Image: Favim
We don’t always satisfy our hunger for the sinful meals we eat. Comfort eating was probably a female trait that was handed down from the our ancestors, because much like menstruation, we’ve all got that “I feel you” empathy when we’re all a little sad. We gorge ourselves with cake and ice cream when we feel stressed, bored or lonely, or sometimes just to cheer ourselves up. All that temptation… where does it end?
Comfort eating begins as early as infanthood – as babies, we cried and our mothers comforted us with milk. Growing up, we were given sweet treats when we hurt ourselves or even as a reward for doing something right. Now, when you’re adult, you start abusing the jar of Nutella after you realize your favorite TV show has ended.
Sadly, there’s no effective way to really stop comfort eating. It’s really just a matter of willpower and getting your health priorities in check. The easiest way to defeat this weight loss saboteur is get to the root of the problem and figure out just what’s driving you to eat yourself to comfort.
You’re a Hardcore Emotional Eater
Do you find that you eat more when you’re feeling stressed, or even when you’re not hungry or full? Do you often stuff your face with food with you’re not hungry, or even when you’re full? There’s a few of us who do eat to just satisfy our emotions temporarily. But we should all highlight the word “temporary”. While you may feel a little satisfied that the chocolate’s fought all your emotions about your breakup, it’s not going to give you closure. If you eat way too much when you’re emotional, it might be time to seek the help of a psychologist.
You’ve Got Mood Swings
We all have our mood swings. It’s only natural when your hormones get the better of you and all you can think of is some chocolate ice cream to get your shot of endorphins and to cool it off. But while that bowl of chocolate will do you some good, again it’s only temporary. Opt for long-term fixes that will kick the urge to eat. Some light breathing exercises will help clear the clutter in your mind, giving you a little more closure.
You’re Exposed to Temptation
Some of us are seriously unlucky (or lucky) to be stuck in a place with a pantry from heaven. Wherever you walk, you’re bound to see something you have trouble resisting like macaroons, burgers, hotdogs, delicious pastas. A little bit of temptation can be good for you if you really think about it. Being able to say no to these temptations is already putting you on the right track. So, if you’re prone to overeating or buying everything you see, say no and just relish in just how amazing you feel for saying no.
You’re Just “in the mood” to Eat
Ever told yourself “I feel like spaghetti and meatballs today”? Not spaghetti and meatballs specifically, but we’re sure you’ve filled in the sentence with your own personal craving. Thinking about what you’re craving today proves the notion of just what you eat, but there’s a simple way of altering that without having to listen to nasty stories about yourself. Just remind yourself that you need to eat to live and that you require specific nutrients in your diet to stay healthy. Just about anything tastes good when you’re super hungry, but we’re not telling you to go starve yourself but you should alter the way you think about food. Think of it as survival and not a treat. You don’t need a treat since you’re not a dog.
