In Emotional eating part 1 I wrote about emotional eating, and the importance of using mindfulness, and keeping track of what emotions are there. Identify your triggers.
In Emotional eating part 2 I expanded on that with a quick video I did recently, talking about the fact that most emotions only last for 90 to 120 seconds...
Today I want to go a bit further.
If I asked you, "Why did you gain weight?" what would your answer be? Your first response might be, "I ate the wrong foods." But if you dig a little deeper you may find that there's an emotional reason.
Could it be that you were or you are trying to manage an emotional need with food? And perhaps by now, your brain has linked food with feeling good, rather than food being used as nourishment.
I want you to look at what is the need you are trying to manage with food. Sometimes food becomes a coping strategy, it's disordered eating. Eating when you feel something negative or used as a celebration. A coping strategy.
Emotional hunger can not be managed by food.
You need to meet the actual need that needs to be met. Ask yourself, "Is this meeting the need? If you need to go to the bathroom, you don't meet that need by shopping!
Focus on the need you're trying to feed.
Maybe you can find another way to feel good. Emotional eating is about emotional regulation. Maybe you eat when you're bored because you're trying to regulate your state.
Find other ways to feed your feelings. Do something that's an investment in yourself!
Depression - find pleasures in life
Anxious - move
Tired - sleep
Bored - read
People pleaser - learn to say no
We need to fill the kid stuff, if you didn't get love, talk to that part of you, understand the need. "I'm no longer deprived, I'll take care of you." Change the conversation you have with yourself.
And know, that there is nothing wrong with feeling those feelings!
I'd love to help you eliminate your emotional eating with my Bodytypology program, read the testimonial below and contact me to know more!
