Emotional vs. Physical hunger

We eat food when we are physically hungry.

However, there are occasions in our lives when we find ourselves choosing food not to satisfy our physical hunger, but rather due to emotional reasons. This behaviour is commonly referred to as emotional eating or stress eating. 

When emotional eating becomes excessive, it can lead to weight gain and various other weight-related health issues.

Now, let’s delve into the underlying causes of emotional eating. Each individual may have their own unique triggers that contribute to emotional eating.

In general, stress from personal and professional life, financial problems, and health issues can all serve as triggers for emotional eating.

It’s worth noting that children and teens who struggle academically may also experience emotional eating as a coping mechanism.

Additionally, individuals who have engaged in highly restrictive diets or long-term excessive dieting may develop this disorder.

If you suspect that you may have an emotional eating problem, there are key differences between physical hunger and emotional hunger that can help you identify the issue.

Physical hunger typically develops gradually over time, with regular intervals between meals.

On the other hand, emotional hunger arises suddenly and urgently. By momentarily distracting yourself, it’s possible to avoid giving in to emotional hunger.

Unlike physical hunger, emotional hunger often leads to feelings of guilt. While physical hunger is a normal physiological response, emotional hunger can cause us to overeat and subsequently feel bad about ourselves.

Moreover, when experiencing physical hunger, we tend to opt for our regular staple foods. In contrast, emotional hunger may drive us to seek out specific comfort foods like ice cream, chocolates, sweets, or pizzas—foods that provide a temporary emotional solace.

Another key distinction is that physical hunger diminishes once we feel full, prompting us to stop eating.

In contrast, emotional hunger can lead us to consume food even when we are not truly hungry, and we may continue eating mindlessly despite being full.

---

---

Fortunately, there are strategies to address and overcome emotional eating. 

The first step is to identify and understand your personal triggers that contribute to emotional eating. Whenever you find yourself eating based on emotions rather than physical hunger, take a moment to reflect on the specific triggers and write them down.

It can be helpful to analyze these triggers logically and, if possible, seek support from family members, friends, or colleagues by discussing your experiences with them.

Incorporating regular exercise, practicing yoga, and engaging in deep breathing exercises can greatly assist in managing stress and anxiety, which in turn can help overcome emotional eating habits. Consider integrating these activities into your daily routine.

If you find that you are still struggling to curb emotional eating, it may be beneficial to consult a psychologist to explore potential treatment options. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective approach for managing emotional eating and can provide valuable tools and techniques to regain control over your eating habits.

About me