Overcoming Emotional Eating by SnapShot

I was watching the Janet Jackson interview on Wednesday Evening and she talked about her challenges with her weight and her bouts with emotional eating. It's a very serious topic for many people, including myself. Maybe you can relate to those boring, lonely, late nights with leftovers and snacks before you go to bed to deal with the void, hurt, depression. Well you are NOT alone and here are a few tips on recognizing the pattern. First, you have to recognize the unhealthy behavior. Know your triggers. You have to know which moods send you to the cookie jar before you can do anything about it. Once you know your triggers, have a list of alternate things to do when the mood strikes. For example, read a book, go for a walk or find an online support group. Quiz yourself. Determine if you're really hungry or eating for other reasons. "I'll ask myself 'Do you really need this, or is it something else, like boredom?" About 80% of the time it's not hunger. Call a friend. Talking about what's bothering you can keep you from eating. Challenge the power of food. Ice cream is a poor companion if you're lonely. "If I eat the whole bag of chocolate chip cookies, am I going to be any happier? Take an emotional inventory. Ask yourself: "What do you feel? anger? resent? fear? regret? What are you upset about?" Talk to the person involved, talk to others, or write a letter-even if you don't send it. Do you Struggle with Food Battles? Tell Us About it?