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Health Topics/Weight Loss/Wellness/Obesity

What are some emotional reasons that might cause me to overeat?

Laura Katleman-Prue
Laura Katleman-Prue
Nutrition & Dietetics
Our conditioning is made up of painful beliefs we innocently formed in childhood to protect ourselves. Not only do these beliefs no longer serve us, they keep us from our natural happiness. Given this, there are two reasons we might overeat even a healthy food:
  • To nurture ourselves.
  • To "stuff our feelings" -- to use food to medicate ourselves and avoid having to experience our feelings.
In both cases, we overeat because our conditioning has been triggered, either by an event or by our negative thinking.
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Skinny Thinking: Five Revolutionary Steps to Permanently Heal Your Relationship With Food, Weight, and Your Body
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.