So, when I go to work for a long day, I typically pack much food. It’s how my anxiety manifests. Today is an 11 hour day, which is somewhat stressful, but my immediate cognitions relate to whether I’ll have enough to eat, what will I do if I’m hungry, what if I get a growly stomach, and will there be anything I *want* to eat. So, I tend to bring a lot of food. Today’s list includes:
Yogurt with berries; granola; pretzels; rice cakes; fruit leather; pasta with feta cheese; curried potatoes and tofu; cucumbers; prepackaged and single-serve Thai noodles; prepackaged and single-serve mandarin orange sauce noodles; chocolate (always on-hand, actually); apples; tea bags; altoids. I should add that I won’t and never do eat everything I bring.
That’s a lot of stuff. Most of it is in reusable containers. But some of it includes excessive packaging and processing (the single serve noodles in particular). Some of it is in plastic baggies. Do I need all that? What is that about? Why do I feel the need to hoard that much food? What purpose is it serving? Is there a way to be more rational, more moderate about this? Not only is it non-ecological, it actually contributes to my anxiety. I don’t have immediate thoughts on that, though do have some floating around. I think it’s important to consider where the pressure comes from. Is it my own food issues? Is it societal pressure? Is it the nature of my job or workplace? Is it related to not having a regular office?
Further bulletins as events warrant.
May 7, 2009 at 3:44 pm |
What needs to happen is my lack of ever remembering to bring food needs to merge with your always bringing more food than is needed to find a happy medium for both of us. I read somewhere that people who bring food with them and prepare for if they’re hungry tend to be a lot thinner than those who don’t, because if they end up eating it, at least it’s healthy and not just a candybar or something from a vending machine.
Once you have your own office you can get a mini fridge for it and keep it stocked with veggies and yogurt and the like and then maybe you won’t feel the pressure to bring a lot with you.
I realize neither of these comments address the actual meaning of the blog but I haven’t finished my morning coffee yet and my brain still feels melted.
May 8, 2009 at 2:16 pm |
You know, I remember you doing that even when I first met you. And, strangely enough, I find myself doing something awfully similar. I pack all kinds of things, fruit, microwavable popcorn, hummus, veggies, swiss miss pudding, frozen dinner(s), two or more granola bars, etc. into what is now my food tote bag every Tuesday and Friday. Sometimes I actually end up eating it all, but most days I don’t. Maybe it’s anxiety, maybe it’s my reluctance to leave my office in search of food, I don’t know.