Gluttony and "comfort eating"

[EphelDuath]

Is one committing the sin of gluttony if he normally eats a moderate amount of food, but overeats a great deal when stressed or depressed (“comfort eating”)?

 

[DexUK]

I would say not, since it is a symptom of something which you are not fully in control of.

Besides which, what qualifies as ‘gluttony’ - eating a bit too much than is healthy for us in the long run or gorging ourselves in one sitting so much so that we’re made ill immediately?

I think gluttony is only such if it is done for its own sake.

 

[Bookcat]

catholicreference.net/index.cfm?id=33754

Yes is can be a sin.

There can it seems to me be a “reasonable” eating for “comfort” …but certainly eating greatly beyond …raises the question of some sin.

Reason and the virtue of temperance is to be the guide…

 

[teachccd]

The overeating is a reaction to a bigger problem. Anxiety can be caused by many factors including brain chemistry malfunction. Only you can know the extent of your overeating and the root of its cause. Your culpability is dependant upon how much “consent” you are giving this act over how much is something controlling you. Anxiety is not a choice as many will offer. No one wants to be anxious so many will seek whatever relief they can utilize. Some turn to alcohol, smoking, drugs etc.

First, talk with your confessor to discern your individual reasons for this “comfort eating”. Let him offer whether or not it really is excessive enough for concern. Then you might wish to seek professional care to help you deal with anxiety. There is cognitive therapy whereby one can “retrain” your thoughts when these anxious moments arise. There are also medications available should there be an imbalance in your brain chemistry.

We cannot answer your question here on this forum. The description of your situation is too vague considering all that I mentioned above. So, talk to your priest and then go from there. It’s best for your physical health as well… teachccd

 

[casey_zia]

Is one committing the sin of gluttony if he normally eats a moderate amount of food, but overeats a great deal when stressed or depressed (“comfort eating”)?

Gluttony, in our faith tradition, is considered one of the seven deadly sins—a misplaced desire of food. It is not a sin to eat or drink to satisfy hunger, nor is it a sin to enjoy food. Moderation is good, but overindulgence in food affects our spiritual lives as well as our physical health.

My kids listen to Adventures in Odyssy (Focus on the Family); there is a sketch where Bart Rathbone, who is a bit rough around the edges, is working temporarily at Whit’s ice cream counter to learn how to treat people nicely. He grossly fails in this, but it’s rather humorous. One lady comes in to order some exquisite ice cream desert, with the explanation that she needs to eat this treat when she has a bad day. Bart’s ignoble response, addressing her physical size, was something like this; “Lady, you must have a lot of bad days!”

Corresponding to the seven deadly sins are seven virtues. Temperance is the virtue needed to counteract gluttony. It’s a lifetime battle.

The “stressed and depressed” needs to be addressed, too. “Comfort eating” may bring some consolation, but not for long. How about “comfort prayer” or “comfort exercise”?

 

[Edward_H]

Good answers, again.

It helps to think about small temperances and sacrifices as conversation starters for prayers with God. Eat with God as a companion, if eating alone especially.

I don’t have over eating problems but sometimes I talk to God and say"…if I take half a portion, my Lord, would it be out of the question…would I be asking too much…to ask you to save some child in a 3rd world country today?" I am not deal making with God just having a conversation with Him.