Are you ready to break free from the cycle of emotional eating? I totally get how tough it can be, but believe me, you’re not alone. I’m constantly asked from people – how to stop emotional eating and what to do instead of emotional eating? We’ve all been there, those moments when stress or negative emotions hit us like a ton of bricks and all we can think about is raiding the pantry. But here’s the kicker: eating when stressed doesn’t solve the underlying problem, it just adds to it! And hellooo, nobody wants that extra side dish of guilt, am I right? So let’s say goodbye to emotional eating and those crazy fad diets and say hello to a healthier, and happier, version of you!
What is emotional eating?
Ever wonder why we turn to food when we’re feeling down in the dumps? Well, my friend, it’s called emotional eating. It’s when our emotions, rather than our stomach growls, call the shots in our eating game. We use food as a way to cope with or distract ourselves from those uncomfortable feelings that we just don’t want to face head-on. And let’s be real, this can sometimes lead to mindlessly munching on all those unhealthy snacks that we know deep down don’t truly nourish our bodies. And guess what? It can also result in unwanted weight gain and a whole bunch of negative emotions.
But fear not! I’ve got some practical tips and tricks up my sleeve on how to overcome emotional eating:
- Pause and Reflect:
First things first, it’s crucial to develop self-awareness. So next time you feel that urge to reach for food, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself, “Am I truly hungry or am I using food as a way to deal with my emotions?” This simple act of self-reflection can help you break that automatic response and make a conscious choice.
- Find Healthy Coping Strategies:
Instead of turning to food when feeling stressed, explore alternative ways to manage stress. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you unwind, like taking a walk in nature, practicing deep breathing exercises, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist. Discover what works best for you in soothing those anxious feelings without using food as a crutch. For more ideas on how to reduce stress check out my article Get Your Calm On
- Practice Mindful Eating:
When you do eat, bring mindfulness to the table. Slow down and savour each bite, fully experiencing the flavours, textures, and satisfaction that comes from nourishing your body. Being present while eating helps you recognise true physical hunger and satisfaction, preventing overeating driven by emotions.
- Move Your Body:
Exercise is a powerful tool in managing emotional eating. Not only does physical activity release endorphins, those feel-good hormones, but it also serves as a healthy outlet for stress. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, yoga, running, or cycling, and make it a regular part of your routine. Exercise can become your go-to stress reliever instead of reaching for unhealthy snacks.
- Practice Emotional Regulation:
Instead of using food to cope with emotions, develop healthy strategies to regulate your emotions. This could involve practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, journaling to express your feelings, or engaging in creative activities that help you process and understand your emotions better.
- Seek Support:
Breaking free from emotional eating is not always easy, and that’s okay. Reach out for support from friends, family, or professionals. Consider working with a therapist or a nutritionist specialising in anxiety or emotional eating. They can provide guidance, practical tools, and personalised strategies to help you overcome emotional eating.
- Practice Self-Compassion:
Remember, we’re all human, and we all have our struggles. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up and engage in emotional eating. Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with understanding and use setbacks as learning opportunities instead of a reason to give up. It’s a journey, and you’re doing great!
Last words…
Emotional eating might have been your go-to coping mechanism in the past, but you have the power to break free from its grasp. By taking the time to understand what drives your emotional eating, finding healthier coping strategies, and seeking support, you can create a more balanced and nourishing relationship with food. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progress. Stay committed, be kind to yourself, and embrace a healthier, happier you. You’ve got this!
If you need further assistance in emotional eating – reach out to me to hear more about my 1-2-1 hypnosis services where I can help you to overcome this unwanted habit. The link to book a consultation with is here: Book Call
I’m a clinical hypnotherapist with over 15 years experience, and to date I have helped over 100 clients from Poole, Bournemouth, Southampton, Bath, London, Bristol, the United States, and as far afield as New Zealand in reaching their goals. Regardless of where you reside, I am fully equipped to assist you in the same manner so do get in touch if you need my hypnosis help too. Here is the link to my website www.alexsaxton.com and here is the link to my calendar if you would like to book a consultation wwww.alexsaxtoncalendar.as.me
