Diet and Stress
Many people use food as a de-stressor for diet and stress when they are upset or down about things. That could mean that they eat more, or they eat less. Having any relationship to food, whether its avoiding it, or putting more attention on it, is a relationship with food.
A larger emphasis on our society focuses on the people who put more attention on food when they are stressed; eating more, binging, overeating even when they are full, or doing nothing but sitting and eating. But what about the people who are stressed and use food as something to avoid?
“I’m not really that hungry.”
“I ate enough, thank you!”
“I’m watching my weight now.”
“That doesn’t taste good anymore.”
When someone is in a new situation, a changed situation, or their life has altered completely, and they say some of these things, consider that they might just be in shock (and really not even know it), are upset about something, and don’t have the words to talk about it.
Any change in diet at all, is a change, and often a means for that person to handle the stress they are experiencing in their life. If you are close to a loved one who’s diet has changed, and you notice it, say something. Encourage them to tell someone and ask for support. They may just need to talk about their feelings, gain a little understanding on the change in lifestyle, feel alone and neglected, harboring anger at themselves or others, or maybe they don’t know how they are feeling at all.
Acupuncture, actually is an excellent practice for clearing the blocks in the body and regaining balance in one’s energy system quickly, and returning to their normal diet. If you’re the person who has changed your diet, consider your feelings, and take into account that they matter. Talk to someone. Start a journal, a meditation practice or even yoga!
For some people, change is a very difficult thing to accept, and during the time of adjusting to the acceptance, a little support goes a long way!