Stop Sugar Addiction - Do You Know The Connection Between Mood & Food

Do You Know The Connection Between Mood and Food?
                        
Major life events that cause our moods to splunge happen to all of us whether it be the hardship of  unemployment, health problems, divorce, or feeling rejection. We have to endure many daily hassles that life brings our way, such as a stressful work commute, bad weather, the kids getting in trouble or acting rebellious, these can trigger our emotions that lead to eating junk food and or overeating. So why do negative emotions lead to sugar addiction and poor eating habits?  
                       
Some foods may have seemingly addictive qualities and we know sugar happens to be at the top of the list.  For example, when you eat palatable foods, like ice cream, cake or brownies, your body releases trace amounts of mood and the feeling of tasteful satisfaction elevating that feeling we all know as “comfort”.  That "reward" may reinforce a preference for foods that are most closely associated with specific feelings. Related to this is the simple fact that the “pleasure” of eating offsets negative emotions.   
                     
Well I know from experience that food high in sugar can be a wonderful distraction. If you're worried about the bills being to high this month, or perhaps an upcoming appointment, eating comfort foods could be a nice little escape so we  don’t have to think about something for a while, but truth is, the distraction is only temporary.

While you're eating, your thoughts focus on the pleasant taste of your comfort food, almost like the crying baby that gets the nice bottle of warm milk.  Unfortunately, when you're done eating, your attention returns to your pain and worries, and you now have to bear the additional burden of guilt about what you’ve just eaten or the amount of food you ate. This only leads to depression and the vicious cycle of food addiction and unstable emotions and eating habits and the physical feeling of being sluggish. 

This morning I found "comfort" from this song called 'The Prayer" on You Tube. The song filled me with what I call "tears of awe". It's what I describe as my heart being touched with a beauty so deep it is indescribable. It's a place that the spirit sores when being carried by the Wonder and Peace of the Grace of God. 

Step 3 of the 12 Steps -"Prayer"

​ God I want to go where you lead me, to a place of comfort and healing...

(HERE ARE SOME WORDS TO THE SONG - I WILL INCLUDE THE LINK SO YOU MAY FEEL THE COMFORT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT)

I pray you'll be our eyes,
and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise,
in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer,
when we lose our way
Lead us to a place,
guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe.
La luce che tu hai
I pray we'll find your light
Nel cuore resterà
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarci che
When stars go out each night
L'eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c'è
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace