Living to Eat and Eating to Live Happier

I mean no offense to anyone when I say this, but now I know why people who aren't happy in their lives tend to be overweight.

I came to this conclusion as I stared down a plate of brownies this morning at work. I've been stressed, sad and frustrated and eating one would have eased all of the pain. I find comfort in food but knew that ruining my diet at 8:45 a.m. would set me off on the wrong foot and not make me feel any better in the end.

I have this conversation with myself about five times a day and don't always win. Which is why I boldly stated that people who are miserable might be overweight. If you're like me and are unsatisfied with certain parts of life--like being homesick and having trouble with work, relationships and/or living situations--it'll make you want to overeat. Unless it's just me.

Like I said, I find comfort in food, and when everything in my life is extremely stressful, trying to remain disciplined in eating, counting calories and and working out seems nearly impossible and just adds to the stress. Counting out 1,400 calories every day, tracking every bite that goes in my mouth, and then monitoring my pace and heart rate while on a jog or the elliptical at the gym isn't fun. Exercise is supposed to clear my mind, but my doctor told me I had to keep track of the numbers, so that's all I obsess over as soon as I lace up my sneakers. I always hated math and I still do.

The only thing I can seem to control in my life right now is what goes into my mouth and what and when I eat. When I am frustrated or upset, it is SO easy to just say "screw you" and enjoy a cupcake. Key word being enjoy, because it just might be the only moment of pleasure I get that day. Instead of saying "screw you" to a boss, coworker, friend or other person, it's easier to say it to the dieting gods who won't talk back (because they live in your subconscious and always make you feel guilty about it later).

Right now, my stomach is more upset than I am. Guess I won't be eating for comfort tonight...