Food Used To Change Mood

Food used to change mood is a common occurence. Often people do it unconsciously. Some people do it when they are in a bad mood and just don’t care anymore. Whatever the reason, the desired mood rarely lasts for long.

Let’s explore some of the reasons people turn to food, and what can be done instead that brings more balance and joy to your life.When Food Gets Used as a Mood-Changer

When you’re stressed or anxious

Often people turn to food when things did not go well during the day. Getting through the day was stressful, and maybe anxiety-producing. Perhaps you were pressured to get work done by a certain time, get more work done in the day than was humanly possible, or your boss said something unkind that was not deserved. Maybe you were frustrated because you planned on working on a certain project and something else came up that needed to be done. Whatever the reason, people then go home and feel that they deserve to relax and have a reward – something enjoyable in the day. Food is a quick and easy go-to, and often people default to it. However, I have heard repeatedly that people feel relaxed while eating the chosen food, and their feelings get numb. But pretty quickly that new mood changes to guilt, frustration, and disappointment. The food gave only temporary pleasure and then the person is left feeling like they will now gain more weight and have defeated themselves.

When you’re tired

Moods for anyone are not great when we’re tired. That’s when we’re most prone to make poor decisions, about food and other things as well. Reaching for your go-to food or drink becomes easy because your brain is on overload and decisions are hard to make. It’s appealing to order take-out, get fast food, or just eat whatever is in sight that is quick. It can quell that irritable feeling, but you haven’t eaten anything health-supportive or boosted your mood.

When you are sad

Sometimes people eat when they are sad, and sometimes people stop eating at such times. Those who eat, often unconsciously eat foods that they associate with good childhood times and warm family feelings. For example, ice cream can have memories of the family going out for sundaes every weekend. Bread or a dessert may be a reminder of family holiday gatherings. Chips can remind you of watching TV with your family and snacking. Reaching for these foods is a way to recreate those warm, fuzzy feelings in the present. But again, doing it often adds more weight, and makes the person feel even worse about themselves.

When you are lonely

Sometimes when people live alone, they turn to food for companionship. Food becomes their friend. It helps them forget that they have no one to talk to or share with. It makes them feel like someone else is there. This can also happen when the person is living with others, but is not communicating with them. Then they can feel invisible and insignificant. It can be just as lonely as living alone, or maybe more so. Turning to a piece of chocolate or some cookies helps them feel nurtured and cared for. But ultimately the lonely feeling returns, because it has not been addressed.

Positive Mood Changers

Do you have other emotions/situations where you turn to food? It’s good to identify them so you can become more aware of when the situation is arising. Here are some healthier things you can do to change your mood.

Go for a walk.

Listen to or make music.

Do some yoga, breathing, relaxation, or meditation.

Have a cup of calming tea.

Talk to a friend.

Read a good book.

Watch an uplifting movie.

Create some art work.

Garden.

Add your own additional mood-boosters here.

Just pick one that’s easy and appealing to you and get started! Perhaps keeping the list handy will help you change tactics when the need for a good mood-changer comes up.