Emotional Eating

We’ve likely all heard the saying, “Don’t grocery shop on an empty stomach.”

Strolling through the aisles when you’re hungry can be a recipe for an overloaded shopping cart of unnecessary goods, which blows up the shopping bill, not to mention causes us to make choices that are not in the best interest of our nutrition goals.

But what happens when our physical feelings of emptiness are replaced by those of emotional emptiness?

In many cases, the exact same scenario will play out.

It’s common to have the urge to reach for food for comfort in stressful or emotional times.

However, as you may have experienced, finding comfort in food is often short-lived, and the instant gratification we feel is later followed by feelings of guilt and disappointment.

Not only have our issues not been resolved, but we’ve also veered away from our goals, leading to further sadness and shame.

Whether it’s spending with the money in our wallet or our macro bucks, the cost can be high!

However, by engaging in a little self-awareness, self-control, and self-love, we can set ourselves up for success, redirect our actions and avoid spending more than necessary!

Remember, you can always reach out to me for help, but implementing the steps below is something you can do on your own to help save your macro money:

Acknowledge and accept that you’re feeling upset. Write down exactly why, and how you’re feeling. What was your role in this issue? Are you willing to forgive yourself? If not, why?
Always go to the store with a list and buy only what is on that list. Ordering online could also be helpful.
Avoid loading up your news feed with pictures of food, or deciding now would be the perfect time to find new recipes and bake those new brownies.
If you feel tempted to buy items in the store or make food choices in the kitchen that aren’t ideal, hold off on entering the store or kitchen until you feel more in control. Take a brisk walk and get outside.
Set yourself a 2-minute timer and ask whether this is a true need or a want driven by emotion. Ask yourself, “Will eating this cookie bring me closer to my goals or lead me further away,” and “Will this ice cream resolve my issue or will it still remain?”
Stop and focus on your breath. If you find yourself about to make a purchase you know is dangerous to your daily and long-term goals, pause and focus on your breath. Be present to what is actually happening and why.
Ask for help from a friend or family member. Tell them how you’re feeling and ask if they can be your accountability partner for the day.
Redirect your energy to another activity that makes you feel good and will actually help you work through your issue, like meditation, journal writing, coffee or chatting with a friend.