Have you heard of the term “emotional eating” and could you be an emotional eater?

According to the The Mayo Clinic “emotional eating is a way to suppress or soothe negative emotions, such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, sadness and loneliness”. 

“Major life events or, more commonly, the hassles of daily life can trigger negative emotions that lead to emotional eating and disrupt your weight-loss efforts“.

Medicine.net says that “Experts estimate that 75% of overeating is caused by emotions” and Readers Digest says “With emotional eating, the real problem is not in our kitchens, but in our minds“.

While food and alcohol can provide very short term relief and mask pain, afterwards you’ll still be aware of your feelings.

No matter how much you eat or drink attempting to suppress emotions, the feelings of loneliness or sadness will not disappear. 

You need to find a way to experience feelings (let them out) as they are happening without turning to food!

I remember when my Dad was killed by a hit and run driver.

As you can imagine, it was devastating!

The one thing I remember my therapist telling me was to cry when I needed to and to not suppress my grief or feelings.

Sometimes I would cry while exercising!

It didn’t matter when I cried, it was just important that I got it out!

It helped to feel what I needed to feel and not suppress!

Here are a few ways that might help you!

1. Like I mentioned, cry if you need to, it can provide some relief.
2. Call, text or meet a friend who will let you express emotions.
3. Write in a journal and fill it up with thoughts and feelings, it might help you work through issues.
4. Find a therapist to talk to, perhaps they could help get to the bottom of what you are feeling and offer solutions.
5. Read a self-help book or a book that inspires you.

Turning to food or alcohol is not the way to go, expressing your feelings is.

I’ve done all of the above and it feels so much better than turning to food or alcohol.

Once you’ve allowed yourself to express your feelings, be kind to yourself.

Take a yoga or meditation class, or get engrossed in a fun crafting or organizing project.

Do something positive for yourself as you deserve the best!

Are you an emotional eater? 

Please leave a comment!

TOPIC: 5 Ways To Stop Emotional Eating!

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