Three Packs a Day

I know what you're thinking and the answer is "no." I'm not really up to three packs a day or even a smoker for that matter; however, I think that I do share a common impulse with my smoking pals and on some days, like today I'm having a "three pack-a-day day." Here's the similarity, are you ready?? I (probably like many of you) am an emotional eater. Instead of lighting one up during a stressful (or happy/sad/difficult) situation, you can expect see my rifling through my purse for gum, chocolate, stale jelly beans or even running out to get a calorie laden treat to stifle stress or rejoice in the happiness.

Much like smoking, this type of self-medication has the potential to be destructive over time and can lead to serious health problems.  I can honestly attribute the various sizes of pants in my closet  (6 to 16...yeah, that looks like somewhat of a roller coaster to me, too) to emotions felt over time - be them happy, sad, or stressed.

So, what's the best way to tell the eater in you to 'back it on up' and get lost because you're not giving in?

Tip you don't want to hear #1.) Have a glass of water and wait 30 minutes (unless you have a medical need to eat, of course). I know, it's boring...it's annoying...it's bland and even though I have seen weight loss results from doing this I still complain under my breath as I'm filling my water cup.  It really does work and helps to control cravings. If you drink a full glass of water and you're STILL want to eat after half-an-hour, then it's possible that you really are hungry and not just eating on the brink of a stressful situation (and be sure to have a healthy meal...not cake or candy like I would do). 


Tip you don't want to hear #2.) Assuming you're in a good state of health, take 30 minutes and walk it off...or run...or turn on some music and do the chicken dance. Thirty honest minutes of any exercise you are healthy enough to do should take your mind off the cake and candy and release some good endorphins to get you back to a normal state of mind.

My QOTD for you: Are you an emotional eater? If so, what to you look for when the urge to eat sets in?


Here's what WebMD has to say about emotional eating: 

There are several differences between emotional hunger and physical hunger, according to the University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center web site:

1. Emotional hunger comes on suddenly; physical hunger occurs gradually.
2. When you are eating to fill a void that isn't related to an empty stomach, you crave a specific food, such as pizza or ice cream, and only that food will meet your need. When you eat because you are actually hungry, you're open to options.
3. Emotional hunger feels like it needs to be satisfied instantly with the food you crave; physical hunger can wait.
4. Even when you are full, if you're eating to satisfy an emotional need, you're more likely to keep eating. When you're eating because you're hungry, you're more likely to stop when you're full.
5. Emotional eating can leave behind feelings of guilt; eating when you are physically hungry does not.

Also, an interesting Mayo Clinic Article on emotional eating: http://tinyurl.com/gkhsy