When you feel like turning to food, ask yourself what's really going on.
- Hungry: You stomach is empty and blood sugar is low, so your body sends urgent signals to hurry up and find food.
- What To Do: Portion out a balanced meal, eat slowly, spend 20 minutes drinking tea and relaxing, then reassess your hunger and respond appropriately.
- Angry: Anger, stress, and frustration trigger your instincts for aggression. With no foe to fight, your brain seeks food for the chemical release.
- What To Do: Get out of the situation and go to the gym or go for a walk. A quick run, workout, or fresh air is a much better outlet for aggression than overeating.
- Lonely: Loneliness and disappointment are real, but even comfort food isn't a good substitute for companionship and overeating will make you feel worse.
- What To Do: Call or text a friend or family member and remind yourself of all the people who care. If you really want to be alone, curl up with a distracting movie or book.
- Tired: When you're sleep-deprived, the chemicals that regulate appetite get screwed up, and your body may try to compensate for the lack of energy by asking for quick sugars.
- What To Do: It sounds obvious, but the best way to address this feeling is to go to sleep. If your body needs the rest, it's best to listen.
