Listen Linda – December 2019

Linda offers insight and wise options into
health and wellness!

Linda Higgs
Director of Spa & Fitness, The Spa at Auberge Beach, Fort Lauderdale Florida Spa Association Board Chair

Emotional Eating

We’ve all been there, that moment when you are driving home from work, red tail lights glaring, heading to the gym, the park or yoga studio, yet it’s raining, dark, maybe cold and all you can think about is crawling up on the couch with a pair of comfy socks. That pint of Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie or that “Wagyu” provolone burger with lettuce, pickles and mayo on the side are seductively calling your name. You bounce the idea back and forth from what you know you should do, to what you know you want to do. Slowly your willpower starts to slip and you think about the pressures, stress and emotions of the upcoming holidays and you long to be comforted with food. What difference would one night of indulgence make anyways? I can just wait until after the holidays to restart my wellness regimen! The moment is magical, Netflix, food, everything seems so right. Endorphins are popping as you deep dive into an evening of excessive mindless munching!

Then comes the next morning, everything feels a bit more laborious. Your head aches, your skin looks pale, your eyes are puffy and you absolutely feel like you have a food hangover! Certainly, your morning run is the enemy so you hit the snooze button for a bit more rest.

Did you know this feeling of satisfying your emotions with food is a primal instinct?   Eating based solely on negative emotions has long been the practice of feeding a void with food. Consequently, doing so on a regular basis, can lead to weight gain, depression and many other potential health risks.

Emotional holiday triggers are different for each individual. Identifying them and knowing how to divert that impulse is key. Yet strict dieting during the holidays can lead to a feeling of deprivation and further stress on your emotions. Balance is essential by allowing yourself those moments of more mindful eating, by avoiding distractions that cause you to overindulge. Savor the taste, texture and pleasure of what is on your fork.

Diversion techniques to avoid that moment of temptation is different for everyone. Seek support in those moments, and know you are not alone. It is primal after all, so treat yourself gently, let that inner voice rein positive self-love and enjoy the holidays with balance and wellness.

Wishing You the Happiest & Healthiest Holidays