My grown child is going through a very difficult divorce, including fighting some criminal charges which his lawyer says are nonsense. There will be a warrent out for his arrest today or tomorrow, and he will have to go to jail and probably spend a lot of money to get bailed out. He is devastated and so am I. The pain I feel for my child is like experiencing a death. In some ways, it is a death, in that the family will be broken up. He may never get to see his kids again.
So...I have been doing a lot of comfort eating. He calls me on the phone and afterwards I have to eat something. So far, I haven't eaten a huge amount, but still, my stomach is kind of upset from stress and I think from eating things like potato chips which my innards are not used to since I have been off all that stuff since last June.
I am almost paralyzed because I am spending so much time on the phone and I am feeling so bad - he lives in another state. What I should do is go out and exercise until I drop, buck up and make my salads while I am on the phone, but right now, I just can't. I would be so happy if I could just maintain and not gain, but it will be quite a struggle.
I don't know what anyone can say to help me - I probably don't want to hear about the exercising until I drop...
Oh wow, I'm sorry your family is going through so much right now. What if, when the phone rings & you know it's him, you immediately set out some healthy food to eat when you get off the phone? That way you have something to turn to that won't set you back. You could also walk around the house while you're on the phone. Just a couple thoughts, but I know you have bigger issues on your mind to worry about.
One thing I know you won't want to hear is to find something other than food to comfort you. Especially since the comfort that foods gives only leads to guilt and regret. What else would make you feel better when you get off of the phone?
Actually, I do pace around some while I am on the phone. LOL. I will give some thought to what else I could be eating. I have some dried fruit and nuts that would serve the purpose. They are not low cal, but certainly better for me that the load of refined carbs I am consuming now.
You know what they say about California; it's "the land of fruits and nuts" and I am right there with them.
Last edited by gailr42; 03-18-2013 at 11:57 AM.
Reason: add something
So sorry to hear what you're going through. It's harder when it's our children, and sometimes we wish we could take their places when they are hurting.
Carrots and celery are rather boring by themselves, however they might help if you're eating mostly out of stress. Munching on them keeps your mouth busy, and you can mindlessly eat them, practically without bothering to keep track of how many you eat. Keep baby carrots and cut celery in a container in the fridge, easily accessible.
I am so sorry you are going through this. You might try just going for a walk to help clear your head. I know it is not tons of calories burned but going for a little walk usually makes me feel better.
Thanks for the support. It helps. I love my grandchildren and I hope I will be able to see them again, but it is my own child's pain that I can feel so sharply.
You all have helped me put some of this in perspective. I am going to get some rice crackers or maybe Ak-Mak, both of which I like a lot. Far better to eat the crackers than chips. My hand comes out of the chip bag covered with oil. I will make some low cal dip, cut up some celery and chow down. I think it will be ok to do some comfort eating on something better than chips and bread and butter.
I am at work today. The only food available is what I bring, and today, I brought healthy food. w00t!
I am very sorry for the pain you and your son (and his family) are experiencing. I cannot imagine what you must be going through. I will say a prayer for you. I do not know what religion you are, but sometimes unburdening yourself to God helps. Doing that and even having a nice long cry can feel better than any food tastes.
I'm crying on your shoulders...
I really hope things work out for the best. 
