Eating IS emotional

The pathologizing of “eating with emotions” is what is problematic NOT the act of eating itself.

My most recent emotional eating experience occurred several days ago. I was eating a donut and the taste reminded me of childhood. Upon further reflection, the flavors reminded me of something my late grandmother baked. Being able to connect with such special memories brought me SO MUCH JOY ❤️

Where this concept becomes problematic is when we turn to food to suppress or avoid our emotions. In these instances, the eating experience tends to not be pleasurable but rather it serves as a distraction and disconnects us from our intuitive signals. In this case, numbing oneself with food tends to INCREASE emotional distress. Rather than meeting ones emotional needs, it leads to further deprivation of what one truly needs. THIS IS NOT TO SAY ITS WRONG OR BAD. If turning to food is a way to cope with immense pain in the moment, that is okay!! I would encourage finding MORE ways to cope. We all need numerous coping strategies. Strategies that actually provide relief, comfort, and safety.

We all need to learn how to nurture ourselves. Food can be one way to do so. It need not be the ONLY way

If you notice yourself turning to food in times of emotional DISTRESS, ask yourself

• “was this helpful?”

• “Did it make me feel better?”

If so, it sounds effective! If In fact it evoked additional shame, guilt, or judgment, that doesn’t seem helpful. Try consider how else you may respond when those painful feelings show up.