When Food Speaks

By Jessica Setnick, MS, RD, CEDRD, Remuda Ranch at The Meadows Senior Fellow
Even before he or she could speak, your child was able to communicate with you through eating behavior. This can continue into childhood and adolescence when someone has difficulty expressing him or herself through words.

Undereating, overeating, or limiting variety of foods are sometimes clues kids and teens are struggling with particularly negative or stressful feelings. Particularly significant are changes to established eating behaviors, such as eliminating snacks or certain food groups that the child previously enjoyed; secretive eating, sneaking or hiding foods, or lying about eating by a child who is typically open and honest; or avoiding family meals or social events by a teen who was formerly extroverted and friendly.

What Your Child’s Eating Behaviors Can Tell You

Some possible messages that might be conveyed through changes in eating behaviors are:

• I’m sad about something or someone I’ve lost.
• I’m depressed.
• I feel so alone.
• I’m angry.
• I don’t fit in.
• Stop telling me what to do!
• I’m having trouble concentrating.
• I’m struggling to adjust to changes in my life.
• I’m never good enough.
• No one likes me.
• I’m having trouble making decisions.
• I’m scared to make a mistake.
• I don’t feel well.
• I’m exhausted.

In the face of feelings that they don’t know how to manage, children and teens may turn toward or away from food for a sense of comfort or control. Yet they may not realize that their eating changes are connected to their innermost thoughts and feelings. It is the role of caregivers and other trusted adults help with recognizing the connections. It is a mistake to only address the eating behaviors without investigating the emotions and thoughts that are behind the scenes.
If you suspect that a child or teen in your life has changed her eating due to emotional distress, Remuda Ranch intake counselors are available 24 hours a day at 866-390-5100. Or, you can fill out the contact form at our website, www.RemudaRanch.com.