Does anyone else have trouble eating in times of stress/upset.?

Question

I'll try to eat, but as soon as I do, I find I can't. I force myself because the body needs food, but I can't eat much.

Answer 1

I'm the opposite, if I feel down then I'll eat loads. I have never lost appetite for food or beer.

Answer 2

Yes there r various kinds of reflexes. Some people tend to eat more when they r under stress/upset. Learn some relaxation exercises.

Eat nourishing food with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables being part of it. Chew each morsel at least 32 times. This will activate signal to the brain as soon as u have had enough. Besides this change in eating style, take regular light exercises and brisk walks every day. U will be able to gain/shed all extra weight gracefully and in a reasonable time span. No food or drink in between the food and not more than three meals a day, unless u r diabetic.

Answer 3

I'm the exact opposite. When I feel stressed or anxious I just keep stuffing myself with whatever food I find as I feel it helps me calm down. When everything is honky-dory then I don't have problems like that. Don't force yourself as, I believe, you could make the matter worse. You get more anxious because you can't eat. Don't worry, when your body really needs food it will let you know. Just try to cope and get rid of the stress first then you can have a massive pizza as a reward!

Answer 4

Yea my girl broke up with me and I didn't eat for like 3 days! I just was not hungry and didn't have the normal headache or stomach ache that comes when I don't eat. I lost 15lbs (not an ideal way to loss weight). Its psychological but you need to eat I was just being more stubborn when people told me I should eat. Slim-fast shakes are good for nutrition but may be heavy. Try maybe a lettuce only salad with a light dressing or some popcorn try to go light. I hope that whatever is bothering you is lifted soon.

Answer 5

yes! i use to be in a bad relationship where the guy walked all over me and i was too weak to get out for a long time and i found that i just couldnt bring myself to eat on many occassions. Once i went without food for 4 days!.. Apparently its because when you really worry your stomach fills up with bile and makes you feel full so you cant eat.. I heard this off a tv program. Ive never understood the whole comfort eating idea?! i cant do it?..

Answer 6

During stressed period the first thing that is affected is food.When me and my boyfriend split up I lost 8 kg,but trust me nothing is worth having your health in trouble.. I would advice you to follow some courses of yoga or meditation,they can help you to find peace.And fterthat, avoid eating if you are walking,reading,working.Find your own space,1/2 hour of tranquility and eat nutriscous food,not heavy.

Answer 7

This is a natural reaction. When we are stressed the sympathetic nervous system stimulates all of our bodily functions to speed up and increases the blood supply to them. This was to enable a rapid and strong flight or fight response when we needed this.
The one system that it has the opposite effect on is the digestive. This is partly because you only have so much blood, and it is all being sent to the muscles and senses etc, and partly because in a flight or fight situation you don't want to be hanging around dealing with input or output of your digestive tract.

Answer 8

People respond differently to worry and stress.
Some people eat less, some people eat more. Some people eat loads and then throw it all up.

You need to bear in mind that by feeling physically weak and potentially risking getting ill, you do yourself no favours whatsoever, trying to cope with any psychological stress.

Healthy mind in a healthy body.

Answer 9

Hi,
I certainly have the same.
When getting over splitting up with my wife., I was on baked beans on toast, or kippers, of jam sandwiches.
It happens.
We met again last year, on lobster, steaks & champagne, and are again good freinds.
I guess it all depends on how you feel about stuff in your life.
I agree that diet is affected by emotions, naturally so.
But crack on - it is amazing to me how much stuff just works out !
I am having escargot & shark tonight.
A thing that I would have refused a few years ago.
The future is ahead, he spake philosophically.
Enjoy for the moment !
Bob.

Answer 10

I am extremely stressed out at the minute and i havnt been able to eat properly for the last two days. your not the only one. am sure this happens to a lot of people. Other people it works opposite they dont stop eating so count yourself lucky in one way.