4 FIXES FOR EMOTIONAL EATING

Don't feed your feelings--deal with them

by Jorge Cruise

Erin McLeod started using food for comfort when she was 7 years old. "That's when my parents divorced, and they weren't home in the evening," she told me. As an adult, Erin was frequently left at home in the evenings with her kids because her husband went out a great deal. "I felt lonely; food was my only companion," she says. Many of us eat when what we really need is nurturing. When Erin joined my online support group, she found what she'd been missing, and she lost 70 lbs.

Are You an Emotional Eater?
1. Do you eat when you're feeling sad, lonely, or bored?
2. Do you celebrate or reward yourself with food?3. Is there a food you crave when you're stressed or worried?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be an emotional eater. My challenge to you this month: Become aware of your feelings. Carry a small notebook with you; every time you reach for food, jot down how you feel.

Emotional Rescues
When emotions push you to the fridge, try these quick fixes:
Angry: Blast the stereo, and sing or dance like Jennifer Lopez or Bruce Springsteen.
Anxious: Turn off the news, and tune in to Comedy Central.
Sad: Rent a feel-good movie such as The Shawshank Redemption, About a Boy, or I Am Sam.
Lonely: Join an online chat, or e-mail a long-lost friend. It's normal to feel emotional from time to time, but if you can't shake your mood within 2 weeks, or it's interfering with your life, see a doctor or mental health professional.

1
Best-selling author Jorge Cruise's latest book is 3-Hour Diet On the Go (Collins 2005).