Overcoming Emotional Eating

Here is a story you might relate to..

My dad died around 5 am in Arizona in the summer. I was there when he drew is last breath. These are the three things I did after that happened:

1. I cried. Hard. My dad and I had a very special relationship and it was very hard losing him.

2. My husband and I went to mass. My faith is very important to me and to be in a community of believers, taking communion and even having the parishioners pray for our family was so comforting.

3. When we got back and things had settled down a bit, I got busy making oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. 

Now that may seem like a strange thing to do on the day he died, but since I was a little girl, making cookies was a way to feel better. It was also a way of sharing myself with family who were still there in the house.

But ultimately, I made cookies to eat, share, and feel better. 

That was years before I found out I had a blood sugar problem. But it pointed to a lifetime of looking to food (especially cookies, brownies and ice cream) to feel better.

And it works, right? Maybe you have a habit of reaching for sweets to feel better. There is no judgement here. I’m a poster girl for the habit. 

Or it was before I found out I was on my way to becoming diabetic.

Since then, I have changed the way I eat. I save my sweet treats as an exception. By no means have I eliminated them. I think having the rule of eliminating any sugar is a recipe for reactions like overeating or binging.

I also have worked on dealing with feelings such as sadness, overwhelm, and anger without turning to sweets to feel better.

A lot of the help I got was from a life and weight loss coach who taught me how to feel my feelings, instead of eating them.

Maybe you are struggling with uncomfortable feelings and turn to sweets to feel better. I totally get it and have been there.

Maybe you would like some help with overcoming this and want freedom from eating to feel better. If so, schedule a call with me here. We will chat about your challenges and how I might help you overcome them.

Here is what one of my clients said after working with me:

“Jane has helped me tremendously with her coaching! She taught me to look at my thoughts concerning food cravings, relationships and emotional hurts and resentment. By reframing my thoughts and inspirational scripture messages Jane has sent me, helped me realize that I am enough. I will continue to seek her guidance along with the Lord’s.” Shelly S. 

In life and health, 

Jane Springer
jane@janespringer.com