ARE YOU AN EMOTIONAL EATER?

Do You eat even when you are not Hungry - Because you are depressed and Lonely?

Emotional eating is the practice of consuming large quantities of food usually "comfort" or "Junk" food in response to feelings instead of hunger. While real hunger is biological, emotional eating is based on psychological urges. so, it is often not a growling tummy , but raging emotions that prompt us to raid the fridge or line up at the fast food counter.

According to experts, several factors can lead to overeating and unwanted weight gain. These include depression, boredom, loneliness, chronic anger, anxiety, frustration, stress, problems with interpersonal relationships, and poor self esteem.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not only youngsters who become emotional eaters but older persons also tend to fall into the trap.

An emotional eater consumes food in reaction to a situation or emotion than in reaction to hunger. The situations and emotions that trigger us are Social situations ,Negative emotions, Situational factors , Negative thoughts and Physiological

Making a choice food generally is a reflection of one's emotions . When some craves to eat , even though they are not hungry they tend to opt for cookies, crisps, chocolates, nuts etc.,

Studies have already proved that there is a distinct relationship between food and mood. Mood swings strongly effect our eating habits. Emotional eaters may not necessarily eat more food . They tend to eat unhealthy food.

So where lies the Remedy to emotional eating?

Maintaining a food diary and diligently recording down every morsel of what we eat might prove a great help. It will act as an en-lighter to what and how much we eat every day.

Developing alternatives to food craving is also a possible remedy. Whenever someone is tempted to raid a fridge , take a walk instead or call a friend. This will distract the mind away from food.

Training oneself to recognize true hunger and having hearty and healthy meals at meal times also helps to reduce food craving. Even if you have eat alone. lay the table, use proper cutlery and crockery and make it an enjoyable experience.

If you must snack, switch to healthier snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Thus, once you can zero in on Binge, you can definitely with a little bit of will power , control your cravings and divert you mind to healthy alternatives.

Learn more about this author, Srilatha Vijay.
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