What Is Emotional Eating?

What is Emotional Eating?

Emotional eating is a reaction so subconsciously embedded most of us don’t even know we’re doing it. Rather than satisfying true physical hunger, emotional eating is an attempt to satisfy some emotional need. Unfortunately, emotional hunger can't be filled with food and more often than not will make you feel worse. When you eat as a result of an emotional trigger, as opposed to physical hunger, you will notice you can continue eating. Your stomach becomes a bottomless pit. Food will never fill the emotional deficit you are experiencing.

Although eating may feel good and provide comfort at the moment, the feelings that triggered the eating are still there. And not only does the original emotional problem remain, but you also feel guilty and beat yourself up for not having the willpower to prevent it. You then need to eat more food to cope with the guilt and self-blame, and eventually, you get stuck in the Cycle of Emotional Eating.

Eating Triggers

ENVIRONMENTAL

Food advertisements tapping into our emotions, availability of food (food is everywhere!), the variety of foods (we have so many choices), large portion sizes, ability to buy in bulk, food deals, and more.


THE DIET MENTALITY

Restrict! Restrict! Restrict! Urgh! Deprivation leads to overeating and binge eating. There are thousands of cultural messages around food and weight that contribute to eating problems.


THOUGHTS/BELIEFS

All or nothing thinking, perfectionism, high standards, people-pleasing/self-sacrifice, comparisons, obsessive thinking, "should" statements, fear of emotions, etc. 


EMOTIONS

Boredom, stress, resentment, loneliness, anger, happiness, etc.


SOCIAL

Being offered food, food pushers, gatherings around food such as a birthday, anniversary, party, funerals, etc.

Self-sabotage

“What a stressful day. Screw it, I’m having pizza for dinner.”

“I ate too many cookies, I’ll start eating healthy on Monday.”

“I’m sick of taking care of everyone else…I’m eating these chips, I don’t care.”

“I blew it, I'll start over tomorrow.”

"What's the point. I'll never lose weight"

You are not alone

As you can see, emotional eating is made up of several layers (many so complex they are hidden beneath the surface). Between emotional triggers and self-sabotaging behaviors, it can feel like a never-ending battle. But don't despair! There is support available.

If you'd like personal support, please feel free to reach out to me.

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