Emotional Eating - Why do we do it?

Emotional eating often stems from an imbalance in hormones. We form associations in our brains as a result of our upbringing. Visits to dad always accompanied by a trip to the ice cream parlor, family visits focused on grand feasts with pies, cakes and soda. Whatever it was, we begin to associate sugar with the feelings that accompanied the situation. As we grow older the situations change but the associations remain. Now, in the midst of a breakup or a crisis at work, sugar and our associations with it, bring about feelings of calm, comfort and even joy.

The reality is that hormones are out of balance. Hormones, like serotonin and dopamine, leave you feeling good. Beta-endorphins act like morphine, bringing on feelings of euphoria and a sense of focus and clarity in stressful times. Excess stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, released during the emotional break-up or crisis exacerbate the desire for sugar. When your hormones are out of balance, you crave the emotional stability, energy and sense of peace that sugar seems to remedy. Sugar, however, only temporarily treats the symptoms and over the long run leads to more intense cravings, a weaker immune system, less energy and greater mood swings. The trick is to find that balance without sacrificing your sanity.

I will be offering tips for how to eliminate or overcome emotional eating. In the meantime what has worked for you?