When people think of reasons why they eat, common answers may include “because I’m hungry” or “to live,” but how many of us really think of the reasons behind why we eat?
What does nostalgia have to do with eating?
Take, for example, a piece of warm, freshly baked apple pie…appealing not only to the taste buds, but the senses of smell and sight. This food is commonly linked to many positive feelings like holiday cheer and happiness or being home with the family. For many of us, food is not only something that tastes good and provides nutrition, but something which provides comfort and can bring back good memories.
What does attention have to do with eating?
While nostalgia can trigger eating, a lack of attention to emotion can also increase the amount of calories you eat in a day. A study published in 2009 in Cognition and Emotion found that women who paid the least attention to their emotions ate the most calories. This means that if you don’t pay attention to what you are feeling, you may be eating not because you are hungry, but for emotional reasons.
What is ’emotional eating’?
According to the Mayo Clinic, problems with finances, relationships, work/unemployment, health problems, fatigue, and even bad weather can trigger ‘emotional eating.’ Even boredom can drive you to snack just to have something to do. Food can serve as a distraction from difficulties, and is sometimes even compared to a drug! When you eat to soothe your emotions, weight gain may result. This unwanted body change can lead to more problems and ultimately trigger additional emotional eating episodes.
Am I an ’emotional eater’?
So, what can you do if your emotions are triggering you to eat? One very easy way to determine if emotional eating is a problem can be to keep a food journal. Write down the time you are eating, the food you are eating, if you are hungry, and the emotions you are feeling. Many times, keeping a journal for a week or two can help your recognize a pattern in your eating habits.
What can I do about ’emotional eating’?
You may also want to talk to a close friend or family about your emotions and eating habits. This can help to develop a support network to get you through difficult times. Avoid eating when you are distracted and don’t purchase items you tend to eat during weak emotional times. Instead, stock up on healthy items like fresh fruits, veggies, and lower-calorie snack foods. If emotional eating continues to be an issue, you may want seek the support of a therapist who can help to identify emotional triggers and habits.
If emotional eating is a concern in your life, remember you are only human! We all have ways of coping during times of stress. If you have an episode of ‘emotional eating,’ forgive yourself and move on. Focus on short-term goals for long-term success!
