How To Break The Habit

If you are using food as an emotional crutch, the aftermath – a rapidly expanding waistline and flab everywhere – can be a bit of a shock. Also, because you haven’t properly addressed your emotional needs, you’re trapped in a vicious circle that makes it impossible to lose weight. Here’s how to break the habit:

* Whenever you’re just about to eat, pause. Stop and think about what it is you’re really feeling at that moment. Is it anger, boredom, loneliness? If it helps, keep a diary and note the feelings and emotions that prompt you to reach for the biscuit tin.
* Recognize and acknowledge what it is you’re feeling. Work out what it is you’re using food for. Is it a substitute for company, love, a relationship? Is it to calm you down, to make you feel less anxious? Once you have traced the root cause, then you will recognize what it is you need to do.
* What steps can you take to resolve these emotions? There’s not always an easy answer, but there always is an answer. It is always possible to do something about whatever is bothering you. Even the smallest action is a step in the right direction. For instance, if you are angry, you will be producing a lot of excess adrenaline and stress hormones. Something very simple like going for a run can help to dissipate these stress chemicals coursing through your body. If you are feeling anxious, then calming music, a relaxing aromatherapy bath, a massage or a haircut can help. Instead of bottling up your feelings, try to talk to someone: your family, a friend, even your doctor.Talking about a problem can be a really important first step.
* Slowly try to wean yourself off your dependence on food by making yourself wait 10 minutes before you eat. Each day add on another five minutes. Meanwhile implement your substitute activities: go for a walk, listen to a relaxation tape, watch a favorite TV program.
* Once you have established what changes are necessary in your life -expanding your social life, making new friends, acknowledging you would like a relationship – the emotion will not leave you so overpowered.You are now able to isolate what it is you feel, and in doing so you can decide what action it is you need to take. Gradually, you will no longer need to turn to food for comfort – there are lots of other things you can do that are much more beneficial.