Emotional Eating

I thought I'd post on here something I wrote up a while ago in my journal that has been a good reference for me as I've tried to lose weight. I am DEFINITELY an emotional eater!! Maybe it can help some of you...

Emotions that can trigger eating:

• sad
• happy
• nervous
• angry
• stressed
• bored

If you're SAD and you want to eat, instead try:

• prayer
• calling a trusted friend
• posting on this blog
• writing someone an email
• going window shopping
• sitting in the sun
• downloading a song & listening to it over and over.
• putting on some happy, nostalgic music.

HAPPY moments that may trigger eating, and what to do instead:

• watching t.v. or a movie - focus on the movie or show!
• parties - start a conversation with someone there. keep a drink in your hand to sip on.
• playing games/friends over - snack on veggies instead of m&m's.
• out to eat - just stay in your points range, or eat half.
• going on vacation - focus on other fun things to do that do not involve food.

If you're NERVOUS and you want to eat, instead try:

• biting your nails!
• preparing, not procrastinating
• prayer
• neck rolls, deep breaths
• put on piano music

If you're ANGRY and you want to eat, instead try:

• resolving the anger with who it involves, if possible
• prayer
• take the five minutes to tend to the person who needs you at the moment
• walk on the treadmill (or outside) for five minutes - FAST.
• take a drive
• put on hymns

If you're STRESSED and you want to eat, instead try:

• reassess the situation - do you really need to be stressed about it?
• prayer
• neck rolls, deep breaths
• put on Enya

If you're BORED and you want to eat, instead try:

• write down five blessings of the day
• sing & dance (alone or with the kids)
• sew something/quilt
• put on Christmas music
• read
• do laundry or dishes
• do a project with the kiddies

IF NOTHING ELSE WORKS....put the offending food down the garbage disposal!!