I can’t believe that after all these years I had no indication of this. How could I have been so clueless to something that directly affected me. I was/am an emotional eater. One would think that the sudden desire to devour 3 slices of pie back to back with a tall glass of milk when I’m bored would have led me in that direction. However, I was clueless. All, I did know was whenever I am experiencing the emotions of being upset, bored or sad, you can also throw hungry in the mix. Yeah it is that kind of party for me ladies. So much so, that I still battle overeating daily. To top it off, I love to eat. I genuinely love food. I love food with extra flavors, spices, and juices. I love the feeling of a full stomach followed by a good nap after wards. Yeah I said it! God help me if it is that time of the month. The refrigerator door and my hand is glued together for that week.

Overeating is an issue that affects 1 in every 100 women in this country. “Aww that doesn’t sound like a lot to me LJ”. Oh, but it is. Especially when you think about the fact that for every 5 women there is 1 men. In other words, there are more men than women on this lovely plant we are spinning on.

The other causes of overeating are as follows:

* Unemployment
* Financial pressure
* Health problems
* Relationship conflicts
* Work stress
* Bad weather
* Fatigue

With that being said, how can we combat this gluttony epidemic? That, even I do not have a clear and straightforward answer to. In my case, I often overeat when I am bored so what works is when I find something to occupy my time as I find that the busier I am the less my mind is free to wonder about a Chicago stuffed Leona’s pizza slice or a thoroughly dipped Italian Beef with peppers on the side (God! I miss Chicago’s food).

Another route would be to go to the route of your problems as overeating is also a direct result of stress, or worry. If you need to see someone, to talk about your problems or issues then do so. Speaking to a counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist, Reverend, does not make you a nutcase contrary to popular urban opinion. Everyone needs someone to talk to to express their emotions and concerns to. Even the strongest woman/man. Another way would be to identify your emotional eating trigger. If you are someone who eats when you are angry with someone then the first step is realizing that. This will help you in recognizing that emotion when your experience it. In other words if you are angry with your man then before you reach for that 2 pound bag of Cheetos STOP and think about what you are doing. Try not to allow yourself to sulk in the moment. I am not saying that you should not be upset. Just try not to immerse yourself in that feeling and in the bag of Cheetos.

Here are four other maneuvers in preventing emotional eating:

# Step Two: Recognize Hunger Signals Learn How

# Step Three: Limit Trigger Foods
Simply stop stocking your fridge and pantry with the foods you binge on.

# Step Four: Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals almost always leads to over-eating.

# Step Five: Create Alternatives to Eating
Whether it’s a bubble bath or curling up with a good book, planning other activities will help you relax and avoid binges.

Lastly, remember, you are not alone. There is no over night cure for over eating of any kind. It will take time and dedication on your part to be a healthy eater and a person that handles emotions in a healthy manner. What do you say? Let’s put that third slice of cheesecake down together! And where is the damn gym?

Via: Weightloss.com