Most of us have heard the term "emotional eater." This is something very real and just one aspect of the body/emotion equation that may affect you or someone you know ..........This girl!
I was recently given an opportunity to recognize that I have my own emotional eating patters. During a 21 Day Cleansing program, it shocked me to discover that, though I always felt like I had my eating under control, I too reached for food for comfort on more occasions that I could even consciously admit to.
Since the cleanse, i've realised that most of us are surprised when we discover that our eating is often based more on our feelings than on our actual appetites. Instead of the physical symptom of hunger initiating the eating, an emotion triggers the eating. It could be sadness, happiness, stress... what we reach for when eating to satisfy an emotion largely depends on the emotion. Granted, we may be experiencing some genuine hunger. But when you feel those pangs, take a moment to ask yourself if we really craving food, or perhaps something else—such as comfort, approval, or fulfillment.
I was recently given an opportunity to recognize that I have my own emotional eating patters. During a 21 Day Cleansing program, it shocked me to discover that, though I always felt like I had my eating under control, I too reached for food for comfort on more occasions that I could even consciously admit to.
Since the cleanse, i've realised that most of us are surprised when we discover that our eating is often based more on our feelings than on our actual appetites. Instead of the physical symptom of hunger initiating the eating, an emotion triggers the eating. It could be sadness, happiness, stress... what we reach for when eating to satisfy an emotion largely depends on the emotion. Granted, we may be experiencing some genuine hunger. But when you feel those pangs, take a moment to ask yourself if we really craving food, or perhaps something else—such as comfort, approval, or fulfillment.
How to distinguish 'emotional eating' from hunger
- When emotional hunger rumbles, one of its distinguishing characteristics is that you're focused on a particular food, which is likely a 'comfort food'. This can range from Pizza to Ice Cream and only THAT food can fill the void. The choice is usually an unhealthy option and more often associated with a negative emotion though some people are 'happy' eaters too!
- When you eat because you are actually hungry, you're open to options as opposed to craving one food.
- Emotional hunger feels like it needs to be satisfied instantly with the food you crave and the craving intensifies; physical hunger can wait.
- Emotional hunger comes on suddenly; physical hunger occurs gradually.
- Eating to satisfy an emotional need, you're more likely to keep eating even when you are full. When you're eating because you're hungry, you're more likely to stop when you're full.
- Emotional eating can leave behind feelings of guilt; eating when you are physically hungry does not.
Do you recognize any of those tell tale signs within yourself?
If so, perhaps you should start paying more attention to the cues that trigger your own emotional eating patterns. Let yourself acknowledge this realization, knowing you can do so without having to give in. And then commend yourself for your growing awareness.
As my cleanse reached it end, I was able to identify what triggers those patterns, and begin to release the cycle. It's incredibly empowering!
If so, perhaps you should start paying more attention to the cues that trigger your own emotional eating patterns. Let yourself acknowledge this realization, knowing you can do so without having to give in. And then commend yourself for your growing awareness.
As my cleanse reached it end, I was able to identify what triggers those patterns, and begin to release the cycle. It's incredibly empowering!
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