It's not what you're eating, it's what's eating you.

I was watching an episode of "Body of Proof" (medical examiner, crime, drama type show).  In the episode, there was a very grouchy man who was struggling as he tried to diet.  He was just miserable and was irritable to everyone near him.  Finally, his friend/coworker sat next to him and asked him what was wrong.  The friend said that he had a college professor who had said something that left an impression on him....

"It's not what you're eating, it's what's eating you."

That was a very insightful quote in my opinion.  I googled it and found that there is even a book with that title.  In the show, they were able to discuss feelings and gain insights. 

Many women (and men) eat for reasons other than hunger.  We can eat due to sadness, stress, happiness, nervousness, anxiety, etc.  So the next time I find myself reaching for something to nibble when I am not really hungry, I am going to ask myself what's eating at me.

Eating Disorders

Here is some information about eating disorders. 10 million women suffer from an eating disorder and 1 million men and these numbers are growing at an alarming weight. There is hope, but it won't go away on its own. If you or a family member has an eating disorder I encourage you to seek help.

Taken from the article "Eating Disorders: A Deadly State of Mind" by Janet Thomas

Do You Have an Eating Disorder?
If you agree with two or more of these statements, you may have a strong tendency toward eating disorders. Get help now!
1. I try to be thinner than all my friends.
2. I panic if I gain two pounds.
3. I use laxatives for weight control.
4. I go for long periods without eating much as a way to lose weight.
5. My friends tell me I am thin, but I don’t believe them because I feel fat.
6. I like to eat alone. I make excuses so I don’t have to eat with my family.
7. I sometimes eat huge amounts of food and then make myself vomit.
8. I enjoy making treats for others as long as I don’t have to eat any.
9. The thing I fear most is becoming fat.
10. I get upset if I can’t exercise as much as planned.
11. My family makes me angry when they keep pushing food at me.
12. I tend to be a perfectionist.

Red Flags of Anorexia or Bulimia
—Preoccupied with physical appearance.
—Skips meals or tries to avoid meals.
—Disappears after a meal and heads to the bathroom.
—Sensitive to criticism.
—Likes to cook for others, but won’t eat with them.
—Exercises excessively.
—Takes lots of laxatives or diet pills.
—Thinks there is a magical diet that will change everything.

For more information:
http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,6276-1-3238-1,00.html

For complete article:
http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/NewEra/1993.htm/new%20era%20february%201993.htm/eating%20disorders%20a%20deadly%20state%20of%20mind.htm

The Eating Disorder Foundation:
http://www.icaneat.com/