So why is it so hard? I think it’s because we try to change too quickly or because we don’t address the underlying reason behind the weight gain. If we use food for emotional comfort, and we don’t uncover the cause of our discomfort, it will be very hard to give up what we think makes us feel better. Food seemingly calms us when we are feeling discomfort, but it is never a solution. The solution is to find the “burr in our saddle” and remove it. Each time we “feel” the need to reach for food when we are clearly not hungry, we need to stop, look at the situation, and ask ourselves this question: What feeling am I resisting?
Here are a couple of triggers to think about:
- Social anxiety – perhaps you are in a room with people you don’t know. Eating gives you something to do besides talking or listening. Something to think about: others feel the same way. Possible solution: just listen to the conversations around you without feeling the need to say anything. Just be present.
- Frustration – bored at work, feeling stuck, want to be somewhere else. Eating gives you an excuse to take a break. Perhaps you feel that just sitting there and thinking – or resting your brain - might make you look like you’re lazy. Possible solution: have affirmation cards handy and read them.
Remember that every journey to the attainment of a great goal begins with one small step.
