Emotional Eating Support

Whether it’s after an argument with a loved one, a stressful day at work, or just feeling down, emotional eating can be a way to cope with our emotions. Surprisingly, it can even happen when we’re feeling happy!

Emotional overeating is driven by a specific molecule called Proenkephalin, which is located in the brain’s hypothalamus. This coping mechanism can lead to consuming large amounts of food quickly and often in solitude.

It’s not uncommon for someone to start with just one cookie and end up devouring the entire pack, searching for more sweets to satisfy their emotional hunger. Or finish a whole bag of chips and looking for more foods to satisfy your sudden hunger that can’t be tamed. Comfort foods can vary and bingeing can be planned, with individuals going out of their way to buy or order the specific foods they crave. In some cases, people will eat anything available in the house, regardless of whether it’s sweet, salty, or sour.

Binge eating is often described as being in an “auto-pilot” mode, where the person feels out of control and unable to stop once they’ve taken the first bite. It’s a hidden and secretive behavior, with individuals consuming thousands of calories in a short amount of time, often in a semi-unconscious state of mind.

Binge eating is not a once a time incident. Bingeing on comfort foods for few times a month, even sometimes few times a week or daily is how we identify this eating disorder or compulsive eating behavior.

The repetitive pattern shows the brain’s coping mechanism as a response to negative or positive emotions.

What follows the compulsive overeating is usually the feeling of guilt, shame and failure. The digestive discomfort, feeling bloated, trouble to sleep are all common symptoms as well.

Emotional eating can have significant impacts on both your physical and mental health. Consuming large amounts of food quickly can lead to weight gain, obesity, and related health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, the emotional toll of binge eating can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Understanding the underlying triggers for emotional eating is crucial in addressing and managing this behavior. It is often rooted in using food as a way to numb or distract from uncomfortable emotions. By identifying these triggers, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with their emotions in a more constructive way.

Seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can be beneficial for individuals struggling with emotional eating. Therapists can provide guidance and support in exploring the root causes of emotional eating, developing healthier habits, and building a positive relationship with food.

Building a strong support system is also essential in overcoming emotional eating. Surrounding oneself with understanding and non-judgmental individuals can provide encouragement and accountability. Sharing experiences and strategies with others who have faced similar challenges can be empowering and help individuals feel less alone in their journey.

Developing a mindful eating practice can also be helpful in managing emotional eating. This involves paying attention to physical hunger and fullness cues, savoring each bite, and being present in the moment while eating. By slowing down and being more aware of the eating process, individuals can better recognize emotional triggers and make conscious choices about their food intake. It’s important to remember that overcoming emotional eating is a process that takes time and patience. It may involve setbacks and relapses, but with perseverance and support, individuals can develop healthier habits and find a more balanced relationship with food and emotions.

If the above scenario resonates with you, I highly recommend taking our “Therapeat Emotional Eating Test” to uncover valuable information about your mental and physical well-being, empowering you to take appropriate measures.