Tackling Emotional Eating

Breaking Up with Food: Tackling Emotional Eating for Long-Term Success

For as long as I can remember, food has been my go-to for just about every emotion. Whether I was happy, sad, bored, or stressed, food was always there to celebrate, comfort, or distract me. My weakness? Sweet treats. Emotional eating can be a vicious cycle.

I loved a coffee with a slice of cake, dessert after dinner, or indulging at those dessert bars with sundaes or crepes smothered in ice cream. Chocolate was my constant companion during movies, but I never stopped at just a few squares—it was always the big bar, and I’d polish it off in one sitting.

When stress crept in, I’d turn to biscuits, chocolate, or whatever convenience food was easy to grab—greasy noodle boxes, bacon butties, burgers. And sometimes, I’d go all out. On a tough day, I’d order a large pizza and demolish the whole thing, wash it down with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s, and then, if I was really in a spiral, finish it off with a Cadbury’s Wholenut bar. There were moments I ate to the point where it physically hurt, like I was about to burst and making me feel uncomfortable for the whole evening.

Recognising the Cycle

Looking back, I realise food wasn’t solving anything. If anything, it was just masking what I was feeling. That slice of cake or bar of chocolate gave me a quick hit of comfort, but it didn’t last; raising my blood sugar levels and then the crash. Soon enough, I’d feel sluggish, guilty, and even more out of control.

For me, emotional eating became a habit—a crutch I relied on. It wasn’t about hunger; it was about filling a gap, silencing stress, or rewarding myself. And the more I turned to food for those reasons, the harder it was to stop.

How I Changed the Story

Breaking free from emotional eating hasn’t been easy—it’s taken time, patience, and a lot of self-reflection. But over the past few months, I’ve started to rewrite the narrative. Here’s what’s worked for me:

1. Getting Honest About My Habits

The first step was admitting how much emotional eating was controlling my life. I’d always justify it—I deserve this or one more won’t hurt—but deep down, I knew it wasn’t about hunger. I started asking myself before reaching for food: Am I hungry, or is this something else?

2. Finding Better Alternatives

When I feel stressed or bored now, I try something different. Sometimes I go for a walk, even if it’s just around the block. Other times, I’ll have a big glass of water or make a healthier snack—something high in protein that actually satisfies me.

It’s not about saying no to everything I love—I still enjoy cake, pizza, and chocolate—but in moderation. Instead of a whole bar of chocolate, I’ll savour a couple of squares. I still love dessert, but now it’s an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. And honestly, that balance feels so much better.

3. Focusing on How I Feel

One of the biggest changes has been recognising how food makes me feel—not just in the moment, but after. I’ve realised those big, indulgent binges left me feeling bloated, tired, and even worse emotionally. Now, I focus on the good stuff: waking up feeling energised, going for a 5-mile walk without feeling like I’ve climbed a mountain, or just feeling in control of my choices. That feels a thousand times better than any sundae ever did.

Progress, Not Perfection

Don’t get me wrong—this hasn’t been a perfect journey. There are still moments where I slip, where I reach for something out of habit or let emotions take over. But instead of beating myself up, I remind myself that it’s about progress, not perfection. Each day, I’m learning to listen to my body and treat it with the respect it deserves.

If emotional eating is something you’re struggling with, know you’re not alone. It’s not about giving up the foods you love; it’s about finding balance and understanding what you really need. For me, that’s meant prioritising my health and happiness over temporary comfort—and I can honestly say, it’s been worth it.

What I’ve Gained (Besides Losing Weight)

I’ve lost weight, yes, but the real win has been how I feel. I’m no longer controlled by cravings or guilt. I’m waking up energised, moving more, and enjoying life without food being the centre of it all.

Breaking up with food isn’t about restriction—it’s about rewriting your relationship with it. And trust me, the freedom and empowerment that come with that are worth every single step.