Emotional eating is eating when you are not physically hungry. It is not a physical need to eat but rather an emotional need. Emotion is the one of the major reasons why people overeat. When some people feel sad, empty, stressed or lonely, they eat food as a way to comfort themselves and for emotional support.
But eating rarely solves the problems that gave rise to the negative emotion in the first place. What’s worse, people usually feel worse about themselves after eating too much or eating food they know they shouldn't have eaten.
We have to learn how to distinguish the difference between emotionally hunger and bodily hunger. According to researchers from the University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center, five major differences between emotional hunger and bodily hunger are:
1. Bodily hunger occurs gradually whereas emotional hunger arises suddenly.
2. Bodily or physical hunger is felt blow the neck (ie. stomach) while emotional hunger is felt above the neck (ie. in your head).
3. When you are craving for specific comfort food like ice cream and pizza, it is usually emotional hunger. When you are physically hungry, you are open to any food.
4. Emotional hunger needs to be satisfied immediately. Physical hunger usually can wait.
5. People usually feel guilty after eating for emotional reasons but if you eat for physical hunger, you won’t feel guilty afterwards.
Emotional eating usually stems from lack of support and love from people. To solve this problem, surround yourself with family and friends who support you and love you. Replace the comfort food with the love of people who care about you. Most importantly, remember to appreciate and love yourself for the wonderful human being that you are. Emotional hunger eating