Are you an emotional eater?

This is an inspiring story from a client who has an emotional eating disorder. Most people prefer not to discuss their disorders nor post them on a public blog. She asked me to post her story because she thought someone else with a eating disorder might benefit from her positive outlook.





I come from a family of foodaholics, therefore I've always had to work at keeping my body in shape.


I've put time and energy into molding and shaping my body to what it's become today. I'm very comfortable in my body. I like the way I look. I keep my thoughts about my body positive. I focus on what I really like about my body. I’m in the best shape of my life!

That's unusual for most women to think this way because we tend to look in the mirror and slowly turn our eyes to those troubled areas on our bodies. That's where the self destruction starts. Just as I give my children choices I remind myself that I have a choice. I can stare at myself in the mirror and wish for better breasts, arms, legs, etc. or I can look in the mirror and smile back at the image displayed in the mirror. You see, I made an agreement to be kind to myself to take care of myself, to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Sure, I enjoy a slice of pizza or a glass of wine or perhaps a smidge of dessert every now and then but I never beat myself up afterwards.

I've realized I could spend hours beating myself up after I ate something sinful, but instead I fully enjoy the sinful food and allow myself to be present in that moment of sin.

Did you know that 65% of women have eating disorders. It should be no surprise to you that I am one of those women. I have an emotional eating disorder. It's somewhat uncontrollable. When I first recognized I had a problem I wrote down everything I ate during a binge. At the end of the binge I calculated what I had eaten and discovered I had pumped a total of 1,800 calories into my body. That's above and beyond the 1,200-1,500 calories I had already consumed that day. What wake up call! I had no idea I was doing that to the body I’ve been taking such good care of.

Fortunately, I've gotten better control of my emotional binges by purchasing healthy low-calorie foods. Although I hope someday I will only need a stick of gum or a lifesaver to satisfy my disorder, I've embraced it and I still love who I am! The cup is half full ;-)

Emotional eating disorders are unhealthy. This disorder can affect your metabolic rate, raise your insulin levels and cause you to store more fat. If your disorder feels out of control seek help from a Dr.