Emotional Eating

1. Eating when not physically hungry or eating beyond the point of fullness.
2. Craving specific types of food, especially those high in sugar, fat, or salt.
3. Eating rapidly and mindlessly, without savoring or enjoying the food.
4. Feeling guilt, shame, or regret after eating, particularly during or after an emotional episode.
5. Using food as a way to numb or distract from uncomfortable emotions.
6. Difficulty identifying or expressing emotions, relying on food as a primary coping mechanism.
7. Feeling a lack of control or powerlessness around food choices and eating habits.

For additional information and tips, please check out this resource from KidsHealth. 

1. Stress and Emotional Overwhelm: Food can provide temporary comfort and distraction from stressors or overwhelming emotions.
2. Childhood Experiences: Learned behaviors and associations with food from childhood can shape emotional or stress eating patterns in adulthood.
3. Lack of Emotional Awareness: Difficulty recognizing and managing emotions can lead to using food as a primary coping mechanism.
4. Social and Environmental Factors: Social situations, such as celebrations or gatherings, and environmental cues can trigger poor eating habits.
5. Negative Body Image: Dissatisfaction with body image can contribute to using food as a way to manage emotions or seek comfort.

1. Weight Fluctuations: Emotional or stress eating often leads to weight gain or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Nutritional Imbalances: Consistently turning to unhealthy food choices can result in nutrient deficiencies and a lack of proper nourishment.
3. Emotional Distress: Relying on food for emotional support can perpetuate a cycle of negative emotions, guilt, and shame.
4. Decreased Self-Esteem: Unfavorable eating patterns can undermine self-confidence and body image.
5. Chronic Health Issues: Long-term emotional eating can contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.