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The Stress Eating Emotional Connection
Overeating is not a food problem. It’s a stress problem. It’s an emotional problem. It requires support. The cause of eating too much is too much stress and overwhelm. Overeating decreases when stress is reduced.
The root of all addictions is the addiction to a tranquilizing activity. Eating is the first and most commonly used (and misused) tranquilizing activity. If you consider yourself “addicted” to food, you very well may be. Stress management and stress reduction should definitely play a role in getting you back on track.
Remember that the need for comfort, the need for nurturance and support are NORMAL human needs. Most people feel like they don’t have enough support (what’s that?), so they comfort themselves with food to ease the stress and pressure in their lives. Unfortunately, if you don’t remove the stress and/or manage the stress more effectively, then the problem is still there. In fact, it can feel like the stress eating is getting more and more out of control. Most people experiencing chronic stress simply think this is “normal.” If you feel a lot of stress, you are likely to repeat any activity that provides temporary stress relief. Unfortunately, the vicious cycle keeps it going.
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Super article. I am having all of my bariatric surgery clients
read this article. After losing weight, most bariatric patients gain weight back. Even a smaller stomach cannot win over emotions. Great insights, Carol. Many thanks.
Dear Carol,
I am wondering:Oprah met all spiritual teachers in the world,
she lives in the world of personal trainers, Dr.Oz, etc. and she loves what she is doing. She is likely in good relationship with Stedman, otherwise I don’t think she wouldn’t be in it.
She also has an arsenal of friends including her b e s t f r i e n d Gail. Yet she is a food addict.
What is wrong here?
MArta
Marta,
Great question! Many years ago, I heard her say that she had learned to “feel” her stress, instead of “eating” her stress. She felt she had finally conquered emotional eating. Obviously, that wasn’t the case, and it just goes to prove that no one is invulnerable to high stress, and even with all the money and resources in the world, you can still have a problem. She has also said that she doesn’t like exercise, one of the best stress reducers, so I think that works against her. I wish I could coach her!