[This is Part 3 of a series. If you missed any of the previous posts, scroll to the bottom for links.]
Eating can be a pleasurable activity.
Don’t be afraid to eat cake and have fun—just remember to keep a balanced perspective.
It’s okay to take pleasure in food and enjoy sharing it with others. The key is to be aware so you can recognize if food and eating interferes with your health and well-being.
I cringe when I hear people say, “Aren’t we all emotional eaters? We all eat cake when we’re celebrating and happy at a birthday party.”
No. No. No. Eating when you are experiencing the emotion of happiness does not make you an emotional eater. However, indulging in candy, cake, and carbs to reward yourself at the end of every stressful day is a sign that you are not feeling your feelings and healthily dealing with difficult issues that affect your life.
Do you see the difference?
It is about perspective, and, of course, staying balanced. You can have your cake, and eat it, too, without being an emotional eater. But you need to be aware when food may be a distraction from uncomfortable emotions.
That’s when you need to address emotional eating concerns.
Stay tuned for part four (it will help you identify if you’re eating is out of control).
Missed any of the series? Read more:
Part 1 Make Peace with Food, Your Mind, and Your Body
Part 2 Understand How Emotional Eating Works
