Live It, Don't Diet

Feed the Need

One of the most common "positive intentions" behind overeating is trying to manage uncomfortable feelings.

I think all of us from time to time, eat not to necessarily to satisfy hunger, but rather to satisfy an emotional need. However we all know too, the consequences of living under that kind of eating habits. There have been plenty of times I know I either feel frustrated (because I didn't plan for something) or aloof, and I don't necessarily care what I eat.

While all of these are understandable, and even to an extent acceptable, it cannot be that for as a long term strategy for weight loss. If we always succumb to our emotions and satisfy the needs we have with food, in the long term we won't be successful. Imagine for a second if we only ate because we were hungry.

What would your weight loss or journey be like?

While emotional eating may not be the best solution, it's normal for someone to want to eat when feeling bored, stressed, anxious, or depressed. It's important to be aware of the feelings that trigger eating, so you'll be better able to find healthier ways to manage the feelings. You may have heard that there is a positive intention behind every behavior. One of the most common positive intentions behind emotional eating is trying to avoid or put off dealing with uncomfortable feelings.

Eating sometimes has a calming effect on your mood and mental function. While using food for comfort might cover a problem temporarily, it doesn't solve the problem. Trying to use food to solve a problem or salve an emotion is like trying to fill a bottomless pit: No matter how much you shovel in, you never fill the hole.

Use a Weight Watchers Tool for Living, Reframing to discover the "need" behind the "feed," and then fill the hole with something other than food. Try to do the following:

1. When you feel: 2. You may really be hungry for: 3. Better Ways to get Number 2

Insecure Confidence **Insert your solution here***

Sad, depressed Happiness

Worried, anxious Calm, control

Bored Stimulation

Frustrated More in control

Hurt Healing

Trapped Freedom

Overlooked Respect

Lonely Connect with others Use a blog

Uncomfortable feelings don't have to lead to overeating. Success comes from facing the feelings and discovering better ways to manage them. Using Reframing to nurture your REAL needs can keep emotional eating to a minimum.

posted by Snowman @ 10:49 AM