Are You An Emotional Eater?

I can definitely say that I am an emotional eater. When I am bored, I eat. When I'm depressed, I eat. When I'm out with friends, I eat. When I'm happy, I celebrate by eating. But what is normal and what isn't?

If you're like me, my parents used to reward me with Pizza. They told me let's celebrate your good grades with Papa Gino's Pizza. (I'm not kidding) I feel like I carried this habit well into my adult years as I think to myself... Well, I nailed that meeting so I'm going to go and grab a few slices of pizza to celebrate. This is considered emotional eating.

After a break up? I grab the Perry's Vanilla Bean ice cream and I can eat the entire thing and call it a day and not even bat an eyelash. This is considered emotional eating.

Here are the three causes of emotional eating:

1. Boredom or a feeling of emptiness. Fear, anger, and even shame can induce emotional eating.

2. Socializing. It is easy to go overboard at a company party, picnic, or birthday party. Try to be mindful of what you are eating.

3. Childhood habits that carry over into adulthood. Just like my parents rewarded me with pizza, this can carry into adulthood and you should be mindful of it.

O.k. so what do we do to combat this? Go for a walk, call a friend and chat, write an e mail or letter, and some also meditate. These are all healthy ways to combat emotional eating.

Stay well, Buffalo!