Food is comforting. It’s part of our nature! Our subconscious mind associates food with comfort because that’s what we experienced as infants when we were held and nursed by our mothers. That’s why many people turn to eating as a response to any intense emotion, whether it’s joy or sadness.
Emotional eating, however, can lead to weight gain and other health issues associated with obesity. We also struggle with the guilt of over-eating, and the whole thing feels like one vicious cycle. So how can we change our habits, when emotional eating comes naturally to us?
Start A Daily Journal
It can be a food diary or a regular journal. Either way, try to record all of the thoughts and feelings that arise when you eat. What are your triggers? What foods do you crave when you’re experiencing intense emotions? Reflecting on our habits is an important part of changing them!
Think About The Future
Emotional eating is a temporary fix that creates longterm problems. Next time you feel the urge to emotionally eat, focus instead on the lifelong physical, mental and spiritual benefits of healthy eating. Imagine what your body will look and feel like. Consider how sharp, clear and focused your mind and intentions will be, once the temptation has passed.
Find Other Sources of Nurturance
Food isn’t our only source of comfort. In fact, we may turn to emotional eating because we aren’t nurturing ourselves in healthier and more sustainable ways. Make a list of the things that bring you joy and fulfillment, and commit to doing them regularly! They can include old hobbies or new creative pursuits.
Create An Action Plan
Make a list of your emotional eating triggers. Do you eat when you’re stressed? When you’re tired? Bored? Once you’ve identified your triggers, jot down several ways you can distract yourself until the urge to eat passes.
Drink your favorite tea. Go for a walk. Read a book. There are endless ways of nurturing ourselves, and each is a positive alternative to emotional eating.
Reach Out
If you struggle with emotional eating, you’re not alone! Join a fitness class. Share your eating goals with your friends. Chances are, you’ll discover at least one other person with similar goals.
At Spiral Path Healing Arts Center, we believe that a sense of community is necessary for spiritual healing and the rediscovery of our hidden strengths.
Reach out to me to learn more about our different programs and events, including our women’s gathering circles and group meditations.
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