There is no doubt food is tied to feelings.    As children, our parents nurtured and rewarded us with food and treats.  As adults we equate food with socializing, celebrating, relaxing and having fun.  As a result, food can be comforting when we feel low or stressed and something to do when we we feel bored.  Everyone experiences stress in their lives.  When a person with diabetes becomes stressed, it makes it hard for them to keep their blood glucose levels on track. When you are stressed do you reach out for food? 

1. Make sure you are really hungry.  If you feel like eating anything, if any food would satisfy you, you are probably really hungry.  If you crave a certain food, your hunger is probably driven by your emotions.

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2. Cravings often disappear as fast as they appear.  Instead of eating, talk to a friend.  Talking to another can be a valuable way to deal with your problem and reduce the stress associated with it. 

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3. Remove yourself away from temptation.  Leave the kitchen or the house. 

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4. Food isn’t the only way to treat yourself.  You may find you can raise your spirits by shopping. Why not explore new things, new activities such as a massage, listening to music, or yoga, these could help reduce your stress.  Or take up a hobby, something you enjoy.

Emotional eating, isn’t wrong but it certainly contributes to overeating and unstable blood glucose levels.  Try to identify what triggers you to eat when you are not really hungry. 

Work out the emotion instead of suppressing it with food:

• get to know your body’s normal reactions so you can recognize when you are tense.  A fast pulse and shallow breathing are usually signs of stress

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• make lists and sort out your priorities.  This will give you a feeling of control over what you want to do and what you enjoy

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• be aware of your needs and give priority to them when you can

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• look at all the causes of your stress and find one you want to do something about.  List all the options and solutions you can,  select one option and give it a try

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• sit back and evaluate what happened

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• be kind to yourself

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you need to find ways to manage your stress without  finding comfort with food. 

And don’t  forget to have some fun!

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