HOW I’ M LEARNING TO DEAL WITH MY DRAMA WITHOUT A DONUT
Let’ s be honest— I don’ t always reach for my Bible or click on a devotional. In fact prior to Covid I didn ' t see it as an issue. It was how I self-soothed when life was scary, uncertain and I had to save face for my Littles. Emotional eating is real. I know I’ m not hungry, but that doesn’ t stop me from hitting the drive-thru before going home to cook dinner.
The truth is, food is easy comfort. It has been a consistent outlet since I was 8 years old. It doesn’ t ask questions, doesn’ t judge, and it tastes amazing. But here’ s the problem: it’ s temporary. The stress? Still there. The sadness? Still lurking. Trauma Trigger? Uncomfortable And now I feel guilty on top of the binge.
But God …. who always welcomes me into something better. Psalm 46:1 says,“ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Not tacos. Not caffeine. Not candy. Just Him, Papa Diós.
So now, when I feel that emotional wave coming— stress, loneliness, frustration, hurt— I try( keyword: try) to pause. I ask,“ Okay, Father God what’ s up with me?” Sometimes with a snack in hand, mid chew, I’ m learning to redirect my cravings / behaviors from the ice cream to prayer. Here’ s what I’ ve found works for me:
By Chef Ann Marie Bennett
Physical Replacements( because my body needs selfcare, not sabotage):
● Drink water first( you might just be dehydrated, not devastated)
● Stretch or walk around the block
● Snack smarter:
Apple + peanut butter
Yogurt + berries
Veggies + hummus( surprisingly satisfying)
1 Corinthians 6:19 – 20 reminds me that my body is God’ s temple, not a trash can for emotional overflow. Romans 12:2 says I can“ be transformed by the renewing of my mind.” So now, every craving becomes a cue: not to eat my feelings, but to feed my faith.
This is my prayer:
Spiritual Replacements( a. k. a. God’ s got snacks for the soul):
● Read a Psalm out loud( David was dramatic, too— it helps)
● Jot down a quick prayer or gratitude list
● Plan a dream trip
● Put on worship music and sing like nobody’ s watching( because they’ re not and if they are I don ' t care)
Emotional Replacements( for when my brain is fried):
Lord, You see me when I’ m reaching for snacks instead of You. Help me slow down and recognize what I’ m really hungry for— Your peace, Your presence, Your truth. Teach me to bring my emotions to You. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that You’ re my refuge, not the refrigerator. I want to honor You with my body and my choices— even when sugar is calling my name. Thank You for Your grace when I fall short, and strength when I rise again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
● Call or text a trusted friend
● Step outside— sunshine is free therapy
● Do something calming( coloring, music, knitting, reading)
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