A Little More About Emotional Eating

Let’s face it. Turning Emotional Eating into something that sounds as great as Open Eating can take some work. Some REALLY HARD work. What you have developed into habits over years of trials and pressure, doesn’t always just go away with a whimsical idea of something better. 

Guess what!? You’re not a failure. That is NORMAL! More common really than anyone ever expects. Seeking the help of a trained mental health professional can help in recovering from emotional eating. You don’t have to suffer alone or white knuckle it. Getting help is one of the most effective ways to recover. 

Have you ever had someone you could confide in about your health that truly supports you? If not, let’s get you on track for just that. If so, share in the comments how it has helped you - inspire us toward success!

Using Open Eating to create NEW Habits 

Tip #1 Refuse to give up on YOU

The first and most important step in renewing your relationship with food is telling yourself that you can do this! Once you have made that decision to be 100% committed, you will find that you are stronger than any excuse. The brain is the hardest muscle to train but if you get up every morning telling yourself “you can do this”, you will guarantee success and rev up your results in a way that no trainer or nutritionist can. 

What strategies help you feel empowered to rock at your goals?

Tip #2 Do What You Love

The key reason most people don’t open-eat is that they don’t know what to do, and they don’t exercise because they despise it. The key to open eating is to find foods that work with your everyday life, that you already like, and blend in with other new foods. If you change things up too dramatically, it’s less likely to stick. 

When getting moving, do something you enjoy doing that elevates your heart rate for at least 30 minutes. You don’t have to buy expensive exercise gear from late-night TV or start running half marathons. Dance, Stretch, Roller Skate, Jump Rope, Chase bubbles in the backyard, and take a Kickboxing Class! Consider the activities you enjoy, or something you’ve always wanted to try, and get out there and do it! For meals, take cooking classes, or lose yourself in a recipe book. Get real ideas from professionals. 

If you hate your workout and you’re bored with your eating habits, you will always make an excuse to skip it or make changes. Discover what you enjoy and your new habits will be less work and turn into the most fun part of your life!

Tip #3 Be Real

Regardless of past experiences, nobody is going to be harder on you than you are on yourself. 

Open eating is not a short-term gig. You want to change those old habits, learn to love yourself again, and accept that this is going to be a gradual and continuous process. It’s ok to have days off, weeks off, and months off. Keep motivating yourself and accept that quality of life matters and you will easily succeed in your open eating and weight goals.

Tip #4 Don’t Eat Less, Eat More Nutrients

You’re probably rolling your eyes... now it comes out! Seems painful right? 

Well, it doesn’t have to be painful at all. Similar to finding exercises that you enjoy, the trick here is to reward yourself with foods that you love eating. The best way to get started is to replace any calorie-dense foods with nutrient-dense foods instead.

Tip #5 Stay Focused and Regret Nothing

Are you ready to step forward in Open Eating? Congratulations! However, the last piece of advice for you is very important. You have to be consistent. 

Not every day is going to be a great day, and of course, you will encounter the occasional hiccup when it comes to your nutrition and exercise plan. Everybody does. 

However, what’s important is that you recognize this and accept it. If you stay committed to your goal, you WILL win.