If an individual is affected by emotional overeating he or she knows how consuming the thoughts of food are throughout the day. Emotional Eaters find themselves eating when upset, angry, fearful, stressed, and happy, celebrating the list is endless. The sense of wanting to eat all the time can be overwhelming. Many individuals will go to any lengths to hide the food they eat from family, friends, and coworkers. The more secret the act becomes the more shame and guilt is created which leads to the feelings of low self-esteem and the cycle continues.
Coping skills are necessary to learn in order to deal with changing how he or she emotionally eats and ultimately developed an eating disorder. First is to become aware of the problem, to admit to him or her that the eating disorder is in control, by doing this the journey can begin. Then pay attention to what events make he or she want to not feel. Yes emotional eating is a way to self medicate oneself to not have to feel emotions that make us uncomfortable.
Take time to plan what food choices are available to eat if in a rush or get tied up in a business meeting that may include a lunch or dinner. If allowed to become ravenous there maybe poor choices made with food selections. As a habit I always make sure cheese, fruit and nuts available wherever I go. This way I have no excuse to eat sugars like cookies, cakes, chips and so on. Not planning ahead will typically lead to a set-up for failure!
Another suggestion is to eat smaller meals throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels consistent. Skipping meals is also a setup for failure, think of the body as a car needing gas before running out of gas refuel. Protein is a better food choice since it creates satiety, then vegetables and fruit as the final choice. The more he or she can stay away from bread, rice, pasta, crackers or potatoes the better off he or she will be. The all time favorite is exercise yes a direct correlation exists between health and wellness for individuals who choose to exercise.
Whatever he or she does the puts them in the direction of health and wellness is instrumental for long-term success. People like me are willing to help along the path. If after reading this article you would like more information on eating disorders and how to get better feel free to contact me. Here is to a life time of success and happiness free from the addiction of food.