You’ve resolved to finally lose that weight…the same way that you resolved to lose it last year, the year before that, and….etc. I’ve said it again and again. I begin by going on a strict diet…for about 8 hours (make the 4.5 this year), then something happens. I either “forget” that I’m watching my eat and pick something up, or I get stressed out and pick uncontrollably.
If you’re like me, your weight has crept on, not as a result of bad choices so much as eating from anxiety. The problem is that eating is a part of life. Your body gets its nutrients from food. But, sometimes we can go overboard with our eating habits and it can result in gaining weight.
Emotional eating
The problem of emotional eating may end with the scale but it begins in the mind. Stress takes its toll on your life. When your defenses are compromised your health takes a hit and so do your emotions.
Everyone has good days and bad days. How we deal with the bad ones brings emotional eating into play. You look for comfort for your hurts. People who turn to food for comfort find a coping mechanism that won’t judge them, hurt them or tell them “no.” To complicate the issue, eating pleasurable foods can stimulate the release of endorphins just like exercise. So, after you eat, you feel better.
Emotional eaters like me use food to relieve stress.
We hide behind the food instead of seeking solutions to our problems. This is not uncommon when the stressor is something horrible such as physical abuse or a death. But, how do you zone in on the fact that you are using food in this way? The first sign is obvious. You gain weight.
If you look in the mirror and are shocked. Take a look at…
- Have you been under stress lately at work or at home?
- Has anything traumatic happened in the last year?
- Are you dealing with a problem but haven’t found a solution?
Answering “yes” to any of these questions could mean that you are an emotional eater. You eat but you are not necessarily hungry at the time. The foods that you choose are what we term “comfort foods”:
- High fat foods like French fries, fried foods
- High carb foods like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes
- Sugary foods like ice cream, donuts, cookies, cake
Thankfully, there is help for an emotional eater like me
1. The first step is recognizing that you have a problem. You’ll experience feelings of helplessness and guilt. The guilt is over potentially ruining your health and the helplessness lies in the fact that you don’t see a way out.
2. Seek counseling. There are many types of counselors out there that can meet your need. Emotional eating has nothing to do with dieting or changing your eating habits but gaining control over your emotions.
A counselor might suggest things like visualization, practicing problem solving skills, relaxation techniques and family support. Visualization helps you to see your problems in a realistic way and not blown out of proportion. You will also learn to see food as nutrition for the body and not an emotional crutch.
3. Your family can learn your triggers for stress and be on the lookout for changes in your eating habits. They can help you be aware of the foods you are eating, assist you in making healthy food choices and exercise along with you. Proper diet and exercise increases immunity, blood flow and positive thinking. Yoga enhances the mind/body connection so you don’t eat when you aren’t hungry.
Finding new ways to solve your problems and deal with stress will push food out of the equation. You’ll feel good about finding solutions which will replace the dependence on food.
Here’s to a thinner 2018!
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