We are all taught that emotional Eating is a horrible thing that many of us do, leaving us filled with guilt and shame.

What if you shifted your perspective and viewed it as a gift? I know this sounds crazy, as emotional Eating is a battle, and it's hard to find the positive in an action that has caused a lot of stress, anxiety, and grief. 

We often miss the big picture when we talk about food and dieting. What if, food is not the problem; food is only the messenger? It tells you, "HEY, LISTEN UP," something is happening. The food tells you that you have an unmet need, either physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. When we have unmet needs, we are always looking for and wanting more of something. Perhaps it’s food to soothe?

Below I will share the value of your emotions and ways to begin to decode the messages your food may be giving you.

All of our emotions exist for a purpose. Emotions are neither inherently good nor bad; they connect to your feelings and give you a message. What do you notice about your food choices based on naming an emotion and how you feel?

To have emotions is to have a compass, a guide. Acknowledging and understanding emotions creates the direction in which we are headed. Take a moment to pause and notice where you are going based on your feelings. Eating a pint of ice cream (it's not good or bad, only the messenger), what does that tell you about what you think and how you feel? What direction are you going in?

Our realities and memories are filtered through our emotional lens. How you are feeling can shift the actual lived experience. Research suggests that our real experiences are less impactful than the stories we tell ourselves about them. What are your stories? What lens are you using? Where does food show up in this emotional memory?

Having the language to talk about emotions is empowering. When we can name our emotions, we learn from them, accept them and respond with compassion and curiosity. Think of this language as learning a foreign language called “body speak”. Learn to communicate with your body through the mind, body, and food connection and see the difference is makes in your relationship with food.

Feeling our emotions is a universal human experience. We all have emotions, yet, we often work hard to hide them from others and ourselves. Looking around, you will see emotions through everyone's facial expressions, whether or not they name them or talk about them. Facial expressions are universal and tell everything, even if the words fail us. Think about the saying, "the eyes are the windows to our souls." Every living being experiences emotions; you are not alone.

Awareness with time, patience, and practice will be your superpower! Emotions—even unpleasant ones—are helpful. If you are willing, take some time and notice the connection between your food and emotions.

Intuitive Eating is about connecting your mind, body, and food; no diet is needed!