I had the opportunity to work at home today and I was really looking forward to it. I had phone calls to return, e-mails to write, prepare for an upcoming speaking engagement along with a healthy number of other items to accomplish on my “To-Do” list. With all these things on my plate to complete, I found myself walking to the refrigerator quite a few times and opening it up. Sometimes it was for what I’d call “reasonable cause”, i.e. hunger and thirst. Interestingly though, I found myself opening it up when I wasn’t hungry or thirsty. I was almost in a dream-like trance, unconscious of what I was doing. As I reflect, I opened it up twice while I was preparing for my upcoming presentation. My mind was lost in a world of imaginative details to how it was going to look and what glorious words I was going to say. Excited and little nervous as I mentally prepared, I grabbed a handful of nuts and a small piece of dark chocolate. Not 15 minutes later a spoonful of peanut butter was consumed. I honestly don’t remember tasting in either experience. My attention was on the excitement of this presentation and with this feeling I had an unconscious urge to eat, though not at all hungry. Finishing my agenda for the day, I looked around trying to figure what I was going to do next. Being a little bored, my body like a magnet, gravitated towards the kitchen and sure enough, the inside of the refrigerator would see daylight once again. Fortunately, the temptations were limited as the week of groceries were mostly gone, so a couple pieces of gum located in the cabinet would have to suffice.
How often do we eat unconsciously? My guess is more often than not. I recall all the times in the past I’ve come home from a long day of work; tired, stressed, and possibly angry and it was food that would offer relief (though temporarily). I would eat and eat, full but without satisfaction. Thank goodness I learned healthier ways to relieve these stresses as opposed to continue with this binge eating behavior. I realize as I write this that that change occurred when I got curious to why I was eating. As soon as I asked the question the answer would reveal itself. My challenge is to continue to ask the question on why I’m opening the fridge or pantry door. Is it because I’m hungry or is it because I’m hurting? I challenge you to ask yourself the same question and be curious to hear your response.
