How I Busted a Common Weight-Loss Excuse

In the 15 or so years that I have been struggling with my weight issues, one of the most difficult things I have had to deal with is learning how to distinguish between true physical hunger and emotional hunger. One of my most common excuses for not losing weight was claiming that I was always hungry every time I tried to diet, no matter what I ate or how often I ate.

It was only later that I learned that women in particular often eat to assuage (or distract themselves from) uncomfortable emotions, such as anger. When I would feel angry after something happened that I didn't get a chance to react to appropriately -- say, I felt passed over at work -- I would reach for food. And we're not talking carrot sticks. It was usually something sweet or high-fat, or preferably, a combination of the two (donuts, anyone?).

Once I started addressing some of my emotional issues such as learning to be more assertive, and gaining a sense of control over my own life, I began tapering off on eating in response to my feelings and I found other ways to cope. Feeling more in control over how I reacted to things that happened in my life was truly the key to fighting emotional eating for me.

Of course, learning to eat better helped, too. When I eat balanced meals including healthy carbs, protein and some fat and drink plenty of water, I tend to not get overly-hungry. This not only prevents overeating, but it actually stops me from reaching for food when I need to stop and think, "Has my old emotional eating habit returned? Am I eating because I am sad, angry (fill in the appropriate emotion)?" and often, if I am experiencing pesky little urges to eat something, it's feelings that are to blame.

What has been your biggest weight-loss excuse? Have you found a helpful way to cope? Help others who are dealing with the same issue: Visit our User Answers page to express yourself!

How I Busted a Common Weight-Loss Excuse originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 at 23:47:45.

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