People
sometimes turn to food when they are unable to cope with the overwhelming
emotions and deep sense of loneliness. Food
offered them comfort when they are hurting.
Food became an escape from pain.
It was a distraction from loneliness and rejection.
Children
with access body weight suffer painful growing up years as they have to put up
with a lot of teasing and unkind remarks.
Even though some words may meant well with the aim for them to control
their eating binges, the spoken words, most of the time, slipped like a knife
into the children’s little heart without us realizing it.
Many
people are hungry emotionally. Many of
us are starved of love and acceptances, filled that void with different
things. Some turn to men or women. Others turn to various forms of
addiction. There are also those who hurt
themselves. Those who turn to food see
food as an escape. Food was no longer
meant to satisfy physical hunger.
Emotionally, these people shut down and withdrew from people.
Not
everybody is overweight due to over-eating or lack of control. There are those who have a medical or
psychological condition.
We
rant so much about how inner beauty is more important than external
beauty. But, how often have we
stereotyped or judged someone based on their looks and dress size. Negative stereotypes can have adverse effects
on those who are suffering from body image issues. While each individual is different and binge
eating is only one unhealthy way to deal with negativity, but still, the
pressure to confirm to society’s expectations can result in a sense of
inadequate.
Many
individuals who binge on food have tried to attain what is considered the ideal
body weight. Their inability to achieve
a desired might causes them to feel inadequate. For those who struggle with binge eating,
learn to listen to what you are craving for.
Love and acceptance should come from deep within. There will always be people who will reject
you. Knowing God’s unconditional love
will teach you to accept yourself for what you are.
Learn
to care for your body because you deserve the best treatment that you can give
to yourself. Do not attempt to escape
from pain with food. Start building
healthy connections with the people around you.
Food is not your best friend. It
may seem a loyal partner that is always present in times of need, but it
doesn’t look out for your best interests.
Strong interpersonal relationships are crucial in helping to break the
cycle of loneliness.
Jasmine Chua
Beyond
barriers: Feeding a hungry heart.
Star
2, Thursday, 23 January 2014
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