I Am An Emotional Eater
Know the difference between emotional and physical hunger.
Emotional Hunger vs. Physical Hunger
Comes on suddenly and urgently vs. Physical hunger: comes on gradually, usually every 3-4 hours
Reason for wanting to eat: Strong emotions or distressing thoughts vs. Physical symptoms like a growling or empty stomach, slight headache or fatigue
Choice of foods: Emotional hunger - a desire for specific foods like cookies, chips or chocolate vs. Physical hunger - a desire to eat in general, open to a variety of options
Awareness of eating: Emotional hunger - "Mindless" eating past the point of satisfaction vs. Physical hunger - Conscious of how much eaten and when to stop
Feelings afterward: Emotional hunger - Feelings of self-blame, guilt or shame vs. Physical hunger - Sense of nourishment, contentment, self-control
Emotional Hunger vs. Physical Hunger
Comes on suddenly and urgently vs. Physical hunger: comes on gradually, usually every 3-4 hours
Reason for wanting to eat: Strong emotions or distressing thoughts vs. Physical symptoms like a growling or empty stomach, slight headache or fatigue
Choice of foods: Emotional hunger - a desire for specific foods like cookies, chips or chocolate vs. Physical hunger - a desire to eat in general, open to a variety of options
Awareness of eating: Emotional hunger - "Mindless" eating past the point of satisfaction vs. Physical hunger - Conscious of how much eaten and when to stop
Feelings afterward: Emotional hunger - Feelings of self-blame, guilt or shame vs. Physical hunger - Sense of nourishment, contentment, self-control
