by L.S. Watts

Created on: August 25, 2009

For millions of people, eating isn't just reserved for meal time and the occasional snack. Many people succumb to idly eating in front of the television or while at their desk. What some of these people don't realize is that stress and other emotional baggage may be triggering their impulsive eating habits. Emotions such as anxiety, sadness, boredom, and even a sense of loneliness can trigger a trip to the refrigerator or vending machine. In fact, most people who are overweight and suffer from obesity are emotional eaters according to psychiatrist Roger Gould, MD. Some are aware of their eating habit and tend to feel guilt on top of the other emotions, whereas others are completely oblivious that they are sabotaging their own health.

So what can be done to help you stop your emotional eating habit? Many people have linked their emotions to food so that they seem to go hand in hand. The most important key to ending the overeating cycle is to be able to disconnect your connection between emotional stress and food.

Identify What Drives You to Eat

Be consciously aware of not only what you are eating but when you are eating and why. Before you head to the pantry for that bag of chips or the refrigerator for a tantalizing dessert, honestly evaluate why you're even what it to begin with. Keep a journal of the date, time of day, what you are feeling at the time and what caused you to feel this way. Being honest with yourself is going to be the hardest part. Once you identify what emotions cause this type of eating, it will be easier utilize the ways to put an end to this habit all together. However, if you are feeling strong emotions such as depression and anxiety that prohibits you from barely getting out of bed or thoughts of suicide, it is time to seek the help of a therapist.

Find an Anti-food Replacement

For many people trying to get rid of bad habit, they replace it with a positive habit. This could be anything from writing in a journal and doodling to going for a walk or finding a new hobby. Sometimes calling a friend for support instead of shoveling food to your mouth can be a much better use for your mouth and you're overall emotional health. Having a friend that is supportive during this time will be quite helpful in your battle against emotional eating. You don't need to avoid your emotions, just replace the reaction with something more productive as well as enjoyable.

Give Yourself a Pep Talk

Many people who suffer from overeating beat their selves

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