ARE YOU AN EMOTIONAL EATER?

A study published in Obesity found that people who eat in response to emotions are more likely to regain the weight they lose and a related study found emotional eaters don’t lose as much weight as those who don’t use food to cope.  To combat emotional eating, think about your feelings before every meal.  When you are stressed, find ways to face negative thoughts and feelings head on.  Emotional eating is a distraction and may comfort you short term, but it will not change the problem. Instead displace your energy toward coping with the resulting stress.  Talk to someone or write down your feelings, and find out if there are ways to change stressors in your life.  Self-soothe with relaxation techniques, meditation, or coping strategies that stimulate sight, sound, smell, and touch.  Leave taste to a variety of healthy foods and try to regulate your mood before eating.