Whether we’re hiding ourselves in the car, hiding our chocolate, or hiding the supermarket bills, the underlying thread is the shame we feel
Many women find themselves hiding while eating things they “shouldn’t” or trying to hide the evidence afterward. “I don’t want anybody to see me eating candy when I’m supposed to be on a diet.” “I binged on chocolate and I’m so ashamed. I hid all the wrappers in the garbage.” Whether we’re hiding ourselves in the car, hiding our chocolate, or hiding the supermarket bills, the underlying thread is the shame we feel.
Ironically, the shame that takes over while we’re engaged in hiding mode commonly triggers us to eat more, because we use food to escape and numb ourselves from these uncomfortable feelings of humiliation.
For more constructive results, instead of trying to get rid of the behavior, we can learn to change our mindset. For example, if a woman is sneaking into her room with licorice so she can have some without the kids noticing, her default thought pattern might read as such: I’m so embarrassed. I don’t want my kids to see me eating candy like this. I feel like a hypocrite.
Alternatively, though, she might choose to be compassionate to herself and try this: I’m having a hard afternoon and I like licorice! I know it’s not the healthiest food, but that’s all right. Right now, I’m choosing to give myself a few minutes alone to enjoy this treat.
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