By Angie Best-Boss, Contributing Writer
Does food serve as a distraction from uncomfortable moments in your life?
If so, emotional eating may be your way of avoiding emotional discomfort.
A focus on food diverts our attention from anything we'd rather not think about.
- Serious emotional eaters obsess about food
- Emotional eaters rely on food as their primary means to self-soothe
- For an emotional eater, somewhere along the way, food became the No. 1 means of entertainment and distraction
- Emotional eaters feel distress over their relationship with food. They often describe their eating as compulsive eating or food addiction, and they don't know what to do to stop!
If you or a loved one has an Eating Disorder, please call Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center at 1-877-398-4141 any time to discuss treatment options.
Emotional Eating is not about food; it is a coping tool for handling life. Eaters Disorders Anonymous explains, “Many of us were deeply negative and unable to distinguish negative thought patterns from reality; our perspective was distorted. Most of us were caretakers who were out of touch with our own needs. Because our needs went unmet, we were deeply resentful. In recovery, we learn to recognize our needs and take responsibility for getting them met. This raises our self-esteem.”
Eating Disorders Anonymous suggests links disordered eating to stress, and encourages members in ways to relieve stress more healthily. The acronym HALT is a common shorthand reminder to recognize when one is Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, and to do something positive to relieve the stress.
More Information
Looking for Treatment? Call 1-877-211-5188 Anytime
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, please call Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center at 1-877-211-5188 anytime to discuss treatment options.
The Eating Disorder Support Group at SupportGroups.com is for individuals who want to connect during life's challenging times. Share experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
Support Groups
Find a Treatment Facility Near You
Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.
The Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
