It’s amazing how robotically we’ll slaughter a tray of lasagna or polish off a pint of ice cream when we feel frustrated, angry, lonely or sad.  After all, we were rewarded with sweets and treats, not only for  our accomplishments and good behavior, but also to soothe the bumps and bruises, both physical and mental, incurred on the playgrounds and in the classrooms of our childhood.  No wonder we now rush home to our comfort foods, unconsciously shoveling them in as a salve for our “big boy/big girl” worries and responsibilities.

Fortunately, we can overcome emotional eating by becoming aware that we are doing it in the first place. Unfortunately, we are often oblivious to our behavior because we are disconnected from our feelings and emotions. Strong feelings, especially repressed ones, often lead to knee-jerk reactions, like gobbling up a bag of chips, before we even have a chance to question our judgment. We must stop a moment, take a few deep breaths, and tune into our feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, disappointment or whatever. Then  examine their origin and notice how they drive our self-defeating behaviors. Instead of berating ourselves, let’s honor our feelings, and be open to the possibility of releasing them. It is in that moment of self reflection, or higher consciousness, that we may decide to delay eating until later when we are calm and relaxed. It is within that framework of awareness that we are also more likely to reach for something because of its nutritive value rather than its ability to provide us with a moment of fleeting pleasure.

Losing weight is not just about what you eat and don’t eat; it’s about your emotional state at the time you eat. Don’t let your mood choose your food and sabotage you best intentions. Be aware of your feelings and the emotions they generate. Free yourself from the knee-jerk reactions of your lower self and come instead from your higher self, the self that will support and guide you towards the attainment of all your goals, weight loss or otherwise.