How to deal with your feelings without turning to food?

When it comes to eating, which is not driven by hunger, but feelings, it is a matter of so-called emotional eating. The characteristic of most people who feel powerless about their desire to eat is that they feel they do not have the will to deal with their appetite. The truth is, we all have much more power over it than we imagine. The peculiarities of emotional eating are, in particular, that it occurs spontaneously, mechanically and completely meaningless. Loneliness, dissatisfaction, stress, depression - feelings that trigger unjustified, emotional eating can be many and many different. Even though it may seem at first glance that your main problem lies in the fact that you are powerless in the face of food, the truth is that you are unable to cope with your emotions. Often through it you try to fill in the gaps that you are deepening in yourself.
How do we manage our feelings and what are the alternatives to deal with them without rushing to food?

The steps to controlling emotional eating are:

Awareness of the problem and self-control

In general, emotional eating happens unconscious, unforeseen, and reckless. That is why it is important to analyze the situation! Think about the reasons that make you feel mentally unstable and think about what you can change. Once you understand this, you can choose the methods that work best for you. An important rule to deal with gloomy thoughts is to learn to accept your feelings, even those that are the worst! Acceptance is the first step in change.

A useful step towards change is to start keeping a journal! Record every day what, how much and when you eat, as well as how you feel - before and after meals. This way you will quickly and clearly see the connection between your mood and eating. Visualize the results/conclusions/excerpts from what you have written and attach them to the fridge - so next time you will be less likely to throw yourself unjustifiably on the food.

Replace a bad habit with a useful one

Each habit can be replaced by another far healthier as an activity. Take a piece of paper and write down all the useful things that can restore your tone. Here are some examples: a cup of warm tea, a relaxing foot massage (eliminating stress), listening to your favourite music, reading inspirational books, or motivational quotes. With a list like this, you'll have quick decisions that can help you cope with your emotions without having to resort to food.

Regular practice

Results are achieved with practice! Don't blame yourself if you make a mistake and have failed to eliminate emotional eating once. By systematic practice and using different techniques you will be able to find the balance. A good tactic is that every time you reach the fridge to try to delay your mealtime by at least 5 minutes, you will be given time to figure out if you really need it. You do not think "I will not eat it!" Because the prohibition itself urges desire, even stronger! Just put it off in time, and as you wait, think about what made you turn to food. Then use one of your favourite things on the list to cheer up and increase your chances of skipping meals.

How to control our emotions

The best solution is undoubtedly the movement! Sport, no matter what type it is, has a positive effect on your mind and it is through regular physical activity that you can get rid of the negative emotions that are holding you back. 30 minutes a day has been shown to stimulate the brain and produce the hormone of happiness. Of course, to make it not feel like an obsessive obligation, choose this activity that makes you happy - homework, gym workout, swimming, cycling - the suggestions are many, it all depends on your attitude. You will be amazed how a morning workout is able to tone you up and keep you focused throughout the day. Make an activity plan for the week and follow it, soon your body will get into a rhythm and sports will not weigh you down, but on the contrary - you will need it to feel and look healthy and in tune with yourself!

If you feel lonely or have depressed thoughts, another good solution is to leave your home and meet friends. Changing the environment is always beneficial! Getting away from home can really charge you - give it a try!
If you are feeling bored without being anxious and struggling with a sense of apathy, it is a good idea to read some quality, motivating book. Being detached from the real world will surely take you away from the black thoughts!

Today, the biggest enemy in our daily lives is stress! If you resort to food for your sake, you can try different meditation techniques that will distance you from the problems. The benefits of meditation are many: increased concentration decreased levels of anxiety and rushes positive emotions. Focus 100% on yourself and find these exercises that will make you focus on mastering your thoughts!

Another source of energy is a good rest! In today's fast-paced business, it is crucial to get it on a regular basis. Do not underestimate it because it is your breakthrough which you can enjoy nature or your relationships with loved ones. Tiredness, stress, constant haste are the ones that make us nervous and eternally tired, so it is important to find the source that energizes you. For everyone, he expresses himself in different activities - a dream, a picnic in the park, a walk in the mountains. Find your way to restart!

After everything is written here, it is important to say that change is born in thought! If you want to happen you have to change the attitude about your surroundings and yourself, then the physical transformation will come. The efforts are worth it!