How to Avoid Emotional Eating

Emotional eating has many causes. The easiest way to address emotional eating habits is to discover the causes behind them. We have researched the reasons why people engage in emotional eating to come up with some of the main causes. If you feel that you are an emotional eater then read the information below and see which cause may apply to you; this way you can tackle the root cause and change the habit of a lifetime.

Habits from childhood

Many of us can remember times when our parents used food, often in the form of sweets, to cheer us up when we were down or to reward good behaviour. While this is always done with the best intentions it can lead to problems later and is one of the most common causes of emotional eating in adulthood. We may go on to eat in order to celebrate, feel better or indeed, even to deal with the stress associated with being overweight. If you feel that you are influenced by childhood habits and associated 'comfort' eating it is important for you to work on the development of more effective and appropriate coping mechanisms. You may celebrate by going out to the movies or buying yourself a non-edible treat such as clothing. Or you could enjoy comfort by having a warm bubbly bath in your favourite oils. The possibilities are endless, so find one that is appropriate for you.

Social eating

Social eating often occurs when we get together with friends, either for emotional support, or just as a regular catch up. However, just because we're out with friends it doesn't have to lead to a meal. Try substituting eating-based social events with other activities such as bowling, dancing or meeting up for a fitness class. Not only does this have obvious advantages in terms of your health, you will find that it is usually far more fun than sitting around a table eating.

Stress and hormone related cravings

Stress releases a hormone known as cortisol that can lead us to crave sweet or salty foods. Other hormones may leave us feeling that we have an incredible desire for chocolate or carbohydrates. While these cravings can be particularly hard to resist, be conscious of the reasons behind your hormone-related cravings and it will help you to think your choices through and make better decisions until these feelings subside.

If you are an emotional eater, think carefully about your triggers and what you can do to avoid them and it could make a huge difference to your habits and your health.

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