What if we told you that it’s not a lack of willpower that’s causing you to reach for unhealthy foods, but a mental imbalance in your life? To regrain balance, you need to uncover and fix these emotional habits.
We’re all guilty of succumbing to a less-than-healthy treat every now and then. After all, there’s a reason for the phrase ‘comfort food’. But, if you regularly respond to life’s ups and downs by turning to ice cream or a bottle of wine, it could mean that you’re putting your head in the sand(wich) when it comes to your emotions.
“Emotional eating affects so many of us,” says Mel Wells, health and eating psychology coach and author of Hungry For More. “I’m fascinated by what leads us to do this. We think it’s our body telling us to eat, but often it’s our mind creating cravings, and telling us to avoid something that makes us feel uncomfortable or sad.”
Mel’s philosophy is that unhealthy eating habits are a symptom of a problem elsewhere; you need to explore to identify what it is you’re using food to replace or avoid.
Tune Into You
There are times in your life when you’ll eat even though you’re not hungry, but it’s worth tuning in to the reason if you’re regularly overeating.
Emotional eating has been linked to weight gain, binge eating and low self-esteem in various studies, and it can be caused by a range of feelings. Stress, in particular, is linked to a change in eating patterns, and a greater tendency to eat high-fat, high-sugar foods, according to one American study. Exhaustion is often a factor too – the reward centres of the brain in sleep-deprived people are much more likely to react to photos of unhealthy food than in those who are well-rested, says a study from Columbia University.
Denne historien er fra February 2020-utgaven av The Singapore Women's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 2020-utgaven av The Singapore Women's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Ready To Zoom
Glow up and put your best face forward on video calls
Caramel Eclairs
Choux pastry is a French classic that transforms in the oven into airy puffs with a crisp exterior, ready to be filled and iced. It may seem a little daunting to make, but it’s easy with our step-by-step guide
Clear The Air
The quality of the air you breathe inside your home has a significant impact on your health. Here’s a look at managing indoor pollution
How To Show More Compassion
It’s an unhealthy habit that we often don’t realise we are doing. Ahead, some tips on how to show more compassion
Resolving Conflicts
Living in a digital age means that many of our social interactions are done online. However, reaching out and connecting with those around us is paramount, and even more so, with tough conversations. Ahead, experts share insights to help us navigate
Mood For Mango
Mango makes refreshing and satisfying sweet treats – perfect for relaxed entertaining
Dealing With The Unknown
If you’ve endured a few bumps and detours in the game of life, don’t be disheartened – these events might just make all the difference
Our Different Butterflies
Artist and art educator Saharra discusses the importance of art education as coping strategies for our young ones during these unprecedented times
And Breathe
The simple processes of inhaling and exhaling can aid sleep, beat cravings and reduce stress. A breathing expert explains how
Great Women Of Our Time
Every year, we shine a light on 18 distinguished and powerful women in the Great Women Of Our Time Awards. They are women who are changing their field of work, and doing their best to improve life in Singapore – and the world.