Hello, and Happy Monday!
I love Mondays, New Year’s, the first of the month, and anything that symbolizes a fresh start. They remind us that we always have the chance to begin anew. Each morning, we can start fresh, develop new habits, or strengthen the ones that already serve us well.
Today, I want to discuss something that often comes up in my clients' sessions: Emotional Eating, or eating when bored, sad, or stressed. This is incredibly common, and we usually reach for unhealthy snacks not because we are hungry but because we are trying to cope with emotions. Sometimes, we don’t feel like reaching out to anyone, or maybe we don’t have someone we trust.
The good news is that there are simple, powerful ways to shift this pattern.
How to Overcome Emotional Eating
1.-Change Your Environment
Remove yourself from the space where the urge to snack strikes. Go outside, take a walk, or move to a different room. Your surroundings influence your mindset.” Staying in the same cozy but triggering space can keep you stuck. Fresh air and a change of scenery can shift your emotions and help you reset.
2.-Practice Ahimsa “The Art of Self-Compassion.”
Ahimsa is a beautiful Sanskrit word that means non-harm. This concept encompasses being kind to yourself in thought, action, and emotion. Pause and switch to self-protection mode when you notice a harmful thought that could lead you to make unhealthy choices. Remind yourself:
I only do good things for myself, allow only nourishing thoughts, and choose what truly supports my well-being.
When you adopt this mindset, you naturally move away from
self-sabotage and toward self-care.
3.-Reach Out to a Friend¸
If you have a trusted friend, reach out to them. Ask how they're doing and show genuine interest in their lives. Shifting your focus outward can offer a fresh perspective and help you break free from your emotional spiral. I love this quote: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."
4.- Organize & Create Order ¡
Your mind thrives on structure. Organizing a drawer, closet, or even a pantry can bring a sense of harmony. Engaging in small tasks that create order helps your thoughts become more centered, reducing anxiety and the urge to numb emotions with food.
5.-Do Something That Brings You Joy
Sometimes, the best advice comes from within. Make a “Lifesaver List," a collection of things that bring you peace, joy, or fulfillment. Place it somewhere visible, like on your fridge, in your purse, or on your bathroom mirror, so that the next time you feel lost, you have a ready guide for self-care.
¨ You Have the Power to Change Your Relationship with Food!
Solving emotional eating isn’t just about willpower; it’s about finding healthier ways to care for yourself. If you need support in developing healthy, sustainable nutrition habits that align with your goals, I’d be happy to help.
Let's schedule a Nutrition Session and design a plan that works for you!
Sending you love and light,
Sandra
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