Do you "eat your feelings?" It may sound like an odd concept but it accurately describes the practice of eating (and overeating) in response to uncomfortable emotions.
Very similar to the way some people smoke, drink, take drugs, gamble, or practice any other compulsive behavior, emotional eating stems from an unwillingness to experience powerful emotions and can lead, at the very least, to unwanted weight gain. Here are some tips to control emotional eating.
What Am I Feeling?
Check yourself the next time you get a craving not just for a sweet but an entire container of ice cream. What are you feeling? Jot down the emotions you are experiencing at the time of your craving. Just the process of identifying your feelings is sometimes enough to stop the impulse to eat as a reaction. After a few times doing this, you may well see that the same feelings come up each time you want to overeat.
Interrupt and Distract
When we act on impulse, especially in response to stress and strong emotions, we don't give ourselves time to make more rational decisions. When you're headed to the cookie jar after some kind of emotional distress, interrupt the process and distract yourself.
This can be as simple as taking a walk around the block before eating or taking out the garbage. Sometimes those few moments of distraction are enough to circumvent behavior that will only make you feel worst.
Get On The Phone
As anyone who has suffered from an addiction can tell you, connecting with another person is a crucial tool of recovery. While eating a huge bowl of pasta when you're upset may not be the equivalent of using drugs or drinking, it is similar in that the behavior is often done in secret. Most of us have at least one friend who we can call to discuss what is going on in our lives. Reach out and make a call before you begin eating.
Don't Get Bored
The most dangerous emotion for me is boredom. For those who live in areas with cold temperatures or in isolated settings, eating can be a major way to relieve boredom and loneliness. All of us, regardless of where we live, need something to fill the day. Be it work or a hobby, make sure you have something to get you out of the house every single day.
Emotional Exercise
You might be surprised to know that exercise is just as effective as eating in dealing with overwhelming emotions. And it is far more beneficial! So try out a long walk, swim, or bike ride next time the refrigerator is calling out to you.
The Principles
by Patrick Moore
Available now on Lulu.com, Amazon.Com, and BarnesandNoble.com.