I eat when I'm emotional.

So many of us look to food for comfort when things get emotional.

We all think of emotional eating as something we do when we are sad and stressed. Yes, those are a huge example of when we eat for comfort. But lets talk about eating when we are happy! I am definitely a happy eater. I eat when I celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and minor successes. Is this a good thing? Probably not the best.

If I could count the times I have eaten way more than I should have on a happy occasion, I wouldn't be able to tell you the number, it's just that high. Now in the last year, the sad/stressed emotional eating I have had a lot less times. How do I fight this urge to eat when I'm having these emotions?

• Find something better to do - read a book, take a walk, color a picture ( I LOVE adult coloring books), snuggle with your kids, talk it out.
• If you need a oral fixation - make yourself a cup of hot tea, chew some gum, or chew on a toothpick.
• Make a journal of your food intake - I have found that if I have to write down what I eat, I tend to eat less or make it a healthier choice. 
• Remember that eating is okay. Just also remember to eat only when you are actually hungry and not because you are wanting to control your emotions with food. 

I am running a fitness support group starting on the 20th of Feb. We will be giving a lot more ways to deal with emotional eating. I hope that you can join us. Leave me a comment below if you would like to learn more about the group!

Check out the event on Facebook: Take Charge!