Blind-sided (almost) by emotion

[jt&me109]

I had the strangest thing happen this afternoon. I know I'm an emotional eater and have been on the lookout for those negative emotions and the resulting cravings. I've been trying to make the connection between the two and deal with the emotions rather than feed them.

Well today I got the first letter from my son since he left for Army Basic Training three weeks ago. In fact, aside from a quick 30 second phone call, it's the only thing I've heard from him. I was so HAPPY!! Thrilled to hear from him and that he was doing OK and thrilled to finally have his address so I could write to him. I quickly wrote out a letter and hopped in my car to take it to the post office. On the way, I suddenly had an overwhelming urge to get ice cream - dairy queen peanut buster parfait. Or maybe stop at the gas station and get a candy bar. WOW. It really blind-sided me. Where'd it come from?

Revelation: Strong emotions of ANY kind create cravings - even happy emotions. I wanted to celebrate and that meant eating fun foods.

Fortunately, I don't live too far from the post office, so I high-tailed it home to safety. Guess I'll have to be on guard during really happy times too.

[Rita]

Gran - so happy for you that you got a letter from DS!

Congratulations on recognizing this emotion/food connection and not allowing it to overcome you! WTG!!!

[robbie]

gran,

That is such a good insight! As an emotional eater myself, I'm often on the lookout for negative emotions and boredom...I never considered the "happy" emotions as triggers! Good for you for identifying this and not giving in!!

And I'm so glad you heard from your son. My boys are still little (3-year old twins), and I just signed them up for preschool this fall. I got all teary thinking of them "going off into the real world"! lol. I can only imagine how hard it must be to "let go" as they grow up and really head out into the real world! Good for you for taking good care of yourself!