Stress shows, I eat only from hunger cues. How about you?

(Joy) #1

It’s been a rocky summer, with hassle factors ranging from routine to nerve-racking. Most recently, my husband had surgery, I got slated for a molar extraction and, today, our dog was diagnosed with cancer. It just dawned on me that if I ever needed proof that I’m not a stress eater, then overlaying our calendar of medical appointments against myfitnesspal food diary would be hard evidence.

Having been obese from toddlerhood (occasionally starving myself into the overweight category), I’ve been irritated by the prejudices of stereotyping – that being fat was merely attributable to laziness or junk food or stupidity. I’m here to testify that this girl ate because of the sensation of hunger (unbeknownst to me that carbohydrates were prodding my appetite). I eat now because of hunger. It’s just that now this hunger communicates radically differently.

I can understand that stress would affect blood sugar, and thus turning to carbs would feel like an uplifting sensation – a pretty darn logical way to self medicate. So, props to those who recognize the pattern and battle stress eating habits. You are heroic in my eyes.

Thanks for allowing me to vent some of my thoughts during this down moment. I know “better days are coming,” as my mom used to say. Since I’ve gone from 264# to 196# with relative ease (and I’m a ripe, old 62!), I look forward to not only brighter but lighter days ahead.

Wishing all of you less stress and more good times. KCKO

(Carpe salata!) #2

@Quarry. " this hunger communicates radically differently"

So true! This hunger gives you a little nudge, a “hey, maybe eat something soon?” Kind of signal rather than the “eat NOWor I will stab a fork in your eye” kind of signal. Keto hunger is much more civilised and easy going.

This was also a revelation on my journey :slight_smile:

#3

Same here!! I think this is, for me, one of the most astounding effects of keto.

(Sonia A.) #4

I had the same revelation with fasting. During my first fast, I experienced true hunger and it was an eye opening experience. I always thought that I was hungry before. It taught me to better understand my hunger signals.