Feb/Mar 2025 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 21

If you struggle with emotional eating , that doesn ’ t mean you ’ re weak or flawed !
Here are a few reasons why we might use food to help us cope :
“ OVERCOMING EMOTIONAL EATING ISN ’ T ABOUT BEING PERFECT – IT ’ S ABOUT SELF-COMPASSION , UNDERSTANDING YOUR NEEDS , AND FINDING HEALTHY , FULFILLING WAYS TO BRING MORE JOY INTO YOUR LIFE .”
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Many of us , especially women , turn to food when we ’ re dealing with emotions , stress , or simply trying to make ourselves feel better . But most of us aren ’ t aware of what ’ s really driving our cravings or how to break the cycle .
By cultivating a compassionate and mindful approach , we can build a more positive , nourishing relationship with both food and ourselves .

What is Emotional Eating ?

Why Do We Eat Emotionally ?

Life can be overwhelming , and food can provide a sense of comfort and relief . But it ’ s only temporary and it doesn ’ t get to the root of what might be going on underneath . Understanding why this is happening can empower you to choose healthier habits .
So many of us turn to food as a way of “ stuffing down ” unresolved or uncomfortable emotions or to “ fill us up ” if we ’ re feeling something is missing .
WISDOM & SELF-GROWTH
Emotional eating is when we turn to food to soothe or distract ourselves or as an escape from difficult emotions or situations , rather than eating to satisfy physical hunger .
If you struggle with emotional eating , that doesn ’ t mean you ’ re weak or flawed !
It just means that you ’ re turning to the comfort of food to cope with something . Understanding this and offering ourselves compassion instead of self-criticism is the first step to choosing healthier ways to nurture ourselves .
Here are a few reasons why we might use food to help us cope :
• Stress or Anxiety : Food offers a quick fix to calm our nerves and give us a sense of comfort . Sugar and processed foods especially , can trigger the release of feel-good hormones , giving us a sense of happiness or relaxation . That ’ s why we often crave the not-so-healthy stuff .

“ OVERCOMING EMOTIONAL EATING ISN ’ T ABOUT BEING PERFECT – IT ’ S ABOUT SELF-COMPASSION , UNDERSTANDING YOUR NEEDS , AND FINDING HEALTHY , FULFILLING WAYS TO BRING MORE JOY INTO YOUR LIFE .”

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