7 tips to curb emotional eating

HealthyChanges2010

7 tips to curb emotional eating

There are times when everyday problems get the best of us and all we want to do is reach for a bag of chips, a tub of ice cream or a box of chocolates. Here are ways you can get in touch with what’s really going on and stop the mindless eating before it gets out of control.

Listen to your body. Tune into physical cues that tell you whether you’re really hungry or just letting your emotions take over. Is your stomach rumbling? Do you feel dizzy or light-headed? These are signs of true hunger. On the other hand, if you ate less than two hours ago, you’re probably not really hungry. Give the craving at least 10 minutes to pass.

Identify your emotions. The key is to find other ways to express your emotions rather than eating. Start writing down the emotions you’re feeling when a craving hits. Are you sad, lonely, angry or bored? Starting to recognize patterns can help you anticipate and avoid triggers.

Distract yourself. Call a friend. Go for a walk. Clean out the cabinets. Get up and move around to take your mind off your craving.

Avoid sitting in front of the TV. Studies show that people who eat while watching TV consume considerably more calories. Have your regular meals at the kitchen table without the TV on. Sit down. Savor every morsel.

Eat at regular intervals. Eating smaller meals every four hours can help you avoid feeling deprived.

Try to make a healthier choice. All too often, we reach for foods that are high in calories and unhealthy fats when we are stressed (nobody ever reaches for a carrot!). Try an apple instead of apple pie or unbuttered popcorn instead of potato chips.

Be patient. If you do succumb to emotional eating, don’t beat yourself up. Go back to the suggestions above and resolve to start anew tomorrow. :flowerforyou:

pressica

Thanks for sharing this.

KarenECunningham

After the last 3 days I have had I needed this. I knew it was emotional eating but I wasn't sure what to do about it. Thank you so much for the info:flowerforyou:

wan2b21

Nice Tips! People can also eat healtier snacks too- like Almonds and fruit! If i'm feeling like snacking on something i have an apple or an orange. Bananas are really good for you and help out by boosting your mood to a better level as well as providing vitamins and minerals that are great for your health.

katie54321

Wow! Thanks soooo much!! i needed help with emotional eating- you saved me from googling it myself! lol

Jo_notfatanymore

Thank you :-)

EboniA

That's great advice. Also, sometimes we think we're hungry but it's really thirst. Drink some water while you wait 10 minutes. I like how you said to evaluate when you ate last. It's about being more aware of our actions and feelings. So if you just cleaned the house, you might be a little hungry.

HealthyChanges2010

Nice Tips! People can also eat healtier snacks too- like Almonds and fruit! If i'm feeling like snacking on something i have an apple or an orange. Bananas are really good for you and help out by boosting your mood to a better level as well as providing vitamins and minerals that are great for your health.

very good point

MrsBattousai

Tks do much every time I feel like binging I will read this!