Emotional Eating Rears Its Ugly Head
November 20, 2009
Confession: I haven’t had any binges, per se, since being sick and recovering from H1N1 … but I’ve definitely done more emotional eating than I had been in a while.
While I’m not particularly proud of my choices (I’ve eaten so many crackers and pretzels and Chex and stuff I just didn’t need) over the past week — when this could have been an opportunity to just eat clean …
But the truth is, I haven’t been feeling good and all that has sounded good has been carbs. And processed carbs, at that.
Though it didn’t stop me from eating what I craved, I definitely went over my daily Points and my weekly Points allowance … without one iota of exercise.
That said, I’m trying not to be too hard on myself.
I know in my heart of hearts, it’s been a frustrating week and a half for me. And not having a lot of human interaction hasn’t helped matters much. I was lonely, and achy, and tired, and sometimes processed carbs just sounded good when nothing else did. Yes I turned to (processed) food for comfort at times.
And that’s OK; we’re all entitled to a bit of woe-is-me.
The thing is, though I recognized it as emotional eating at the time (a step forward; I wouldn’t have recognized it as such a year ago), I didn’t have the energy–or wherewithall — to stop it, either.
And now that I’m on the mend, I plan to nip it in the bud. Now that my sense of smell has come back and my tastebuds are re-emerging, I realize I need to shift my priorities toward filling, nutritious eats, especially since I clearly can’t work out like I’m used to — if at all.
All I know is, I’m super excited to see my husband on Sunday night when he gets back from Germany!! 
We did five years of international long distance before we got married, but the past month has been especially challenging with our conflicting travel schedules and now we finally have some time together, just us, coming up — and I can’t wait!
So … wishing you a safe, happy, healthy weekend! See you on the flip-side on Monday.
Entry Filed under: Emotional Eating, Food, health. Tags: Emotional Eating, sick.
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1.
Lori | November 20, 2009 at 9:15 am
I do the same thing when I’m not feeling very well. I seem to want sugar and carbs. I teach in an elementary school, and have been having a hard time avoiding all the “stuff” this year. As a result, I’ve been more tired and want caffeine, so then comes more pop. Not the best combination! I hope you feel better!
2.
Staci | November 20, 2009 at 9:18 am
I’ve had trouble eating well lately as well. My reasons aren’t known to me but I’m on a sugar rampage and it needs.to.stop.
I’ve been doing so well with exercise but the eating is just not there. I’ll make a commitment with you!
3.
lissa10279 | November 20, 2009 at 10:35 am
So glad to hear I am not alone, Lori … OK Staci, let’s do it
As you know, I’ve been UNABLE to exercise so I fear packing it on … 
4.
Lara | November 20, 2009 at 11:11 am
A bad sickness like you have can affect you phsyically and mentally. I think sometimes the body also craves food that give it quick energy when sick i.e processed carbs. I am sure the combo of being sick and hubby out of town was extra bad. You poor thing. Hope you continue to feel better but remember dont’ push yourself
5.
lissa10279 | November 20, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Thanks Lara–I appreciate it!!! And that makes sense, why we crave foods like that. And oddly, I’ve been VERY hungry!!
6.
Margaret | November 20, 2009 at 12:58 pm
How weird that you bring up this topic today. Just yesterday, my friend and I were cramming/panicking for a huge grade-determining organic chemical synthesis exam, and neither of us could put down the food. I seemed like what we were craving was chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate (luckily, we still maintained our rational minds and got a couple healthier options to split). I’ve noticed that every time I’m in a stressful situation, in goes the chocolate. I thought I read an article a few weeks ago, relating stress and cravings for sweet/salt/carb/chocolate… Wish I could find more on the study.
7.
julie | November 20, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I don’t think you can really do too much damage to your weight in a week of high carb emotional eating (unless you’re in full binge mode, which it didn’t sound like). Just get back to normal living, a little emotional eating shouldn’t have long term consequences, and shouldn’t be something to feel bad about.
8.
love2eatinpa | November 22, 2009 at 5:57 pm
hi melissa! i think it is sceintifically true that when you are run down and not sleeping enough, that your body craves carbs. science was against you and it doesn’t sound like you did too badly, so i would chalk that off as a small victory. in addition, of course we all know that stress causes cravings and with all that you have going on, it would have been amazing if you had not gone for some carbs. put it behind you, you can’t change it now. move forward, one day at a day. and of course, enjoy your man being back home!
9.
Abby | November 22, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Hey there,
I just found your blog through Clare’s and I can relate to so much of your “about” post (Type A? Named after me, I think…) At any rate, I just wanted to throw out my support and let you know that when you’re sick, calories don’t count (that’s what I said, and I’m sticking to it.)
Whenever I’m sick, nothing sounds good, so if something actually sparks up the ol’ appetite, I just try and go with it. It’s a temporary physical state and as soon as you’re back on your non-H1N1 feet, you can get on track.
And how exciting the husband is coming home! Enjoy the company, the experience and everything that comes with it–including the food
10.
lissa10279 | November 24, 2009 at 12:26 am
Thanks everyone!!
Welcome, Abby!! We just had a wonderful anniversary dinner (and yummy dessert!) out!