How I Finally Stopped 🚫 Emotional Eating (Therapist's Story)

#emotionaleating #eatingpsychology #overeating

Disclaimer: This video is for information purposes only and my content should not be used as a substitute for seeking treatment from a healthcare provider. My content is not going to be suitable for everyone, so please use your self discernment before applying any video content in your own life.

In my latest YouTube video, I dive deep into my personal journey of overcoming binge eating, only to face the challenge of emotional eating that lingered beneath the surface. Despite my progress, I found myself stuck in cycles of using food to numb out life's difficulties, a habit I judged myself harshly for.

I share this experience to highlight a common struggle many face and to offer hope and strategies that have helped me transform my relationship with food and, more importantly, with my emotions.

I discuss the critical realization that while overcoming binge eating was a milestone, it didn't address the emotional turbulence that drove my eating habits. For years, I battled with the guilt of emotional eating, feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day without my food-based coping mechanism. This led me to a crucial understanding: healing isn't just about changing what or how you eat; it's about confronting the emotions underlying those habits.

Throughout the video, I share insights into how emotional eating often masks deeper emotional needs and how recognizing and addressing these needs can lead to meaningful change. I learned that emotions are messengers, signaling unmet needs or unresolved issues. By paying attention to these signals and responding with curiosity and compassion, I began to unravel the patterns that kept me stuck in unhealthy eating behaviors.

A significant part of my journey was learning to stop moralizing my feelings and instead, approach them with kindness and understanding. I discuss how labeling emotions as "good" or "bad" adds layers of guilt and shame, which only exacerbates emotional eating. I emphasize the importance of self-compassion and the transformative power it holds in changing how we relate to ourselves and our emotions.

Moreover, I delve into the concept of emotional safety and its role in healing. Feeling safe to experience and process emotions without judgment or fear is paramount. I share strategies that helped me create a sense of safety, including supportive relationships, self-compassion, and physical practices that calm the nervous system.

By sharing my story, I aim to encourage others to look beyond the surface of emotional eating and to explore the emotional landscapes that influence their eating behaviors. My journey taught me that while food can momentarily soothe emotional discomfort, true healing comes from addressing the emotions themselves. This video is for anyone looking to break free from the cycle of emotional eating and embark on a path of self-discovery and healing.

[chaselizabeth]

Every time I watch one of this woman’s videos I’m just like “She is awesome.” No judgment, no frills, just casual advice from a friend.

[MaggieONEILL-fq]

I've seen a few of your videos now and from the outset I feel like I've found the ONLY therapist that actually gets it. I've had years of therapy to no avail and I knew they just didn't get it. I always felt it takes one to know one. So many therapists learn it all from books and a course but have never lived it themselves. You understand and so eloquently describe everything I feel and do.
You're incredible and thank you so much for rescuing me from the defeated shame and depression I've been feeling after failing each course of therapy I've had. You are a lifesaver

[DIonilitaPaje-brpn]

Hey everyone! Get hold of her book - I Can't Stop Eating. It's life-changing - mine overnight! But her vlogs are reinforcing more of your journey to a further recovery. She's amazingly awesome!

[minjja]

I feel safe speaking out loud what I think and feel to a stuffed animal which I imagine looking at me (and my feelings) with compassion and understanding 🧸☺

[michelehoover]

That’s so very true. Checking in with myself and being honest with myself are key to eating less.

[teric]

I realized that I get the urge to eat when I'm watching a show that makes me anxious. Like a suspenseful mystery show.

[e.k.]

i can't express how grateful i am for these realistic, truly useful insights <3 İ'm in a place right now in life that i have to solve this recently emerged overeating problem by myself, preferably quick too. i've always been a very anxious person and i believe it finally started to take a toll on me at 26.

[bonnie]

I’m two years in, having stopped weighing myself and dieting. It’s a long journey, but undoing 30 years of one way of being takes time. Definitely the emotional stuff needs the focus, not the behaviour.

[myworldview]

When I was a binge eater, I would have the thought, "The only thing that can 'hit the spot' right now is a large pizza or four double cheeseburgers." In reality, it was hunger combined with something like agitation and craving (like the craving of a drug). My solution now is to eat something healthful--the hunger goes away, and so does the agitation and craving to binge. Sometimes the "agitation" really is just part of being hungry (aka, my body is demanding nutrients, and it is making me uncomfortable until I eat something).

Thanks for all your videos!

[jaclynserrano]

I have never found someone who says EXACTLY what I’m feeling/felt without knowing how to describe it. Thank you so so much

[amandamariemuise]

Your calling as a psychotherapist is genuine. This video hit me like a wall of bricks. I recognize myself in your topic and finally, answers! I will need to process this info for a while and probably watch it again, but THANK YOU. (Btw, I can’t find your book in Canada!)

[ratherbely]

Yes, I am still struggling with focusing on my behaviour around food.. I know that have to look deeper but I still don't understand myself and emotions or feel overwhelmed and just turn to food.

And I guess i still constantly think about food out of habit and the lack of purpose and connection in my life.

Thank you for addressing emotions in that way.

[viennak.]

I really love listening to your video's and the podcast even tough I feel like I am recoverd. Listening to you is like a safe space. Your character shining trough and your spontaneity, make me feel like I am listening to a good friend. Please keep up the good work. Consistently listen to you has helped me tremandeously with chaging my toughts around food and body image. Thanks a lot Sarah!

[Landnofortnitegaming]

I once heard “feelings have to live to die”. Excellent video, probably the best I’ve ever heard on YouTube (coming from someone who struggles with her feelings)

[amyh]

This is the most helpful video. Thank you!!

[brandijones]

I’m so glad I found your videos. Wow! I subscribed. I’m so relieved.

[mariolastepaniuk]

I need to book a therapy session with you.. <3

[valodimopoulou]

Lovely video as always Sarah..Nothing to do with it, but I love this hair length on you!🥰😀

[alexlindstrom]

Ooof…that layering of feelings of shame is really applicable to me. I often feel bad about feeling envious, angry or bitter towards someone. Like I “shouldn’t” be feeling that way. Could be applicable to food too. “What? Yesterday I decided that I wasn’t going to want that!” 😂

[vickismith]

Feel better about feeling better. Excellent!