We don’t always eat just to satisfy physical hunger. We eat for all kinds of reasons which have nothing to do with actually needing to eat. I think most women will relate to some of these reasons as to why they eat when they aren’t hungry.

• Do you eat when you are stressed?

• Do you eat when you are happy?

• Do you eat when you are sad?

• Do you eat when you are lonely?

• Do you eat when you are bored?

• Do you overeat at social occasions to feel as if you fit in?

• Basically, do you eat to feel better?

Unfortunately, the ‘feeling better’ doesn’t usually last as emotional hunger can’t be satisfied by eating. In fact, often you feel worse because you then beat yourself up for once again turning to food for comfort and for not having more willpower.

Keep in mind the three D’s – delay, distract and do something else. If you are not truly hungry, it is likely that distracting yourself will stop the impulsive food grab.

Psychological hunger is head hunger and originates in your mind, not your stomach. Practice strategies to deal with it.

• Firstly, if possible, get away from the source of food. Leave the kitchen or room where the food is, so that it is not in sight. Out of sight, out of mind, does work.
  

• Likewise, don’t keep food that you don’t want to be challenged by readily available.
  

• If you are bored, find an activity to occupy your mind. Jump on the internet and research a dream holiday, check out sites that interest you and before you know it, time has passed.
  

• If you are feeling anxious or lonely, get out of the house and take a walk somewhere nice. Or call someone who makes you feel better. If you have a dog take it for a walk. If you have another type of pet, brush it, just stroking their fur can be calming and therapeutic for you (and them).

12 weeks today until Christmas!

Yes, it is coming, and if your goal is fat loss, you can lose 6-8 kilos in that time. But, if you don’t start now you will run out of time, so contact me and let’s get together and formulate a plan of action.