Why You Eat is as Important as What You Eat

Why do we eat when we are not hungry? Using food to feel better is very common and causes unwanted weight gain, feelings of guilt and a sense of losing control.

Emotional overeaters need to learn to separate hunger from other needs. Ask yourself: “What am I really in need of right now? How am I feeling? What challenges do I face? Am I angry? Am I lonely? Am I sad? Am I bored? Am I feeling unappreciated?”

It takes courage to assess what is going on inside of you. Looking at your true feelings will help you break the vicious cycle of eating instead of feeling.

Focus on your overall well-being. Eliminate chronic stressors and negative influences in your life. Add positive things to your life like yoga, meditation or try a new hobby. Give yourself the gift of self-love and treat yourself with kindness and patience. If feelings of sadness or hopelessness persist, seek the help of a health professional.

Discover when you feel most alive and energized. Follow that path. Trust your intuition. Laugh. Put things in perspective. Dance.

Read inspirational self-help books. Trust that you can handle all your feelings. In time eating will become less and less important, you’ll see.