Emotional Eating
Emotional Eating
We have all heard the phrase "emotional eating". It brings to mind a heartbroken woman ravenously consuming a box of donuts after being dumped. Not all emotional eating is rooted in such large scale events, and therefore goes unnoticed until you have put on 5, 10, 15, 20 lbs. Most people (men and women) don't even realize they are doing it. I believe this is the reason most eating plans and diets fail. You find yourself in a pattern where every time you feel something, anything, you eat. Sadness, loneliness, anxiety, boredom, even happiness all contribute to your eating.
While its realistically impossible to end all of the emotional eating habits, you can control them. It's true that a slice of cake can turn a bad day completely around, it shouldn't be your go to solution. The truth is after you're done, the original problem is still there and you feel even worse. Now guilt and anger have crept in because you feel you have let yourself down.
What you crave in these times are carbohydrates, simple sugars, and high fat foods. As I have said before when you eat these types of food your body releases dopamine which floods the brains pleasure center. Like an addict you crave that high time and time again.
You can break the pattern; you don't have to eat things you know are bad for you every time you have a bad day. Learn your triggers, and associate them with emotion and not the fact you're actually hungry. Learn to receive pleasure from other things such as exercise, activity, and hobbies, friends, etc.
Follow these simple rules and before you know it you will be on your way to a flatter tummy:
- Rate how hungry you really are. Most times you will find that it's your brain and not your stomach talking. After a while this will become second nature.
- Change your treats. Instead of cake take some non-fat Greek yogurt and drizzle some honey over it. It will satisfy your desire for sweets and provide you with nutrients.
- Wait before you eat. Simple yet effective. Wait 20 minutes after you crave something before you take a bite. You will be surprised how the cravings will subside.
- Go for a walk or go to the gym. When you feel anxious and hungry go outside, take a walk, go to the gym, just get out and do something to take your mind off it.
- Think of the consequences. If you are already overweight eating junk will only compound the problem. Think of how much harder it will be to take the weight off once you have put it on.
- Have a goal in mind. If you want to lose weight and get in shape set realistic goals. 5, 10 lbs at a time. Something attainable for which you can give yourself credit. And think of that goal every time you want to eat junk.
- Don't be so hard on yourself. Give yourself a break. Everyone messes up, a single slip wont put on 10 lbs.
If you need help you can always call me at (650) 716-8516 or drop me an email at: perrymoss66@hotmail.com. My trainers and I are here to help you should you decide to get in the best shape of your life. Call us!
Yours in health,
Perry Mosdromos
Owner
One 2 One Fitness
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
