Are you eating away your feelings?

One of the most frequent questions I get asked as a clinical hypnotherapist is “Why do I always eat the wrong things?” Generally, this means the sugary, calorie laden treats that can be so hard to resist. 

 

Or 

 

 

Well sadly there are no easy straight forward answers to either of these questions. We’ve all heard the oh so helpful mantra of “Eat less, move more,” But how many of us have tried it and know its just not that easy, soon finding ourselves reverting to bad habits? 

 

 

I’m sure we’re all aware of the many health benefits of maintaining a healthy weight: reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, more energy, to name but a few. 

 

Let’s face it, people are mostly living longer, in fact 70 is said to be the new 65, so doesn’t it stand to reason that we’ll want to feel healthier and fitter to enjoy our lives for longer? 

 

 

Well let’s think about it…. you’ve had a rubbish day, maybe not hit a target at work, kids playing up, partners been a pain. Your stress chemical cortisol is racing around your system. 

 

You get home, you’re dashing around, hmmm there’s a nice big bar of chocolate in the fridge, you’re starving and you’re p**d off. You break off a significant chunk, yummm that tastes good and suddenly you feel a bit better. 

 

Your brain has just released a lovely surge of the feel-good chemical Dopamine, associated with reward, pleasure and motivation, the same thing happens when we drink alcohol too. In that case, why not have a bit more and maybe a glass of wine to go with it? 

 

Boom, we may be starting a habit now and we’ve found something that makes us feel better. 

 

Of course, food is necessary for survival, if we’re feeling tired, carbohydrates or sugary foods can provide that surge of energy, if were bored, food helps pass the time. 

 

 

Perhaps you were rewarded or comforted with food as a child, you may have an emotional connection to eating when sad or stressed? 

Maybe you eat as a way of addressing unwanted feelings, sadness, anger, loneliness or guilt? 

 

Do you lack a sense of purpose, so you eat as a temporary distraction to fill this gap? 

 

 

I hope it’s now evident that losing weight is all about the mindset? 

 

Solution focused hypnotherapy can help you manage your weight loss journey by giving you the tools to change your lifestyle for the better. 

 

Changing those unwanted habits for new healthy based ones. 

 

Making more of the motivating chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, so that as you start to feel better and cope better, you make healthier choices. 

 

Helping you to find a purpose in your life and moving away from unhelpful feelings of guilt and shame. 

 

So can you see? It’s about more than counting calories, having “good” or “bad’ foods and standing on the scales.