Food is a way many people, kids included, cope with their feelings.
As a Dietitian who specializes in Eating Disorders, I get calls almost daily, from parents worried that their kids are eating snacking too much and gaining weight, or eating too little and starting to become obsessed with food.
This is a universal experience that is affecting all of us to some degree — who doesn’t feel some measure of fear and anxiety in the world right now?
It would make sense then, that some people find themselves eating despite not being physically hungry.
Perhaps we want to be comforted, to be nurtured. We eat to avoid our problems. We eat because we are bored. We eat because we are scared. We eat because we are near the kitchen calls to us. We all use food to cope with feelings in many ways.
Conversely, some people have a harder time eating when life is stressful. For those of you recovering from a restrictive eating disorder, you may find that your normal hunger cues are off and you are struggling to feed yourself.
I always recommend trying to eat balanced meals and snacks throughout the day with combinations of protein, carbohydrates and fats.
Did you know that restricting your food can actually lead to rebound binge eating? Or worse, restricting your food can have a negative influence on your immune system?
This is not the time to diet. This is not the time to restrict. This is a time to look for ways to get a balance and practice some self-care.
For some examples of balanced meal ideas, you can read this article that has some meal plan ideas to get you started.
We have a free eBook that can help you learn to manage your feelings and food, by starting with the 3 Steps to Making Peace with Food and your Body Image. Grab this guide and learn some ways to start on a path to changing your habits.
Erica Leon is a Registered Dietitian and practices from a Health at Every Size (HAES®) lens. She is certified as an eating disorder specialist and is passionate about helping women at midlife, menopause and beyond to make peace with food and body image.
Erica is a highly sensitive nutrition therapist who takes the time to learn where you or your family are in the pursuit of health. Respectful of your individual needs and lifestyle, she will provide an honest assessment of whether or not you are a good fit to work together. Click here to schedule a 15-minute Discovery Call with Erica to let us know about your needs, and to see which of our Dietitians is the best fit for you!
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