This post is presented by Live Well Health Coaches 

It’s the end of the day.  You made it through the day…the packing of lunches, the pureeing of baby food, the homework, the temper tantrums.  And now…the kids are asleep…before you know it, you are elbow deep in a box of Oreo’s and bag of Doritos. IT. IS. ON.

Anyone else with me? I read a mom tweet recently that said “Suggested serving size? You don’t know me. You don’t know what I’ve been through.” If this is #relatable, you may, like me – be an emotional eater.

So what is emotional eating?  It is eating to feed your emotions versus eating to feed your body.  It is often referred to as stress eating – eating in response to stress…though stress is not the only trigger – happiness, sadness, among other emotions can be triggers too.  

You may be an emotional eater if…

You eat more when you’re feeling sad, stressed, lonely or bored

You eat when you’re not hungry

You reward yourself with food

Food makes you feel safe and comforted

More often than not…we are eating to satisfy a need. A need that food can’t truly satisfy long term. A Live Well | Bien Vivre health coach can help you determine what those true cravings are.  Here is one of those cravings I had when I became a new mom – FREEDOM. Those feelings of freedom when we dig into those peanut butter cups are all too familiar.  But they aren’t enough.

What can we do to satisfy this need in other ways?

• Ride a bike
• Try something you’ve always wanted to try
• Connect with an old friend
• Make a new mom friend 
• Do something you thought you couldn’t
• Write in a journal
• Create art (even if you’re bad at it!)
• Take a bath to soothe yourself 
• Have an ugly cry
• Call or visit someone who makes you laugh

Being mindful and practicing self-care can help you feed your TRUE cravings.

And when in doubt…focus on balance. It’s okay if you eat your emotions sometimes, just as long that it’s not your main way of coping with your emotions. Work towards changing your vocabulary…it’s not called ‘’cheating’ when you eat a slice of pizza…it’s called ‘’eating’’. 

Need a little support in conquering your true cravings?  Connect with a free and local Live Well Health Coach. Let us guide, support and motivate you today!

Live Well | Bien Vivre (LW|BV) is a Health Coaching program residing with Diabetes Canada and funded by the Government of New Brunswick. Free and accessible to anyone 19 and older, our Health Coaches are currently in six regions across the province, working to support clients in the pursuit of their wellness goals.

Our unique approach guides clients through stages of change, while connecting participants with community resources and supporting self determination. LW | BV wants to see New Brunswickers health and wellness thrive and we are dedicated to having a positive impact on health outcomes to prevent chronic disease. Contact a health coach today to start your journey!

 

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