Comfort Eating and Emotional Eating

November 5, 2020 Lisa Paul

Let’s get real about comfort eating and emotional eating. Do you? I do.

I am a comfort eater. I used to be ashamed of it, but as I’ve worked through my relationship with food, I’ve come to realize that comfort eating is not innately harmful or unhealthy. How can that be?

For the last several weeks I’ve had my head in books, studies, analyzing data, watching webinars and making connections that will enhance the way I practise. Frankly my brain has been in overdrive and I was beginning to feel like (and look like!) the stereotypical absent minded professor. Add in all the emotional outpouring from our provincial election, the US election and escalating pandemic measures, and I was way overdue for a break.

Wednesday was (supposed to be) my day off, so I turned to one of my favourite activities: baking. I turned on the music, danced around my kitchen and made wonderful food. It makes my heart happy, plus I get good food. And I’m serious about good food, it’s one of the reasons I’m a Nutritionist.

I found myself baking chocolate foods. Chocolate is my favourite comfort food. Eating chocolate releases the endorphin serotonin, the happy hormone. Carbohydrate rich foods do the same thing, which is why so many people crave carbs.

Let’s get to the controversial part: is it wrong to use food for comfort?

Food has the ability to comfort you, boosts endorphins and can connect you to people and memories. Is that wrong?

I’ve quit feeling guilty about gaining a bit of comfort from something I love- good food. I now practise mindfulness. I’m aware of how I’m feeling and mindfully decide if I want to indulge in a treat or not. I have many other coping strategies, so food is not usually my first choice.

I try not to eat my emotions. I don’t eat to mask or drown my emotions. If I’m feeling sad/hurt/anxious and I want some chocolate, I’ll acknowledge how I am feeling, eat the chocolate mindfully and then deal with my emotions in whatever way feels best to me at that time. Some of my favourite coping strategies are journaling, talking to a friend or loved one, cuddling my pets, going for a walk outside or sitting in silence and stillness.

Sometimes that boost of endorphins makes it easier to process your emotions.

I don’t binge eat or eat indiscriminately. It is always a choice. I weigh the quality of the food and how I think it will make me feel. If it’s good quality dark chocolate- which I love- then I’ll probably say yes and savour every bite. If it’s cheap milk chocolate then I’ll find another way to soothe myself. I don’t like milk chocolate so it wouldn’t give me the same amount of pleasure or happy hormones, so why bother? By engaging in mindful eating and acknowledging my emotions I can indulge in foods that make me feel good, with no guilt.

And if I do catch myself eating mindlessly, I pause, assess my emotions and choose if I want to continue eating or if I would feel better doing something else.

How do you feel about comfort eating and emotional eating?

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The information provided here is for educational purposes only. For treatment please seek a qualified healthcare provider.