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 By Linda Spangle, RN, MA
www.FoodisEasy.com
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.
•
Wait ten minutes
When you get a food craving,
buy yourself some time by waiting ten minutes before you eat anything. During
that time, do something positive such as read to your child or offer
encouragement to a troubled friend. After ten minutes, see if you still need to
eat or if your food thoughts have faded.
•
Move your body
Instead of heading for your
recliner after an exhausting day, go for a brief walk or do something else that
gets you moving. Physical activity will usually revive you better than lying on
the couch with chips and a soda.
•
Get a drink of water
Being dehydrated can add to
your fatigue or even make you think you’re hungry. Drink a large glass of
water, then wait 30 minutes. You may be surprised at your renewed energy level.
•
Get some rest
Put your feet up, take a nap
(a lost art) or take time for a few minutes of meditation or stretching. Start
going to bed earlier. Force yourself to rest when you need it.
•
Distract yourself
Do something that will take
your mind off how you feel. Mentally escape with a book or a shopping trip.
When you keep busy, you may find your tiredness lifts without a food fix. Be
sure you choose a diversion that fills your mind, not empties it. Watching TV
or playing computer games will often make you feel dull rather than revived.
Linda Spangle, RN, MA, is a weight-loss coach specializing
in emotional eating, and the author of 100
Days of Weight Loss, a book of daily lessons that helps people stay
committed to their diet and exercise plans. Her website is www.foodiseasy.com.
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