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Food can be a source of comfort. But, when you eat for your emotions, it’s harder to control your food intake.
Some people feel pressure to overeat in social settings. Others eat too much because of changing moods or negative thoughts. Eating out of habit, like when you’re watching television, may be a sign of a problem with food. So may eating due to physical problems like a headache.
Spotting unhealthy eating behaviors is the first step to changing them. Keep a Food Diary to track things that make you overeat. Note your state of mind as well as your menu.
It also helps to have activities, instead of food, that make you feel good. These might include:
- Walking
- Reading
- Listening to music
If this doesn’t work, don’t worry. You may need more help to manage the emotions that cause your eating problems. Consider:
- Relaxation exercises
- Meditation
- Individual or group counseling
Binge eating
Binge eating is one of the most serious forms of emotional eating. People with this condition often eat lots of food and feel that they cannot control their eating. Binge eating often produces cycles of weight gain and loss because of repeat dieting.
People who binge often have
depression and/or low self-esteem. They often have more trouble losing weight and keeping it off than other people do.
Also of Interest
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