Finding Balance: Navigating Emotions and Eating Habits

In the realm of food and nutrition, discussions about finding joy in eating can sometimes evoke complex emotions surrounding our food choices. Questions like, "What if I can't indulge in the foods I love because they're not deemed healthy?" often arise. While it's undeniable that some foods offer more health benefits than others, it's essential to acknowledge that there's a time and place for every type of food.

Consider the scenario of a birthday party: it's almost certain that a celebration would include some form of dessert. This example illustrates the concept of occasional treats versus everyday foods. Indulging in cake at a party is perfectly acceptable, but it's not something we should consume daily or even weekly.

When we delve into the realm of emotional eating, we encounter a myriad of triggers stemming from various emotional, psychological, and situational factors. Common triggers include stress, sadness, boredom, anxiety, frustration, social influences, environmental cues, habits, and even celebrations like the birthday party mentioned above.

While emotional eating may offer temporary solace, it often leads to subsequent feelings of guilt, regret, or the development of unhealthy eating patterns. Therefore, it's crucial to address emotional well-being and seek healthier coping mechanisms that contribute to long-term happiness and balanced eating habits.

Another helpful topic in this is ‘understanding the distinction between momentary pleasure and lasting happiness’ because it can be pivotal in our thought process:

• Happiness: This is a state of enduring well-being and contentment with life, characterized by a sense of overall satisfaction.
• Pleasure: Pleasure, on the other hand, is immediate and short-lived, derived from specific experiences or activities.

Some practical tips for creating more joy and happiness in our everyday lives can be: Engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness, seeking social support, or finding alternative stress-relief methods can all contribute to breaking the cycle of emotional eating. Adopting a mindful and intuitive approach to eating can help us make more conscious food choices, free from the influence of fleeting emotions. However, if emotional eating becomes a significant concern, seeking support from healthcare professionals is advisable.

Just remember, by prioritizing emotional well-being and adopting sustainable practices, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with food and ultimately enhance our overall quality of life.

Sarah Eno is passionate about supporting healthy lifestyle and mindset change. She graduated in Functional Nutrition in 2016. She has supported hundreds of individuals to a health-promoting lifestyle and believes that everyone has the opportunity to experience health. Sarah is a wife and mom of 3 boys. She loves cross-country skiing, yoga, her Peloton, and does fashion runway part-time.