've used this strategy for six weeks, and I can definitely see a difference. It might seem like a simple solution to a tough problem, but it actually works. And it's empowering--I'm in charge of my eating, finally, instead of letting my emotions rule my food choices.
I realize vowing to make this change and honoring that vow are two different things. When stress strikes, trading a bowl of ice cream for a juicy chick-lit novel is going to be anything but easy, however I'm ready--and so is my mom, who I've put on speed dial. It may take awhile, but I'll get used to not turning to food when I'm feeling frazzled. I'll let you know how it goes. "From now on, when I'm stressed, I'm no longer going to turn to 'comfort carbs.' Instead, I'll try to relax with something that doesn't involve food." RELATED ARTICLE: WEIGHING IN

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