COMFORT FOOD:
YOUR TWO-FACED FRIEND
With the summer fast approaching, we are all gearing up for a gang of celebrations…and piles of comfort food. If you don’t mind, I’m going to be straight up and to the point. Sure, I could write you a ‘feel good’ blog about cutting back a few calories and exercising a few minutes each day, but I’d rather cut the crap and be really direct (and hopefully truly helpful). As with all things, if the shoe fits…
So, here’s the real deal: You abuse food.
That’s right. You’re overweight because you eat too much, and you eat too much because it brings immediate pleasure.
I am here to point out that this pleasure comes at high price…
The other side of comfort food: You’ve heard dishes being referred to as ‘comfort food’—some restaurants even have an entire section of their menu designated as comfort food. But comfort food is more than just a hearty dish.
• It’s those extra calories that you eat to feed an emotional need rather than a nutritional need
• It’s excessively big portions that leave you stuffed
• It’s high calorie snacks
• It’s sugary treats
• It’s fried, cheese smothered appetizers
• It’s whatever you indulge in with mindless munching
Could you relate to any of the above? Most of us have our favorite comfort food. For many women it’s chocolate or other sugary treats. For men it often takes a saltier form.
Think about it, when was the last time you ate for pleasure rather than nourishment? Why’d you do it? Betcha it’s one of these 3 reasons:
The Company You Keep
Who can resist cookies or Krispy Kremes when you’re in a circle of friends or somebody brings brownies into the office? It’s much easier to just give in and say, “Everybody’s doing it.” Peer pressure doesn’t just apply to teenagers—it’s another reason to overeat. Besides, you don’t want to be the odd man out, right? Remember that true friends will support your decision to refrain. At the end of the day, when you’re not happy about your health or the way the “junk” keeps piling up in the “trunk,” those friends and coworkers will be nowhere to be found.
The Mood Altering Effect: When you’re sad or mad, does the thought of a pint of cookie dough ice cream bring a smile to your lips? How about a large pizza or an In and Out burger? Pay attention to the emotions that make you want to eat. Hunger should be the only thing that sends you searching for a snack.
Just Plain Ol’ Habit: Your body loves routine. If you usually watch “Dancing with the Stars” while working on a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, your body will get used to the munching motion every time you sit down to watch TV. You must be as aware of what snacks you’re eating as you are of the channel you’re watching. The good news is that once you switch up, your body will quickly adapt to a healthier routine.
Can you remember how you felt after the last time you overate on comfort food? If you’re honest, you’ll admit that the stuffed and bloated feeling wasn’t a great solution, just a distraction. So why do it?
Real talk, where have your eating habits gotten you?
• Out of your “cute clothes”
• Tired and lethargic, with no energy
• All kinds of aches and pains, high blood pressure, cholesterol and more prescriptions
• Frustrated and unwilling to take your clothes off in public (you know what I mean)
Most people don’t realize it, but the battle to overcome your eating habits is decided by a single body part—and it’s not your mouth. (Your mouth is simply a puppet.)
It’s your brain. Once you’ve made up your mind, for better or for worse, you can bet that your body will obey your decision to the letter. You’ve proven it time and time again.
So make the decision to give up your unhealthy dependence on comfort food.
There is no better time than now.
Making a change is hard—that’s why I’m committed to being with you every step of the way.
You can end the abuse, once and for all.
No, you are not perfect. None of us are! But you are perfectly YOU-unique with your own qualities and traits. Learn to embrace and love your own unique style rather than obsessing over the things that aren’t perfect.
Lanre Idewu, B.S., C.P.T. is a Celebrity Fitness Trainer and founder of Fit4LA.com,whose mission is to make fitness accessible to everyone. His carefully customized tips for living fit are exclusive to Urban Thought Collective.
Leave a Comment