The control within the chaos; Food Hoarding.

Food Hoarding: A Deeply Rooted Habit from Childhood

Overcoming Food Insecurity and Its Lingering Effects

Food hoarding is one of those awkward topics, like trying to explain why you still sleep with nightlight at age 30. But it's crucial to talk about, especially for those of us who grew up in homes where food insecurity was as common as that one family member who always brings drama to Thanksgiving. If you've been there, you know the annoying habit of hoarding food as you grow older.

Second Grade

Flashback to second grade: my Catholic school had this brilliant idea to sell sets of 70s style seasoned cracked pepper wooden bottles. As a seven-year-old with about as much understanding of money as a goldfish, I took on this challenge with pure innocence and creativity. I roamed the neighborhood, sold the bottles, and used the cash to buy candy, clay for kids' sculptures, fruit, and meat. I thought this was how shopping worked. (Spoiler alert: it wasn't). When my mother discovered the food, she was livid. I got punished and sent back to the bodega to return the food and beg for the money back, then had to reclaim the recently sold Spice Racks. Talk about a bad day.

This incident left a mark on me. Even as a kid, my instinct was to make sure there was food in the fridge or pantry. Summers visiting my dad were a paradise of lunch meats, cheeses, breads, chips, ice cream, sweet tea, and Little Debbie’s. I'd eat some, hide more in my closet or drawer, perfect crime until my parents noticed and started restricting my snacking. Naturally, I just hid food and ate in secret, like some kind of snack ninja.

10 Years Old

By age ten, I was already heavy and started my period at nine. I later figured out that I used food as comfort and a way to escape life's mess. Hiding food became my thing, from chips to candy bought with allowance money, which I often didn't eat but just squirreled away. You know, for a rainy day.

As I grew older, I no longer had to hide food, but I kept buying more than necessary. Cooking for ten people instead of two or three meant there were always leftovers—ensuring a stocked fridge, which was my personal security blanket.

Food insecurity in childhood messes with you in ways you might not get until much later. For me, hoarding food was a way to feel in control in a chaotic situation. It's a coping mechanism that many who face food insecurity can relate to, and understanding it is the first step toward kicking the habit.

Seeking Help and Healing

Finding out why you hoard food is crucial for healing. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help tackle the emotional and psychological demons tied to food insecurity. Joining support groups can provide a sense of belonging—because there's nothing like bonding over shared childhood trauma.

Practical Steps to Manage Food Hoarding

Here are some tips to keep the food hoarding monster at bay:

• Create a Meal Plan: Plan your meals for the week to curb the urge to buy a mountain of snacks.

• Practice Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your eating habits and listen to your body's hunger signs. (Like, really listen.)

• Keep a Food Journal: Write down what you eat and how you feel to spot patterns and triggers. Fun, right?

• Declutter Your Pantry: Regularly clean out your pantry and donate the excess food. Out with the old!

• Seek Professional Help: Talk to a therapist or nutritionist for personalized advice. You got this!

  
  

Building a Healthy Relationship with Food

Building a healthy relationship with food is a marathon, not a sprint. It means ditching past fears and learning to trust that there'll always be enough. Embrace the present and make conscious choices that nurture both your body and soul.

The Road Ahead

The journey to overcoming food hoarding is full of twists and turns. There'll be setbacks, but every step forward is a win. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and you're not alone. With patience, self-compassion, and support, you can break free from food hoarding and find peace with your plate.

Addressing food hoarding takes a whole-body approach. By understanding the roots of food insecurity and taking proactive steps, you can pave the way for a healthier, balanced life. Embrace this journey with courage and self-love, and you'll open the door to a future where food is a source of joy, not stress.

Signed, An Ex-Food Hoarder turned Tasty Terf

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