It’s hard for me to write about emotional eating without getting into too many details since the subject is so complex. However, I will do my best to keep it straight to the point and practical for you guys.
First off, I want to bring forward the meaning of emotional eating because it is not strictly limited to anorexia or bulimia as many might believe.
Emotional eating occurs each time a person eats for other reasons than for nourishment or physical hunger. But of course, I cannot narrow it down to that or else we would all fall into the “emotional eaters” category (which might not be that far from the truth to some degree). But when this behaviour becomes somewhat repetitive and destructive, whether continuous or cycled, it can certainly be defined as emotional eating. Whenever you are using food to express or repress some emotional state, you are not feeding your body for the right reasons.
From my own experiences and struggles, I can definitely conclude that when I do not take care of myself; when I don’t take my needs and desires seriously, I start feeling a deep void and of course, something needs to fill up that void. For some it might be booze, flirting, shopping, etc. But being the gourmand hedonistic Taurean that I am, food has always made the cut for me. I have always been an emotional eater, although I have learned how to deal with my emotions in a healthier manner, food is still the first thing that comes to mind when I’m simply not feeling that great. This is what has kept me, in most part, from reaching my fitness goals: the lack of self-love or simply not knowing how to take care and love myself. But there is a way out, of course there is, and your goal should no longer be to NEVER binge again, I believe that this would only create the opposite effect and tempt you further more…
Here a 4 Powerful Steps that you can take to Free Yourself from emotional Eating
These have worked miracles for me and I’m sure that they can help you out as well….
Make your life EPIC!
Do you love your life? If not, what are you waiting for to change it and make it your dream life today, now? If you create a life full of love, joy and excitement, you will be far less tempted to fulfil yourself with food, that’s simply a fact!
Mind over Matter
Next time you feel tempted, and I know that these cravings become barely manageable but they actually are; especially when you take the time to work those mind muscles each and every time you get them, remind yourself that you have the power to stop them and realize that this is only a signal your mind is sending for you to take action and take care of yourself, rather than sabotaging yourself further more. Ask yourself, what is it that I am not giving myself, what am I truly missing out on? If you look deep down, I’m sure the answer is not a double whooper with fries on the side. Next, ask yourself “What can I do NOW to feel better instead of ignoring myself and stuffing my emotions further down the drain?”
Stop the Madness: No more Fad Diets!
Dieting and constantly calculating calories, classifying food as good, bad, not allowed, will only make you go insane on the long run! Instead, learn to love and enjoy healthy whole foods while treating yourself to something less healthy every now and then. This way you know, deep down, that nothing is forbidden and that you are not missing out on anything!
Learn to Forgive… Yourself!
No matter how hard you try, and how well you are doing, sh#^*t happens in life and chances are that you will binge again. And guess what, that’s not such a big deal unless you decide to make it one. By getting angry at yourself and allowing feelings of guilt to overtake your sanity, you are only reinforcing the endless cycle of emotional eating. Learn to forgive yourself and move on to more positive things in live.
I hope you’re enjoying these “Diet Makeover Series” so far! Feel free to share your tips and advice with us in the comments below! And stay tuned for next week’s final chapter!
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January 28, 2013 at 2:15 pm
I totally agree on the “No more Fad Diets”. We tend to love to do things that are forbidden, even if it is us who forbid these things. I have noticed it too. Once somene tells me I cannot do it, deep inside it makes me want to do it even more. So yeah, although you say that Sneakers chocolote bars is a big No No (I mean 250 calories just in one bar that is like hell of a lot), I kinda want to grab one every time I am shopping for good foods
Good stuff Isabella!
January 29, 2013 at 7:32 am
Exactly! As soon as it`s forbidden, it makes you want it even more! So always remind yourself that you can have all of the chocolate and the candy in the world and that you are not missing out on ANYTHING! The mind is such a powerful tool, we should always be learning how to use it more efficiently…
have a great day Jordan!