“If hunger isn’t the problem, eating isn’t the solution”. This quote that was shared by my Weight Watchers leader, at a meeting during one of the many times I followed the program. It has always stuck with me, but now I’d like to explore exactly what the problems are that cause me to eat when I’m not hungry.
I want to make the truth of this statement true in my life. In the long list of reasons why I eat (when I’m stressed, bored, angry, tired, sad, happy, anxious and the list goes on and on), nowhere in this list is there any mention of being hungry. Now based on this list of triggers, clearly I’m hungry for something that food cannot fix.
So, with that, over the course of the next few days, I am going to explore four triggers that cause me to eat even when I’m not hungry:
- Emotional Triggers
- Psychological Triggers
- Habitual Triggers
- Physical Triggers
The goal of looking at these triggers is to understand why I’m eating (or should I say, what’s eating me?) and to identify practical solutions that I can put in place for myself to end this destructive pattern. Stay tuned!
Ethel says
I look forward to reading the rest of this because
this speaks to me.
Thanks,
Stacey
Stacey Strickler says
Hey Ethel! It resonates loud and clear with me too. I’m really hoping to be able to put the solutions I’ll be sharing into practice so I can regain control rather than letting my emotions and habits take control over me.
sara says
Oh, a post after my own heart. I recognize hunger when I am aware but most of the time my eating is habitual. My emotions feed my body usually in the form of rich desserts and salty, crunchy treats.
I’ve thought of blogging about these things before so will definitely follow along your journey.
sara recently posted…How To Handle Disappointment Like a Two-Year Old
Stacey Strickler says
Hi Sara! I’m the same way Sara and I’m desperately trying to change my ways. If I can just get control of responding to my triggers I’m sure that would be half the battle. I appreciate you stopping by and pleased to know you won’t be a stranger. Here’s to slaying the trigger dragon
Alana says
It was the Valentine’s Day party/quarterly birthday celebration at work today. I had a stressful day. Several feet from me was a table loaded with brownies, cookies, chips, hummus and you name it. Guess what. That picture could be of me except for my grey hair. Dazed, confused and full of sadness. I can blog all about those triggers. I can tell myself how good thin feels and once on the lips, etc and if hunger isn’t the problem – so why do I keep reaching for food? It’s something past logic. I look forward to future posts.
Alana recently posted…Do Wine and Chocolate Go Together?
Stacey Strickler says
Hi Alana! Wow, that was a loaded situation. I’m pretty sure the temptation would have been a bit much for me too. I’m hoping to start practicing resisting these types of situations or at least be prepared for them with my own healthy/satisfying foods in tow. I’m also hoping the same for you. We can do this. We just have to work on getting stronger by saying NO! more often than not. Glad to hear you won’t be a stranger. Thanks for stopping by!