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"Emotional eating is using food to meet emotional needs," said JulietZuercher, registered dietitian at Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and AnxietyDisorders. "Emotional eaters use food to either avoid or attempt to changeemotions ranging from slightly uncomfortable to deeply painful."
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The reason emotional eating is used by many people is that it works in theshort term (http://www.remudaranch.com/general/emotional/index.php). Thetemporary relief experienced from binge-eating acts as negative reinforcementfor this behavior. The long-term consequences, however, may includeinactivity, depression, weight gain, lethargy, joint pain, Type II diabetes,high blood pressure, heart disease, self-loathing and hopelessness.
"To successfully treat emotional eating involves using better alternativesthan food to meet legitimate needs of safety, love, competency, connection,meaning and acceptance," adds Zuercher.
The upcoming holidays may be an especially difficult time for individualssuffering from emotional eating not only because food is so prevalent and suchan integral part of celebrations during this time of year, but also becausemany Americans are experiencing more stress than usual due to the economicproblems the country is facing. More stress leads to more emotional eating,and this is only compounded when delectable foods are everywhere.
Since emotional eaters don't have a healthy relationship with food,they're unable to experience freedom in eating. They don't consider food asneutral -- it's either friend or foe. This attitude sets up a rigid, "all ornothing" type of thinking.
Remuda recommends the following tips to help individuals with emotionaleating cope during this particularly difficult holiday season:
-- Focus on holistic well-being and seek out activities that nurture mind,body and spirit.
-- Instead of following rigid rules around food, relax. Select moderateportions of foods that taste good and are satisfying, then walk awayfrom the food.
-- Resist the urge to feel guilty about what or how much was eaten.
-- Take any opportunity to be active. Walk for 10 minutes in the briskfresh air, build a snowman with the kids, dance, and play with the dog.
-- Give your time and talents to others. Volunteer at your favoriteorganization.
"There is hope for emotional eating," adds Zuercher. "Finding freedomwith food is entirely possible. Reconnecting with mind, body and spirit isthe first step to overall well-being. Keeping food in its proper place inlife and dealing responsibly with emotional pain is key to restoring balancein life."
About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
Remuda Ranch offers Christian inpatient and residential programs forindividuals of all faiths suffering from eating or anxiety disorders. Eachpatient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and aPrimary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist,Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each patientwith the right tools to live a healthy, productive life. For moreinformation, call 1-800-445-1900 or visit http://www.remudaranch.com.-- Take the focus off self-loathing, failed diets and deprivation. -- Make memories in meaningful ways to rewrite past holiday anxiety.
SOURCE Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
