5 Go-To “Breakup Foods” - and Their Best Substitutes


When you go through a breakup, while it may be your heart that's hurting, it's more often than not your stomach that truly pays the price. Right now, if you are recalling an image of yourself crying on your couch halfway through a pint of Haagen-Daz Chocolate-Chocolate Chip, or realizing you ate an entire bag of Cool Ranch Doritos while recounting your breakup story with your friend on the phone, keep reading. We can help.

The go-to food remedies for heartbreak are usually more about short-term distraction than true relief. And, they tend to cause more damage than anything else - weight gain, bad skin and feeling lethargic, among others. There's a reason they're called "comfort" foods, but the temporary high doesn't last forever. However, the effects on your body will.


Although the list is long, we've narrowed it to the top 5 most common culprits that attempt to "comfort," but really hurt you in the long run - and 5 healthy alternatives to each.

1. CHOCOLATE

Let's face it - we would use any excuse to eat chocolate, and heartbreak tops the list. A good alternative to chocolate cake or pudding is one square of a 90% dark chocolate bar, which has less dairy and fat than milk chocolate or other chocolate baked goods. In fact, unless you actually live in the dark, you know that studies have shown that dark chocolate is good for you! A small piece of dark chocolate helps lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and is a source of antioxidants.

2. ICE CREAM

Remember that opening scene from Bridget Jones's Diary, where Bridget is on her sofa eating a pint of ice cream to cope with her loneliness? And remember the weight gain that followed? To avoid this, consider eating frozen yogurt as a healthier alternative to ice cream. It's creamy, cool, and delicious, not to mention how many flavors are out there now - fudge brownie, cookies 'n cream, peanut butter, and more! Top with fresh fruit and/or crushed nuts for a delicious and filling dessert.

3. JUNK FOOD

This includes potato chips, French fries, onion rings, soda, candy bars, cookies…you know the rest. Junk food is not only empty calories, which cause weight gain, but the sugar and oil in these foods can also cause pimples. Who wants that when trying to get back on the dating scene? Opt for water or green tea to drink, and try a much healthier snack such as baby carrots dipped in a sweet, tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Fruits are also good for snacking - pack a banana, apple, or bag of grapes in your bag so you'll be good to go when on the go.

4. WINE

Studies show a glass of red wine each day can have positive health affects - but unlike vegetables, more in this case is definitely not better. Not to mention, no one likes the emotional heartbroken person who's had one too many and spills their guts to every poor stranger in the bar. Wine is full of sugar and empty calories, so to help cut back the amount of actual alcohol intake, try making or ordering a refreshing wine spritzer - a ¼ cup of wine mixed with calorie-free club soda, ice, and a lemon slice.

5. PIZZA

It's delicious, hot, and cheesy, which is what makes it a popular choice for that quick-comfort-fix. And, you can get it delivered quickly and easily without having to show your tear-stained face to anyone but the delivery guy. What makes pizza so unhealthy is usually the carb-filled dough and high-fat cheese used. When you feel the pizza-craving coming on, try making it yourself with pre-made wheat dough, whole-wheat pita or English muffin as the base, organic pizza sauce, low-fat cheese and fresh vegetables. You'll feel fulfilled but your body won't show it!


So, if you've found yourself (and your heart) hurting from a recent heartbreak, don't let your body pay for it. You deserve a better relationship, and you deserve better health! Try these substitutes to feel both emotionally - and physically - comforted. You'll thank yourself when you're back on the dating scene looking amazing.


What are your worst "breakup foods"???

What are the best substitutes you've found for them???

BounceBack is changing the way people cope with heartbreak as a result of a breakup or divorce. BounceBack is a place to tell your story, get advice from experts, and share what you've learned with others in similar situations. We're here to remove the negative stigma around being heartbroken - this happens to everyone. And we believe everyone has the potential to bounce back to life and move forward. www.bouncebacktolife.com


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