The Best Way to Lose Weight for Emotional Eaters

Pinkmaddy | Aug 26, 2010 |

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You're either the type of person who eats to live or lives to eat. Emotional eaters eat to kill their emotions or numb them with the sweet taste of food. An emotional eater eats when she feels stressed out, threatened, or upset. Women, who have very little control over their emotions, are the most prone to emotional eating. Emotional eaters have the hardest time finding the best way to lose weight because they constantly at the mercy of their sentiments.

The reason why many of us turn to food when we're angry is because food can be a source of happiness. When we were young, our parents rewarded our efforts with our favorite meal and celebrations were always centered on the type of food available to us. Because of these happy memories, food becomes an escape route for something that is frustrating.

The best way to lose weight for emotional eaters will come in the form of acceptance. They need to accept that they eat to be happy and this causes them to gain weight. They need to be aware of what causes them to eat erratically. A bad day at the office, a fight with a loved one or even a lost parking space can actually be a trigger for emotional eating.

Once emotional eaters have found their triggers, they can find other compensatory mechanisms for when they start to feel the need to eat. We all know that the best way to lose weight is to exercise, but exercise has other benefits that include increasing the happy hormones in our body and raising our body awareness. These hormones, called endorphins also relieve the stress and anxiety built up inside. Talking to someone also helps to calm your nerves down and promotes bonding, but be sure to find a place where there is little or no food available.

Substituting other activities for eating will take some time and a lot of conscious effort. You must learn to identify your cravings and how your cravings are more than likely a symptom of a larger problem. Ask yourself if you are bored, thirsty, feeling sad, or are you feeling lonely? Identifying the source of the larger problem can help an emotional eater tremendously. It's so much easier to address and try to fix a problem once it has been identified. Solutions may include creating new habits and substituting eating for other activities. Perhaps it's time to find a new hobby or take that art class you've always wanted to. Maybe you should consider trying yoga or another stress relieving activity such as walking or gardening. The possibilities are endless and it will be hard work getting. Overcoming cravings and breaking bad habits and forming healthier ones comes from dedicating and determination.