Want to lose your baby weight once and for all? Get FREE tips that work and a weekly podcast at Arlene's website http://www.losingweightafterbaby.com or blog at http://losingweightafterbaby.wordpress.com
Do any of these situations sound familiar:
It’s been a tough day. The kids are finally in bed. You sigh in exhaustion and start walking towards the kitchen looking for comfort. You grab a scoop of ice cream, a handful of cookies or a slice of cake.
You’re stressed out at work. You walk towards the vending machine and buy a candy bar.
You’ve got a bad case of the blahs. When you’re home alone, you dive into the chips, cookies, or other desserts.
When faced with stress, anger, boredom, anxiety or loneliness, it’s very easy to overeat. Maybe you turn to a childhood favorite like ice cream when you need a pick-me-up. Emotional eating isn’t about being hungry physically; it’s about being hungry emotionally. And that’s why no amount of Twinkies or bonbons will truly satisfy. Unfortunately, in the process of trying to find comfort, you’re packing on pounds.
But there’s good news! You don’t have to live as a prisoner to emotional eating. Get control of your eating habits before they take control of you. Here’s how:
1. Call Weight Loss 911 (figuratively speaking!). Call up a friend when you feel down instead of turning to a lifeless carton of ice cream, no matter what flavor. Ask someone to be your accountability partner.
2. Recognize the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger. Here’s a great test for true hunger: do you want to eat snap peas, celery or broccoli? If the answer is no, you’re probably just craving something sweet or salty to eat. If the answer is yes, then eat as many veggies as you like. You’re really hungry!
3. Journal what you eat. For the next week, write down what you eat all day long. Look for patterns. Do you eat poorly at certain times of day? Maybe you overeat when you’re alone. When you see negative patterns, start making some changes in those areas. For instance, if you’re a late night snacker, brush your teeth at 8 pm and don’t eat anything afterwards.
4. Look for comfort outside the kitchen. Relieve stress in your life by stretching or taking a walk in the park. Rent a chick-flick and have a good cry. Get a manicure. Listen to your favorite music CD. Think of things you enjoy doing that don’t involve food.
5. Keep your perimeter secure. Don’t allow unhealthy, high calorie foods into your kitchen. If your pantry is stocked with potato chips, cookies, cakes and sodas, you’re asking for trouble. Save your treats for social events.
Emotional eating is a very hard habit to break, but it can be done. Some days, you’ll do better than others. The key is to keep trying. There will come a day when you’ll automatically turn to a friend instead of the pantry. When that happens, you’ll know you’ve gained a weight loss victory!
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Stress Relief - Choose A Good Diet To Manage It
- Stress And Weight Gain - The Cortisol Connection
- Want To Reduce Your Stress Levels? Let Me Show You How You Can Win The Battle Against Stress
- How to Deal With Stress?
- Stressed Out With Belly Fat Pt. 1: the Truth About Abdominal Fat
- The Best Anti-Aging Foods and How They Work
- Vitamins and Stress
- The Stress Buster Diet That Helps You Manage Stress
The Untold Rewards of Meditation
By: Sandra L. Lerner | 27/12/2009The author discusses the psychological and spiritual rewards of meditation that usually are omitted whenever a discussion of the subject arises.
How can i help her get over the boy she loves
By: simon | 27/12/2009For a lot of people, been dumped are the worst of all nightmares. You normally you can't catch some Z's, eat, rest and relax because when you think about something, it reminds you of your ex. Getting over an ex is ne'er easy for many people. It needs decision and will power to overcome your emotions and live over it each day. If you require to know how to get over an ex, then this report will for sure help you to stress on going on with your life.
My ex-boyfriend has a new girlfriend
By: simon | 27/12/2009I've found that a lot of people, breakups are the worst of all nightmares. You normally you can't sleep, eat, rest and relax because every time you think about something, it triggers memories of your past lover. Getting over your ex is never painless for many people. It needs determination and willpower to overtake your emotions and get over it every day. If you require to know how to get over an ex, then this article will for sure assist you to focus on advancing with your life.
Help to get over my ex
By: simon | 27/12/2009I've found that most people, ending relationships are the worst of all experiences. Normally you can't catch some Z's, eat, rest and relax because when you think about something, it triggers memories of your ex. To get over your ex is never painless for many people. It takes purpose and self-will to overtake your emotions and live over it each day. If you desire to know how to get over an ex, then this article will for sure help you to focus on progressing with your life.
I just found out the (ex)boyfriend I had been
By: simon | 27/12/2009For many individuals, been dumped are the worst of all experiences. Normally you can't catch some Z's, eat, rest and relax because every time you look at something, it triggers memories of your ex. To get over an ex is ne'er painless for most individuals. It needs purpose and willpower to overpower your emotions and live through it each day. If you require to know how to get over an ex, then this information will surely help you to stress on progressing with your life.
My ex boyfriend left me for this so called bestfriend and now he
By: simon | 27/12/2009I've found that most people, ending relationships are the worst of all nightmares. Normally you can not catch some Z's, eat, rest and relax because every time you look at something, it reminds you of your past lover. To get over an ex is ne'er easy for most people. It takes purpose and willpower to overtake your emotions and live through it every day. If you desire to know how to get over an ex, then this article will for sure help you to stress on progressing with your life.
My best friend is dating my ex boyfriend and I am so jealous
By: simon | 27/12/2009For a lot of people, been dumped are the worst of all experiences. Usually you can't catch some Z's, eat, rest and relax because every time you think about something, it triggers memories of your past lover. Getting over your ex is ne'er simple for most people. It takes determination and will power to overtake your emotions and get over it each day. If you desire to know how to get over an ex, then this article will for sure help you to stress on going on with your life.
Did I just boost the ego of my ex-boyfriend who left me for his ex
By: simon | 27/12/2009For many individuals, been dumped are the worst of all experiences. Normally you can not catch some Z's, eat, rest and relax because every time you think about something, it triggers memories of your ex. Getting over your ex is ne'er simple for many individuals. It takes purpose and will power to overpower your emotions and live through it every day. If you desire to know how to get over an ex, then this article will for sure service you to stress on advancing with your life.
Advice About Life After Baby From My Ob/gyn
By: Arlene Pellicane | 14/11/2008 | PregnancyGet great advice from Dr. Kim Goodwin, a OB/GYN who's delivered more than 1500 babies and just had one herself.
My Husband: the Super Champ of Dads
By: Arlene Pellicane | 08/06/2008 | ParentingWhy my husband the toddler tamer is my hero
What Your Husband Really Wants This Father’s Day
By: Arlene Pellicane | 08/06/2008 | HolidaysA personal gift that won't cost a penny!
How to Look Beautiful for Your Husband Even After Baby
By: Arlene Pellicane | 08/06/2008 | MarriageWhy being attractive really does meet one of his deepest needs
Save Cash by Losing Weight After Baby
By: Arlene Pellicane | 12/05/2008 | BabiesWhat do pounds have to do with dollars? Find out three ways your waistline affects your wallet!
Skinny Europeans: One Thing American Moms Can Learn From Them
By: Arlene Pellicane | 12/05/2008 | Home & FamilyWhat do thin European women know that you don’t?
Ten Ways to Treat Your Wife Right This Mother’s Day
By: Arlene Pellicane | 05/05/2008 | HolidaysNeed some inexpensive, creative gifts that speak volumes? Look no further!
Weight Loss 911: Help, I’m an Emotional Eater
By: Arlene Pellicane | 02/04/2008 | Self HelpDon’t live as a prisoner to emotional eating anymore