Emotional overeating can’t be solved overnight but there are things that the emotional overeater can do to help alleviate the problem and learn to overcome it. Let’s take a look at some of these lifestyle choices.
First, notice the word choices. This is key – it is a choice to overcome this and lead a healthy lifestyle. Yes, it’s overwhelming. Yes, it’s hard. But with determination, perseverance and the desire to make the choices to change, it can be done. Keep in mind that with everything in life including overcoming emotional overeating you will have setbacks. Don’t beat yourself up, just shrug it off and move on!
Now, let’s take a look at some specific choices you can make to help conquer emotional overeating.
Exercise
This is kind of a no brainer. Even if you don’t suffer from emotional eating, exercise is something we’re all supposed to do. It’s recommend at least three times a week for at least 15-20 minutes each time. In the grand scheme of things that’s not a whole lot of time and there’s always a way to find 15 minutes here or 15 minutes there to get a quick walk in or whatever exercise you choose. Even if you can only find the time to do it once a week, do it! It’s better than nothing.
How does exercise help with emotional eating? Well, exercise releases endorphins which cause a person to feel happy. When an emotional overeater feels happy and good about themselves, they usually don’t have any of their eating binges. If you’re exercising you aren’t eating.
Nature
It may seem silly to mention this one but so many people miss out on the natural healing power of nature! It’s relaxing and calming to be surrounded by nature like birds and oceans and rivers. Take the time to surround yourself with these things when you can. Not to mention that when you’re out in nature you aren’t being bombarded with media messages like the stick thin Hollywood actresses/models you see on all the magazines or the TV media messages, etc.
Surrounding yourself by nature may not seem important in your quest towards overcoming emotional eating but it truly can help. And heck, why not kill two birds with one stone? Meaning, why not get out there in nature for your weekly exercise of 15-20 minutes three times a week?
