Do you feel like you have no “willpower”? Do you feel miserable after binging on cookies and ice cream at the end of a long day or week?

I get that! It’s so tempting to reach for a chocolate bar when things aren’t going so well or have a piece of cake when it just happens to be in the break room on my lunch hour.

For me, it’s a sweet tooth.  For you, maybe it’s that salty, delicious crunch.

And when I hit my 40’s, I could tell that if I didn’t get a handle on these cravings, my body was going to change.  Already I was reaching for my stretchy pants.  The ones that were more forgiving of my over indulgences.

Not only was it affecting my waistline, but it certainly didn’t lift my mood.  No way!  I felt so guilty and disgusted with myself when I had that full, a little bit sick feeling, from eating too much when I wasn’t really hungry.

I figured out what to do, instead of relying on unreliable willpower.

It’s not willpower that helped me break free from cravings. Instead, I got a new game plan. I started by learning what tempts me most.

What are your triggers?

The first step is to find out what triggers your cravings and why you indulge in emotional eating. Start by asking yourself a few questions:

  • Does eating improve your mood when you’re angry or sad?
  • Does food distract you from your everyday worries?
  • How does eating make you feel?
  • How do you feel about your body?
  • Do you crave specific foods?
  • Do you have an eating pattern, such as snacking at night or after work?
  • Do you punish yourself for having a treat?
  • Does your appetite increase when you’re alone?
  • Be honest with yourself and assess your feelings towards food.

Keep your eye on the prize

When you have the urge to eat when you aren’t physically hungry, ask yourself what benefit you will gain from eating this food in this moment.

How will you feel?

Emotional eating usually leads to feeling guilty, bloated, and mad at yourself.

How do you want to feel instead?

Make the choice that will lead you to the feeling you want. It’s a thought and a feeling that gave you the craving in the first place. Now’s your chance to actually feel better. And it won’t be by stuffing yourself with nacho chips in the pantry (ask me how I know!).

Are you ready to put emotional eating behind you?  

Grab my checklist below.  You’ll make a habit of walking away from your cravings, and reach your ideal body weight with ease!