If an emotionally charged situation finds you running to the freezer for a pint of your favorite ice cream, you may have just experienced emotional hunger. While some people tend to lose their appetite when their emotions take charge, others may eat impulsively. People may eat for many reasons that have nothing to do with genuine physical hunger. However, there are things you can do to get a grip on unhealthy eating habits and eat only for the right reasons.
Considerations
If you are unsure why you just gobbled down that glazed donut or over-sized slice of cheesecake, keep in mind the core differences between physical and emotional hunger. Physical hunger doesn't require instant gratification. Emotional hunger, on the other hand, demands immediate attention.
Stress Eating Study
A Ball State University study of 185 faculty members found that 69 percent reported an increased appetite while under stress, compared to 31 percent who experienced loss of appetite. The research also found that stressed adults may be more apt to crave sweet and salty foods. The findings of the study were reported in the "Family and Consumer Science Research Journal" in 2008.
Effects
Emotional hunger can help soothe your feelings, at least temporarily. It may mask feelings or anger, fear, sadness and even boredom. Some of the common negative life events that can trigger emotional eating include relationship or work problems, unemployment, financial worries and fatigue. Food can also help keep your mind off upsetting situations or an impending event that you are worried about.
Consequences
Ironically, emotionally eating can leave you feeling empty. You may also feel guilty about your actions. Since emotional hunger often involves the over-consumption of high calorie, fatty foods, it often leads to weight gain.
Prevention/Solution
The Mayo Clinic says there is a number of stress management techniques that can help you resist the urge to eat when you are emotionally vulnerable. These include relaxation, mediation and yoga. It can also be beneficial to keep a journal of your eating patterns, also noting whether you ate something because you were truly hungry or merely giving into your emotions.
Additonal Tips
Don't stock your refrigerator and cupboards with your favorite comfort foods that could tempt even those with ironclad willpower. It's also wise to stay away from the grocery store when you are emotionally charged.
Support
You may be less inclined to give into emotional hunger when you have family and friends you can confide in and/or you are part of an organized support group. You might also consider individual counseling with a qualified therapist. A mental health professional can help you explore the possibility that you have an underlying eating disorder.
