What You Need to Know About Emotional Eating

Issues with emotional eating are a lot more widespread than you might realize. For example, did you know that nearly seventy-five percent of Americans struggle with emotional eating? Emotional eating is using food to cope with emotions instead of dealing with them head-on. So it’s not about being hungry; it’s about using food to make yourself feel better.

If emotional eating is preventing you from living a happy and fulfilling life, here are seven things you need to know:

Emotional Eating is Common

Nearly seventy-five percent of Americans struggle with emotional eating, so you’re definitely not alone. However, it’s nothing to be ashamed of; it’s a prevalent coping mechanism. Food tastes good and feels good to consume. 😊

Emotional Eating is Normal

Using food to cope with emotions is perfectly normal. It’s a way to numb or avoid complicated feelings. Food can be very comforting, and it’s easy to turn to in times of stress. It’s especially easy today with the high availability of cheap processed food lacking any nutritional value.

Emotional Eating Isn’t Necessarily Bad

While emotional eating can lead to weight gain and other health problems, it isn’t necessarily bad. If emotional eating is the only way you know how to cope with emotions, it can actually be a good thing. It’s only when emotional eating starts to interfere with your life that it becomes a problem.

Emotional Eating Can Be a Sign of Something Bigger

If you find yourself eating emotionally more often than not, it could signify something more significant. For example, it could indicate an underlying mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you’re concerned that emotional eating might signify something more extensive. There is help out there for emotional eating that is causing health problems.

There are Other Ways to Cope with Emotions

There are other ways to cope with emotions besides food. For example, some people find that exercise, journaling, or talking to a friend can be helpful. Find what works for you and try to find other outlets for your emotions. Remember, your emotions are also normal and natural and don’t need to be stuffed.

You Can Learn to Control Emotional Eating

If emotional eating starts to interfere with your life, you can learn to control it. You can try many different techniques, such as mindful eating or keeping a food journal. There are also many books and articles on the subject. If you’re struggling to control emotional eating on your own, some professionals can help.

Emotional Eating is Nothing to Be Ashamed Of

Emotional eating is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a common coping mechanism. However, if you’re struggling with emotional eating, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you find ways to cope with your emotions healthily.

If you’re struggling with emotional eating, know you’re not alone. It’s a widespread coping mechanism, and there are ways to deal with it. If emotional eating interferes with your life, talk to your healthcare professional, including a mental health practitioner. They will help you find healthy ways to cope with your emotions. You can even get help from the comfort of your home through services like BetterHelp.com.