Emotional eating is one of the reasons that many people find themselves struggling to maintain a healthy weight. Emotional eating occurs when you eat not just because your body is hungry and craving fuel from food, but when your emotions – especially negative emotions – trigger your desire to eat. Find out how to stop emotional eating so that you can gain control of your weight and health.

How to Stop Emotional Eating

• Practice Relaxation Techniques. Stress can be a particularly powerful trigger for emotional eating because it causes the body to produce higher levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol spikes can make some people crave sweet and salty foods, which are especially unhealthy. You might find that breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga are effective stress relievers.
• Cope in Healthy Ways. You might find that you’re using food to deal with uncomfortable emotions like anger, frustration, fear, or loneliness. Instead of turning to extra calories, try talking to a friend or journaling to process your feelings. You might also make a list of other activities you can do when you’re feeling bored or sad, such as exercising or playing a game.
• Face Your Problems. We all have occasional stressors and negative emotions that we need to cope with. But if you find yourself constantly turning to food to cover up a recurring problem, it may be time to address the root of the situation. Working with a mental health professional may help you uncover and resolve any underlying problems.
• Try Healthy Food Alternatives. If you find that you simply can’t overcome the urge to eat, make a point of reaching for healthy foods. Have healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables on hand, and try to keep tempting cookies and candies out of reach.