Here are some great tips from the Curves Complete Website to help overcome emotional eating. 1. Identify what emotion causes you to overeat. At Curves, we call these Cues. On Curves Complete, you’ll see an article on Cues. Use this article to identify your triggers that cause you to overeat. 2. Before you eat, take a few minutes to understand how you are feeling. Are YOU in control or are your emotions in control? Before you eat, make sure you’re in a good place emotionally. 3. Connect with your Community. Remember, 75% of overeating stems from emotions. You’re not alone! Connect with other women at your local Curves club, online through the message boards, or call a friend for support. 4. Battle Boredom. If you’re feeling bored or lonely, invite a friend to go on a walk with you or go to Curves. Or, grab a good book, watch a funny movie, volunteer in your community, visit a local museum or cultivate a new hobby. 5. Toss out tempting foods. Create a fresh start for yourself and throw away any comfort foods. There is no reason to test your willpower! Instead, keep healthy snacks on hand like carrots & hummus or celery & peanut butter. 6. Exercise regularly. Exercising regularly can actually boost your mood. All the more reason to visit Curves and walk regularly! 7. Satisfy cravings healthfully. Try making a lower calorie version of your favorite foods. Or, when you’re craving something sweet, choose an option from the Dessert guide on Curves Complete. Simply replace one of your snacks with a dessert choice. The protein shake is also a great way to satisfy your cravings for something sweet. 8. Delay Gratification. Instead of giving into your cravings, drink a glass of water and wait 20 minutes to see if you still want the food. Rather than saying “I can’t have that” use a positive phrase such as “I don’t eat that.” Or, say “later” rather than “never” so that you don’t feel deprived. 9. Reward your progress healthfully. Buy that new top you’ve been eyeing, invite a girlfriend to get a pedicure or buy a new bike. Reward your weight loss efforts with something other than food. 10. Get enough Sleep. Sleep deprivation can make it harder to tame your emotions and resist cravings. Aim for 7-9 hours a night of sleep each night. We have the power to stop emotional eating by taking one step at a time – identify the emotion, find an alternative, and cultivate a new habit. Remember, by understanding what leads to emotional eating, we can take the necessary steps to change it.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 05:44:13 +0000