Are You an Emotional Eater? The Signs to Look For

By Rigel Celeste on December 1st, 2009

105140030_45a9b306dd We set up our lives to be stressful, whether we mean to or not. Work deadlines, relationship problems, stick-thin models flaunting their stuff in magazines making us feel bad about our bodies — it’s no wonder so many of us find comfort in food. Food is easy, accessible, cheap, and fun to eat. Find out if your eating habits are based on comfort and emotions by seeing if any of the following statements ring true for you:

You eat when you aren’t physically hungry.
It’s sometimes hard to find food that satisfies you.
You don’t always stop eating when you’re full.
Cravings are triggered by emotions like anxiety, anger, or boredom.
You sometimes don’t enjoy food but keep eating anyway, in an almost mindless or trance-like way.

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, here are some ways to cope:

Sip on something hot, like herbal tea.
Put on cozy, comforting clothes.
Take a hot bath.
Light a scented candle with a soothing fragrance.
Wrap yourself up in a blanket (or a Snuggie!)

I find that a big key for me is trying not to keep too many tempting comfort foods in the house (for me it’s sweets). What helps you fight the urge to comfort eat?