The connection between emotions and overeating isn’t in question. Industry experts accept the obvious link. What is still being questioned by many is the exact relationship between emotions and overeating. This is a difficult relationship to define due to the fact that the cycle can be individual, but it can also be a cycle defined by a family unit or social group. It’s not a concept that is easily defined.
The basic concept is well known and well used: comfort food. Comfort foods are those items that people reach for in reaction to unpleasant emotions. So the cause of this particular moment of time of eating is emotional. Fear, anger, depression and anxiety are some of the main negative emotions that lead people to eat for comfort. Temporary and/or chronic overeating provides people with a feeling of relief from those negative feelings that are afflicting them. Food provides a temporary relief from the overeater’s emotional pain.
Other positive feelings are often obtained by the individual succumbing to overeating in response to negative emotions. Food preparation, discussion or even just the act of eating are often a distraction from the negative feelings and thoughts. Overeating is often seen as a reward providing the individual with a feeling of gratification. It can also provide feelings of comfort (thus the term “comfort foods”) and a sense of being loved.
Overeaters (those who suspect themselves of the problem or who have been repeatedly accused of the problem by loved ones or medical professionals) should take the first step to stopping their personal cycle. The first step is knowing it’s there and defining it. It seems easy. But it can be difficult. Identify the characteristics of your overeating cycle by keeping an eating diary. It will document what you’re eating. When you’re eating. And why you’re eating. Always note if you were hungry when you were eating, as well.
If you didn’t eat when you were hungry…why were you eating? Was it after a certain situation occurred? Was it at a certain time of day? Was it in a specific location? By defining the issue behind the overeating the cycle can be broken before it escalates from a problem to a health issue. Obesity is directly linked to increased risks for many common illnesses and diseases.
Defining the problem, the habits and the cycle makes stopping it much easier. Individuals are able to stop the negative cycle created by emotions and overeating and get control of their weight. And once the cycle is broken they can focus on losing the weight they’ve already gained. There are all natural methods recently made available that offer , weight loss for those who are able to dedicate themselves to following the homeopathic HCG diet weight loss programs.
