Yesterday it became clear to me how much I rely on food for comfort, and it was like reality smacking me on the head. I've always eaten under stress -- I think a lot of us do -- but I guess I never really understood how much I need food to cope.

I've been having a tough week. I'm coming down with a cold; my husband is out of town; our 3-year-old is getting over an upper respiratory infection, and I am hungry and just starting soft foods, so I am just craving solid food. Yesterday I got a call that my mom was admitted to the hospital and was in the ICU. I can't go see her because I am sick and they don't want my germs in the ICU. On top of that, my son kept waking up screaming all night that his ear hurt. So, I had to miss work to take him to the doctor for the 3rd time in 2 weeks. The absolutely first thing I wanted to do when I found out about my mom was get a double cheeseburger. It was like a reflex. I was upset and I thought, "Well, I'll stop and get a burger on the way home, and that will make me feel better." Then I realized I can't do that. I was so frustrated I could have cried, but that moment made me realize very clearly how important I have made food. A few weeks ago, I would have realized I was using the food for comfort, but would have rationalized it by telling myself I really was hungry and should have something comforting to make myself feel better.

Thankfully, my mom is doing better; my son got some eardrops for his ear pain, and I survived without the cheeseburger crutch. I do miss the cheeseburger, but I guess it's time to face life without the food crutches.

Lisa,

With all that going on no wonder you were having feeling of stress eating. My goodness your one human and one women at that. Im sorry that everything hit all at once in your life and sure hope that things have slowed a bit for you so that you have time to catch up. I think that hardest thing in life for a mother is taking the time to take care of themselves but I think that is exactly what you need to do. We cannot be are best for everyone else if we dont make the time for ourselves. I know this is easier said than done, I am always having this battle with myself but I go to the gym on a regular basis and I feel so much better for it. Might be something for you to try or do something you love on a reg. basis.

Good luck

Paula