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When you're angry or depressed, food becomes a good source of
comfort. Maybe you start with a light snack which later turns into a
3000 calorie binge. You begin to question your will power and self
doubt creeps in. Your best plan for a good diet goes out the door
assuming you have a plan.
Anger, depression and anxiety can play havoc with our eating habits
because life revolves around food. As kids, we love to eat candy and
desserts. We celebrate by eating fatty foods at birthdays, weddings
and other special events.
We subconsciously use food as a reward or to subdue the pains of
life. We naturally turn to food as comfort when things go wrong.
That's why we must always be aware of our daily emotions. Examine
your feelings everyday. Are you feeling anxious, depressed or angry?
Don't give up if you blow your diet for the day. Tomorrow is a new
day. The worst thing you can do is beat yourself up with guilt after
overeating or bingeing, and you're most vulnerable when anxious or
depressed.
Plan the time, portion and content of your meals each day and stick
to it. Many people eat to fill a void in their lives. Examine your life
and keep records of your eating habits. If you eat when you're not
hungry, you may be trying to obtain comfort from food. Learn to
eat when you're hungry and plan to eat four to six times a day. Cut
down on portion but eat more often.
Once you establish a habit of eating smaller portions through the day,
you will not be as vulnerable to overeating. Never eat spontaneously.
Spontaneous eating in the absent of hunger is a sure sign of
emotional problems, lack of discipline or lack of nutritional
education.
Identify emotional issues that cause you to overeat. Find supportive
friends to talk with when you feel the urge to overeat. Weight
Watchers is a good support and accountability organization for weight
management. Regular exercise and good friendship help fight
depression and anxiety.
Here are some tips to help fight the emotional battle of losing
weight:
- Determine your mood especially before eating
- Develop interesting hobbies that take your mind off food
- Plan your meals each day
- Walk regularly through the week
- Strive to develop closer friendships
- Develop better spiritual health
- Monitor your emotions. Be prepared for the urge to overeat when emotionally upset.
- Drink 8 cups of water per day
- Replace junk food with fruits or low fat treats
- When you blow your diet.....Don't beat yourself up. Tomorrow is another new day.
Tips on Dieting
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Emotional Eating
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Why We Snack
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Don't Give Up
Recipes Main
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