A few weeks ago, I found myself standing at the baggage carousel at Denver International Airport – overcome with anxiety.
It was Monday – and I had just returned home from a funeral in New Jersey – but the anxiety had nothing to do with the funeral.
In the past, I likely would have dashed into the nearest convenience store and bought three or four candy bars.
Snickers. Three Musketeers. Milky Way. Twix.
I would have locked myself inside a bathroom stall and scarfed them all down – one by one.
There would have been no savoring – just a frantic attempt to distract myself from the discomfort of the anxiety.
That’s not what I did.
Instead of devouring candy bars, I focused on what I was thinking…
“I just want to go home.”
“I wish I didn’t check my bag.”
“If I didn’t check my bag, I’d be on the road already.
“I’m so tired.”
My thinking was causing my anxiety.
Our thoughts always create our feelings.
I chose to feel the anxiety, rather than bury it in chocolate. Like I always did in the past. When I was obese.
So I stood there and repeated…
This is anxiety. I feel anxious because I’m thinking thoughts that are causing anxiety. Anxiety can’t kill me. It’s only a feeling.
And I took a few deep breaths.
My bag finally arrived and I headed home.
The truth is – we overeat because we don’t want to deal with what we’re feeling.
We’d rather distract ourselves with food (or wine or drugs) than feel. We make a conscious decision to distract – to cover up – instead of feel.
And that’s okay – but be honest with yourself. Stop blaming the delicious food or your lack of willpower or the situation you’re in for your overeating.
You must understand why you’re overeating before you can overcome it.
Robyn Spurr is a Certified Health Coach, Weight Loss Coach, Personal Trainer and founder of Chickadee Weight Loss. She helps women reach their healthy, natural weight and stay there without all the diet craziness.
If you’re interested in learning how Weight Loss Coaching can help you overcome Emotional Eating, consider signing up for a one hour Discovery Session.