When I’m really stressed out or overly tired, that’s when I want to eat. The problem is, I know too much information about emotional eating. So I have this whole internal conversation with myself – while debating whether or not I’m going to keep eating.
“Lis, you know food doesn’t fix anything. You’re just going to feel worse if you eat that. So, why do you want to eat anyway? What’s going on?”
I know that when I want to eat (when I’m not hungry), and especially when I’m craving certain comfort foods, that I’m dealing with emotional triggers. Am I trying to calm myself from stress, pick myself up from tiredness, or comfort myself from sadness?
When my clients’ weights start creeping up, it usually has to do with what’s going on inside. Sure, sometimes there are parties or vacations that add a few pounds, but if they’re struggling with weight, they’re struggling on the inside. I ask them to think about it:
What’s going on with you?
How are you feeling about your work, family, focus in life?
Are you overly stressed?
What are you trying to get food to do for you? What emotions are you trying to escape? What emptiness are you trying to fill?
Eating may temporarily take you to a happier place, but it doesn’t last. Unfortunately, the results of overeating do last.
When you’re tempted to turn to food, try to figure out what’s going on inside. Look for ways to relieve those emotions without eating.
Some of the things I do are: pray and meditate, take a nap, exercise, drink hot tea, chew gym, clean around the house, and call a friend.
