Cynthia,

Food craving and overeating are often way more emotional and hormonal than they are physical. Not too long ago I posted some tips about why we overeat in another thread. Here's a copy.


This article excerpt about: Emotional Eating vs. Hunger-Driven Eating, How to Tell the Difference

There are several differences between emotional hunger and physical hunger, according to the University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center web site:

1. Emotional hunger comes on suddenly; physical hunger occurs gradually.

2. When you are eating to fill a void that isn't related to an empty stomach, you crave a specific food, such as pizza or ice cream, and only that food will meet your need. When you eat because you are actually hungry, you're open to options.

3. Emotional hunger feels like it needs to be satisfied instantly with the food you crave; physical hunger can wait.

4. Even when you are full, if you're eating to satisfy an emotional need, you're more likely to keep eating. When you're eating because you're hungry, you're more likely to stop when you're full.

5. Emotional eating can leave behind feelings of guilt; eating when you are physically hungry does not.



To read the whole article follow this link: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/emotional-eating-feeding-your-feelings