In dieting, personality plays a starring role

Just because I know that food is not the answer to my problems does not mean I still don’t fall back on it for comfort. Doing my taxes, thinking about the tension this country is under with the stock market in disarray, foreclosures, and Korea makes me want to hide. My favorite hiding place is the fridge. Yes, I am one of those that stands in front of an open refrigerator, and in the words of my mother, “close the door it’s not a closet.“ I stare at the food trying to decide what I want, knowing what I want, but belittling myself for wanting it.

I have eaten around whatever it was I wanted, but eventually I would get to it after consuming a horrendous amount of calories from things that did not satisfy me. So I was left stuffed and in pain. Physical pain from my overeating. That’s what I do I create physical pain until it matches or exceeds the emotional pain I am in. Doesn't sound very healthy does it? However, as a compulsive overeater, that is what I do. I anesthetize my mental and emotional pain with food.

Personality plays a role in our attitude towards food. Thomas R. Przybeck, an assistant professor of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, recommends that you know your tendencies and tailor your plan to conquer the unproductive inclinations.

Przybeck breaks down the eating personality into five categories.

Tenacious:  If you are highly self-directed, cooperative, and have a lot of stick-to-it-ive-ness, you are going to have an easier time,

Sociable: If you tend to monitor your food intake better than others, you may be more sociable.

Impulsive: If you have a tendency to be impulsive, you might see a pint of Ben & Jerry's in the freezer and go for it. Clearly, you are a dieter who needs to remove those temptations.

Oblivious:  If you tend to not pay attention when you eat -- maybe you're a TV snacker? -- you need to avoid such situations if you want to control portions.

Uptight:  If you are highly anxious, you will probably have more difficulty. Those who are anxious, nervous, and depressed might eat to feel better.

I am ever-so-grateful to now be in a healthy place where I see and acknowledge the compulsion and can choose to not act on it. I can fit into any of those categories depending on what type of day I’ve had.

Sometimes things are scary and nothing will help me but ice cream. I accept it and work the ice cream into my food plan for that day. No fear, no regret it’s part of my meal and it will not do me harm. I know that if I try to deny the need it will only get stronger. It does not sound right or logical that a grown woman would need ice cream because of such things as doing taxes, the economy and other adult issues but it is what it is. I have found the best way to live life is to face my problems or fears, head on.

 Affirmation: I am aware I am able I am willing I am love.