Anxiety vs. hunger

[Guest guest]

Hello - I am new to the group and this is my first post. I have read

Intuitive Eating and find it to be a simple idea but not easy

practice. I have only been considering this concept for the last two

weeks and can't say I have even begun to practice this theory but am

considering how I might move into practice.

Today was a day I wanted to be extra aware of my eating and see if I

could recognize hunger and take care of myself by eating. I have

very busy days and often ignore hunger then use food to manage

stress, tiredness and other emotions.

My first test of awareness came with a very anxiety-producing email

from my boss. My stomach immediately began to cramp and the

tightness in my abdomen and chest feel like hunger but I think it is

directly related to stress. Usually at a time like this I would not

hesitate to eat anything and everything - to elleviate the stress and

because it is " lunch time " so I " should " be hungry anyway.

An hour later I still feel sick with anxiety but also wonder if I am

hungry. How do you tell the difference between emotional eating and

hunger eating when all of your emotions live in your abdomen?

Thanks for any encouragement or ideas you can offer -

Lake