Food as Consolation Prize! by Linda Spangle, RN, MA

Mark was gaining weight and he wasn’t happy about it. A busy corporate attorney, Mark constantly faced the demands of long hours, heavy caseloads and trying keep everybody happy. When a group of college friends suggested he join them at a local sports bar, Mark welcomed the change from his rigorous daily grind.

With a different game being broadcast on each of the huge TV monitors, letting go of stress came easily. Fueled by a couple of drinks, Mark quickly joined in with his buddies as they yelled at the players, predicted the winners and argued the stats. As he reached into the snack plates of nachos, artichoke dip and spicy wings, he barely noticed how much he was eating.

This event gave Mark such a welcome change that he went back the next night. For the rest of the season, he was hooked—not just on the playoffs, but on an experience he hadn’t felt in a long time. It reminded him of his youth and those wonderful college days when he didn’t have the burdens of work, money and the relentless demands on his time.

But when Mark’s weight gain reached 20 pounds, he knew something had to change. As he thought about his sports bar dilemma, he admitted that he didn’t really care about the food. What he really craved was fun, the ability to relax and the sense of belonging that he felt with this group.

Food works!

It’s easy to understand Mark’s struggle. In reality, food provides a potential solution for everything! It entertains you when you’re bored, gives you an outlet when you’re mad and heals your soul if you’re sad or lonely. It helps you feel comforted and nurtured when life gets you down and it protects you from uncomfortable emotions such as grief and disappointment.

During times when you’re feeling anxious or uneasy, eating can provide stamina and boost your courage. For example, when you’re at a cocktail party or social gathering, you can hide your feelings behind a plate of snacks. If the uneasiness creeps back in, you can simply eat more. Food becomes the security blanket that gets you through the evening.

Continued >>