This is not a food blog but let's talk about funeral potatoes.
In Indiana, this cheesy, gooey dish is a staple at holidays, Sunday dinners, and potlucks because pretty much everyone loves them and they feel like a hug. Yes, we eat them to celebrate, but when you're feeling down, certain foods like funeral potatoes just hit differently. They trigger nostalgia and give you warm-fuzzy feelings. Most people have a go-to comfort food, and while you might be eating the food because it tastes amazing, you're also eating it because of how it makes you feel.
The Science of Comfort Food
When you eat your comfort food, whether it's funeral potatoes, ice cream, or a fast food cheeseburger, your body gets a hefty dose of dopamine and serotonin to make you feel happy, calm, and rewarded. But it goes beyond those happy hormones. Your brain is wired to associate certain foods with positive memories and emotions. This is why comfort foods like funeral potatoes can provide temporary relief from the pain of a broken heart, grief, or disappointment. It's quick and it works! However, choosing to go hog wild on chicken strips, ice cream, and even homemade cheesy potatoes as your go-to way to deal with hard things is emotional eating.
You might have heard this referred to as "eating your feelings," and it's a common coping mechanism that can keep you stuck feeling awful emotionally, mentally, and physically. Instead of having to sit in the uncomfortable emotions, you skim over them, and once they're less intense, you move on. Or do you?
Why It's Important to Feel Your Feelings: Processing Emotions
Avoiding negative emotions can lead to a buildup of stress, anxiety, and even physical symptoms. You might notice you're snapping at friends, family, and coworkers, that you're getting sick more often, not sleeping well, or having digestion issues. The more you avoid your emotions by grabbing comfort foods instead of acknowledging and addressing these emotions and what's causing them, the more you'll notice other areas of your life suffering: everything from your relationships to your self-esteem, and your health can suffer.
I'm never going to be the coach that tells you never to eat your favorite foods again. Life is about balance across the board: creating a healthy relationship with food and your emotions is necessary for you to be able to enjoy all parts of your life. Instead of completely avoiding comfort foods, I'll help you focus on incorporating them into a well-rounded diet that includes funeral potatoes, pizza, AND foods that are good for your gut, which are vital for your physical and mental health. By eating the right foods and processing your emotions, you can better manage stress and anxiety before you feel like you're falling apart and need to grab food to feel better.
How Coaching Can Help You
As a certified health and life coach, I can provide personalized guidance to help you:
Manage emotions effectively: Learn to identify and address underlying emotional triggers.
Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Discover alternative strategies for stress relief and self-care.
Improve gut health: Implement dietary changes and lifestyle practices to support your digestive system.
Achieve emotional and physical balance: Find a harmonious relationship between food, emotions, and overall well-being.
Ready to Make a Change?
If you're struggling with emotional eating or seeking a healthier approach to managing your emotions, I'm here to help.Let's work together to create a personalized plan that empowers you to live a more fulfilling life.
Contact me today to schedule a free consultation.
Comments