Lose Weight by Leaving Comfort Eating Behind
Comfort foods are so called because they feed some longing within us. Did you know that endorphins are released when you eat good food, just like when you exercise? In the case of food, it is usually high in fat or calories or both. Food is often a way to cope with stress.
Emotional eating involves using food to soothe hurts and other conflicts. Unfortunately it often leads to a new set of problems in your life. If you want to lose weight but emotional eating and comfort foods are a problem, here are some smart ways to help.
* Think before you eat – Before you pick up that first gooey bite of fattening food, think about why you are upset in the first place. Maybe you are overreacting. If you are, find a way to calm yourself. Be in the moment so you don’t mindlessly eat.
* Take a deep breath – You’d be surprised how much better things look when your brain gets a little extra oxygen. Your thinking becomes clearer so you can work through to a rational solution to your dilemma.
* Brush your teeth – You may have already brushed them once, but brushing them again can take away your craving for that candy bar or that macaroni and cheese. It is a small thing that really works.
* Drink water – When your belly is full of water you won’t think about food. Staying hydrated is also good for your overall health.
* Exercise – Get moving to stop emotional eating. Exercise lowers your stress levels, increases oxygen levels and also increases your health. Endorphins are released to give you a natural high and a mood boost.
* Phone a friend – This is not a game show but it still works. Have a friend who you trust on standby to talk to you when you need an ear. In a stressful situation, picking up the phone is easier than trying to lose an extra five pounds after munching down on unhealthy snacks.
* Remove the offending food from your home – You can’t eat what you can’t find. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Only keep healthy snacks around so while you munch a little and get your head together, you won’t ruin your waistline.
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