How we can prevent emotional eating or eating for comfort?
Awareness. Catching our thoughts so we’re aware and upgrade them for a positive thought or activity like going for a walk, reading, phoning a friend or having a drink of water. If we’re unaware or too busy to catch our thoughts we miss the lesson.
Gratitude. The simple act of being grateful can shift our vibe from low to high. It can help us to want to look after and honour our incredible body with good food, thoughts and lifestyle choices.
De-stress. All of the above can help us de-stress and take a moment to identify what’s really going on.
Upgrade. Stock the fridge and pantry with real foods, snacks and treats that are low in sugar and full of nourishing, satiating nutrients. Food affects mood. Fuel well. Feel well.
It’s not a reward. Swap the idea of using food as a reward for another more healing and restorative activity like walking, reading, mindfulness or socialising.
In summary
We are born with an innate tendency to emotionally eat. However as we grow up living busy lives with daily stresses and surrounded by an abundance of food, it’s not a healthy way to eat.
It’s not healthy because we are usually eating food that is sweet or processed/packaged or we don’t need, that doesn’t fuel our bodies, contributes to inflammation and dis-ease while at the same time cleverly disguises the real cause of our emotional eating and thereby suffocates the emotion that can then literally ‘eat away at us’ rather than liberate us.
If we find ourselves eating for the sake of eating and not to enjoy it or fill hungry tummies, then for many of us, there is a deeper emotional need or stress that must be addressed and food cannot fix. And for our children, is it food they need to pacify them or is it a deeper emotional need, e.g. more connection, touch or a feeling of being understood?
What are we teaching them?
And it’s not always that simple. If you’re having trouble yourself, breaking an emotional eating habit, identify what is really driving the behaviour? Do you have stress(s) that aren’t being managed well? Or seek help from friends, family or professional support. It’s easier with others.
Are you eating for the pure enjoyment and satiation that food freely gives or are you eating to fill a deeper, emotional void? What do you want to role model to your children?
After working as an executive in professional services, Kate Barnes started her global business as a Certified Holistic Health Coach. She has a Bachelor of Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business. Kate has taken her extensive experience to develop a comprehensive coaching philosophy that will transform your health – for life – literally. ‘Being healthy is your natural state’ is Kate’s ethos. Simple, life changing & fun’. Visit http://www.katebarnes.com.au. Follow her Facebook and Instagram pages for loads of daily inspiration, healthy tips and more recipes.
