Emotional Triggers That Make You Eat Unhealthily

Eating has importance for all of us; we don't just eat to survive

, but for enjoyment, comfort and to alleviate boredom and unhappiness. For most of us eating is not just the act of taking in calories to keep us alive, it means so much more.

When emotional attachments develop towards food, 'triggers' can be created that make us behave in certain ways before our conscious thinking mind has even made a decision; just like being on autopilot.

My clients often tell me their triggers are things as simple as putting the kettle on (biscuit binge), having a disagreement with someone (sweets or chocolate craving), smelling cooking food (nibbling on the still-cooking meal) or even just having had a boring day at work and then coming home to eat.

So how do you know if your triggers are working against you?

When you eat something that you know isn't good for you, ask yourself what exactly you were seeing, feeling and just before you knew that you wanted to eat it. The trigger could be something you hear, see, do or smell.

One of my clients found it nigh on impossible to fill up his car with petrol without buying some sweets from the petrol station. Even though he knew that as soon as he got home there'd be a healthy dinner waiting for him, he simply couldn't resist the temptation. Even though he KNEW that it was definitely the wrong thing to do, he couldn't help himself.

Once you understand your emotional triggers you'll be able to take control of them by doing something different instead. For example, rather than jumping for the biscuit tin, snacking whilst you are cooking dinner or buying junk food because you are tired, stressed or emotional, recognise the trigger and drink a glass of water, go for a walk or do something - ANYTHING - thats not bad for you.

This may seem a little difficult at first but these emotional triggers are actually remarkably easy to re-programme once you are aware of the issue and how it affects you. You don't have to blame yourself for not always behaving the way you want to. All you need to do is accept where youre going wrong and promise yourself that you will try to change it.

Recognise your triggers, analyse them and then find a way to break' them triggers by finding a new (and healthier) way to behave.

If you can control your emotional triggers you are a long way towards being in control of your food intake, and - ultimately - your life!

by: Benjamin Cook

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