Why is food so nuturing to us, and what alternatives can people have instead of eating when they are sad?

Answer 1

I agree that exercise is a good alternative. Here are a few more ideas:

1. Watch comedy, or hang out with people who like to laugh. Laughter is contagious, and it can cheer you up.

2. Have a few hobbies that are so interesting to you, that you get absorbed in them and forget about both sadness and overeating.

3. Instead of 'medicating' ourselves with food when we feel sad, we can create some other nurturing rituals, such as a soothing bath with fragrant oils added to the water, a new hairstyle, a spa treatment, or a simple walk through the public park to see the flowers or decorations.

4. Look at the types of food you eat, and be sure you eat enough whole (unrefined) foods such as whole grains and vegetables. Besides giving you the most nutrients, they also make you feel full, so that you can't overeat as easily. You won't be thinking of snacking so much! And healthy body = healthy mind.

5. When you feel sad, go out and visit people. Eat in a sociable setting, rather than eating alone. Visit friends, or volunteer at a nursing home. All the nurturing that you share with others will come back to you, and lift your spirits. Celebrate and enjoy the food you do eat, and stay busy the rest of the time.

Answer 2

Food is comforting because in the past we had to hunt for it and once we had it, we felt safe and relaxed. We still have that instinct left. As for alternatives, try soaking up some serious sunshine. If you don't have access to that, go to the cinema so you totally forget about the outside world for a while.

Answer 3

seriously exercise is a good thing to do when youre sad. i know it may be hard to bring yourself to exercise when youre sad but just try really hard and once youre into it you'll feel better. or at least i do. and it could be as simple as going for a walk.
or you could listen to some upbeat music. or read some comics online..
those are the easiest altrnatives i could come up with

i wish i would have read delphinium's answer. otherwise i wouldnt have bothered answering. lol

Answer 4

Because food makes you feel full...unlike feeling unloved which makes you feel empty. Exercising and working with weights is an alternative...get your mind on something else.