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How Self-Compassion Can Help with Emotional Eating


Several years ago I was known as a very effective and assertive weight loss coach, holding my patients accountable to follow a strict diet and a highly structured behavior change model. Years later I realized that long-term weight management became challenging for my patients when emotional eating remained unaddressed.


I came to the conclusion that self-compassion, self-kindness and self-empathy were missing "ingredients" in traditional weight loss programs. That's when I founded the Mindful Eating Institute, where clients learn to let go of using food as a mood regulator. My counseling treatment model is deeply rooted in positive psychology, mindfulness principles and self-compassion research.


Let's explore how mindful self-compassion can be a powerful tool in overcoming emotional eating:


1. Self-kindness can help with emotional eating and weight management

Self-compassion involves showing empathy and understanding towards ourselves when we experience feelings of anxiety or inadequacy. When it comes to emotional eating, instead of berating ourselves for turning to food for comfort, self-compassion allows us to approach the situation with kindness and understanding. We can acknowledge that emotional eating is a coping mechanism and respond to ourselves with compassion rather than judgment.

“Loving yourself does not mean being self-absorbed or narcissistic, or disregarding others. Rather it means welcoming yourself as the most honored guest in your own heart, a guest worthy of respect, a lovable companion.” - Steve Hickman

2. Mindful eating

Mindfulness is an essential element of self-compassion. It allows us to pay attention and attune to our bodies in the present moment without judgment. When practicing mindful eating, we can become more aware of our hunger and fullness cues, as well as our emotions. This awareness helps us distinguish between physical and emotional hunger, allowing us to respond to our needs in a more balanced and nourishing way. Start by jotting down how you are feeling before reaching for a snack. What is your heart hungry for? Do this without judgment but with gentle curiosity. Over time you will find new coping strategies that will replace emotional eating.


3. Coping with emotions

Emotional eating often stems from using food as a way to cope with emotions, such as feeling anxious, stressed, worried, bored, aimless etc.) Self-compassion provides us with healthier alternatives to cope with our feelings. By practicing self-kindness and self-nurturing, we can develop a compassionate response to emotional eating. This involves forgiving ourselves for overeating and finding alternative ways to meet our emotional needs.


It allows us to explore other strategies such as journaling, talking to a supportive friend, or engaging in self-care activities that can help us process and manage our emotions. Of course, it takes time to replace the powerful ritual of "eating instead of feeling." This is what I am here for... To guide you toward a healthy and relaxed relationship with food while assisting you to navigate your emotions in new and healthful ways.


4. Improved well-being

Research has shown that self-compassion is linked to an improved sense of well-being. By practicing self-compassion, we prioritize our own needs and take care of ourselves in a kind and nurturing way. Self-care isn't selfish. It's important to "give ourselves the oxygen first." This can include engaging in activities that bring us joy, practicing self-care rituals, carving out ME time and setting healthy boundaries to protect our emotional well-being. When we prioritize our needs and emotional well-being, we are less likely to turn to emotional eating as a means of self-soothing.


In conclusion, self-compassion can be a powerful tool in overcoming emotional eating. By approaching ourselves with kindness and understanding, practicing mindful eating, finding healthier ways to cope with emotions, and prioritizing our well-being, we can develop a healthier relationship with food and overcome the cycle of emotional eating and weight cycling. Remember, self-compassion is a journey, and it takes practice and patience. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this process.


I am here to support you on this journey!


With kindness,

~ Petra

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