For many of us who want to manage our weight, emotions are our enemy. We eat in response to feelings, or as an attempt to avoid them. Either way, we are eating without regard to our physical needs and this can pile on the pounds. Fortunately, mindfulness and mindful meditation help deal with feelings. Research tells us that mindfulness and mindfulness-based meditation reduce binge eating episodes and emotional overeating. The reason is that as you become more mindful, you can respond to an emotional situation rather than react out of habit. Being mindful helps you be present with your emotions so that you can think more clearly and make better decisions. And, as you develop the ability to be present with whatever is occurring without needing to act on it, you will be able to let go of using food as a coping mechanism. Coincidentally (or not!) the title of this blog is the same as a book I wrote offering a 15-week program to end emotional eating. You might find it helpful. Click here to learn more. https://tameyourappetite.com//product/use-food-to-cope/ If you have been meditating, how has your meditation practice affected your emotional reactions? Please write your comments below.
PS. Coming Spring 2022 to bookstores near you, my first book on Mindful Eating – TAME Your Appetite: The Art of Mindful Eating.