Do your EMOTIONS CONTROL what you EAT?

Knowing what's driving your eating habits is half the battle when it comes to losing weight

Still eating like you’re in lockdown? Bikini weather causing you panic? You’re not alone – 42% of women lack confidence as a result of months spent at home, with 13% trying to lose weight ever since*. ‘Many of us reach for sugary foods out of habit or for comfort,’ says nutritional therapist Hannah Braye. But if you can learn to identify your triggers – whether that’s succumbing to elevenses or being prone to late-night snacking – you can start to put strategies in place to tackle those weak moments. Take our test to discover what has you reaching for the snacks, and the healthy eating approaches you might find helpful.

WHAT'S YOUR EATING STYLE?

✣ MOSTLY ‘EE’
You’re an Emotional Eater

‘You find food comforting while you are preparing and eating it, and it distracts you from your problems,’ says registered dietitian Jo Travers. ‘But, afterwards, you feel worse because you’ve let it get out of control and this becomes a trigger in itself.’

Diet clubs provide a support network that will help. ‘Once you see your weight loss and get a compliment, you’ll feel better and in control, and it becomes a positive cycle,’ explains Jo.

✣ MOSTLY ‘EF’
You’re an Evening Feaster

You often go all day without eating. ‘By the evening, your body craves energy-rich carbohydrates, such as a huge plate of pasta,’ says Jo. ‘It then immediately stores the extra energy in your fat cells, as it’s so often deprived of energy. This is why you don’t lose weight.’