Is Food the Right Answer? by Linda Spangle, RN, MA

The words slip out so easily. "If I eat something, maybe I’ll feel better." When you’re tired, stressed or physically ill, food is often the first thing that comes to mind. It provides an appealing cure for everything from a cold or the flu to exhaustion after a long day.

If you’re tired because your body is needing fuel, eating probably will make you feel better. But having an energy drop doesn’t always mean it’s time to eat. Make sure that you can recognize the difference between your fuel needs and wanting an emotional fix.

Hunger or Desire to Eat?

Whenever you start thinking about food, take a minute to figure out whether you’re having a physical need or an emotional one. Before you put the first bite in your mouth, ask yourself, “Is this hunger or a desire to eat?”

If you decide you are truly hungry, give your body some fuel. But if you’re having a desire to eat, catch yourself on the spot and ask, "What’s going on here? What’s making me want to eat right now?" Then consider how you could take care of your real needs instead of appeasing them with food.

If you need to calm down or de-stress, try doing a few deep breathing exercises instead of eating. Give your eyes a rest from the computer or take a break from the task you’re working on.

Remember that food doesn’t usually fix a tired body. So if you recognize that you need rest, not food, go to bed, take a nap or just close your eyes and give them a break for a few minutes. Sip a cup of hot tea or a diet soda and allow your body to relax. Eventually, you’ll discover lots of ways to build your energy without reaching for food.

Other Ways to Perk Up

Instead of immediately reaching toward food when you feel tired or down, do something else first and see if it takes care of the problem.

| Continued >>