The more I work with clients, the more I realize that most of us with eating issues are simply hurt in some way and are looking for love/comfort. We can have a very loving relationship with another person, but when we don't love ourselves something is missing and we use food to fill the gap. For others it could be alcohol, drugs, gambling or smoking.
However,food seems to be the most common because it's quick and easy, doesn't harm anyone, and is easily hidden. Unfortunately, the first taste only makes us feel good for a split second, then guilt kicks in, we feel uncomfortable, and start beating ourselves up, which simply leads to more eating or binging.Unfortunately, the food only keeps the excitement in us. Instead of facing our problems, we overeat, which only creates more problems.The only time our body really wants food is when it's physically hungry.
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| Stop Eating for Comfort by Recognizing Your Triggers |
So when we eat for emotional reasons, it doesn't work because our body doesn't want food, it wants comfort in some other way. So we keep eating and wait for that magic solution that never comes.By learning to eat “naturally,” we reconnect with our body's natural instincts to feel hungry and full. This will then fill the physical need and allow us to find positive and empowering things that will fill the emotional need.
The wonderful thing about natural nutrition is that it is based on awareness. Once you are aware of your eating habits/triggers, you can make a different choice.The key is to honor your emotions, to notice that you are sad or lonely or stressed.Sometimes a good shout is the answer as it allows you to get the emotion out of your body. Other ways to do this include laughing, singing, yelling, or doing something physical like running, biking, or martial arts. Then you will be able to think clearly and find that one positive thing that will comfort you and you will move on.I encourage you to think about the times you overeat or get drunk and see if you can spot a pattern.
You will find that it is based on specific activities and events that led to negative habits.Because once you are aware of what you are doing, you can find a way to avoid those triggers and make other positive choices.I am a wife and mother who has recovered from 20 years of eating and weight problems.
I used to eat uncontrollably and then exercise excessively to get rid of it. After being diagnosed with depression and bulimia in 1996, I got to know natural eating. This allowed me to use my natural hunger and satiety instincts to develop a healthy relationship with food.
