Eating In A State Of Procrastination

I feel there is a type of eating that’s given no attention in the media but occurs all the time and I have named it ‘procrastination eating’. You know what I’m talking about, opening a fridge or pantry and just staring into nothingness until you realize you feel like a biscuit. Eating for the sake of eating and eating because you need to distract yourself from the thing you should be doing.

A lifestyle of eating so filled with over consumption, that a quick fix and 3-thirty-itis-pick-me up are possible. We have become engrossed in the fantasy of the fridge and the pilgrimage to the pantry.

Procrastination, to enlighten those of you less familiar with this behaviour, is when you try with all your might to put something off.

I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve found myself standing point blank staring into the innards of my household pantry. Loosing myself in a place of nothingness where all that matters is whether I’m going to bother with the toaster and go for peanut butter on toast? Or take the easy option and gauge on a box of shapes that never ends, finding myself moments later with an empty box and a bruised self-esteem.

Whether you’re putting off studying,doing an assignment, getting the washing done, or you are just plain bored I think everyone has had an instant of eating in a state of procrastination despair.

The other day I was studying for an exam and I swear I blacked out – later finding myself preparing ingredients for rice paper roles, soaking my sheets and getting ready to roll them out. Whether it was my ‘subconscious stomach’ trying to tell me that I’m hungry (I wish) or just my habit of eating my way out of situations I found myself food procrastinating. This happens alot. Most endeavours I make in this state are usually centered around food. I wonder “am I alone?”

Many indulge in their procrastination through Facebook or cleaning already-clean bathrooms. But with me its food.

Surely this is real problem? Speak up food procrastinators and share your stories! I can’t be the only one.

By Samantha Coutts
Photo: Flikr