OVERCOME EMOTIONAL EATING

Nutritionist JESSICA SEPEL explains l i how to stop using food for comfort when you’re feeling down

Tune in to your body

“The next time you feel hungry, ask yourself: ‘What do I really need?’ Investigate whether you need food for nourishment, or if you’re craving some deeper comfort. If you’re physically hungry, give yourself permission to nourish yourself. Often, a disconnect from the body is a root cause of emotional eating.”

Reward yourself in other ways

“Food is not the only comforting part of life. Treat yourself to a day off, a walk in nature, a bubble bath, a massage or anything else that brings you joy. Commit to doing something nourishing at least once or twice a week.”

Explore your deeper emotions

“It’s important to ask yourself what you feel is missing in your life. When you come to the answer, don’t be afraid to deal with that pain. If you sense that you need deeper help, perhaps enlist the services of a counsellor or psychologist.”

Eat with joy

“Don’t cloud your eating experience with negative thoughts such as, ‘This is a bad food,’ or, ‘I should not be eating this.’ Your body manifests those thoughts into bodily stress, which can trigger emotional eating. Please be at peace with your plate and remember that ‘perfect’ doesn’t exist.”

Embrace mindful eating

“This means slowing down, chewing your food and removing distraction and technology from mealtimes. When you’re tired, stressed or emotional, it’s tempting to turn to sugar and carbs for comfort. Instead, drink water, practise deep belly breathing and consider what you’d truly like to eat. Then eat mindfully.”