Emotional eating is turning to food for comfort or as a reward rather than for hunger. It is a common way some people try and deal with their feelings.
If you answered YES to two or more of these questions, you may be emotionally eating.
Physical Hunger | Emotional Hunger |
Stomach growling, empty feeling in stomach | No physical cues (stomach is quiet) |
Can be satisfied with any type of food | Have a specific craving |
Time has passed since last meal | Comes on suddenly |
Feel satisfied, energized after last bite | Feel regret, guilt or shame after last bite |
Call a friend | Exercise | Positive self talk |
Read a book | Listen to music | Take slow, deep breaths |
Go for a walk | Watch a movie | Meditation or prayer |
Journal | Humor | Work on a puzzle |
Play a game | Rest or sleep | Try a "food and mood" diary |
Face or feel the emotion | Get out of the house | Seek counseling |
Remember, it will take time to retrain your brain to no longer rely on food for comfort. You may need to try several ways in order to find the right method for you. If you have tried self-help options in the past, but you cannot control your emotional eating, you may need to consider therapy or counseling with a professional.
Albers, Susan. (2016, January). 20 Mindful Eating Handouts. Retrieved February 7, 2022
Helpguide.org. (2021, September). Emotional eating and how to stop it. Retrieved February 7, 2022 from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/diets/emotional-eating.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2020, December 9). Weight loss: Gain control of emotional eating. Retrieved February 7, 2022 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20047342
Tribole, Evelyn, and Elyse Resch. Intuitive Eating. 4th ed., St. Martin's, 2012.