Emotional Intelligence Pocketbook

MANAGING EMOTIONAL EATING AND DRINKING

Physical hunger comes from your stomach. Emotional hunger comes from the head. – Author unknown

Emotional eating is eating – usually ‘comfort’ or junk foods – in response to emotional feelings instead of physical hunger. Many of us turn to food when difficult feelings arise. It’s understandable; eating is a quick way to manage your emotions. You don’t like feeling sad, anxious, bored, angry or guilty – you feel like you need chocolate, cake and crisps – and so you’re able to comfort or distract yourself immediately.

We often turn to food and drink to feel better and to feel safe. Food can feel like a friend. But eating ‘comfort foods’ only stuffs down your emotions and leaves your feelings unprocessed ...