Who Are You Feeding?

Who Are You Feeding?
When you eat when you aren't hungry, have you ever stopped
to question who it is you're feeding? Many of us feed
ourselves based on an emotional need, even when the
emotions are negative or positive. Many of us eat when we
are sad, bored, angry, or even joyous and happy.

When we are emotionally eating, it is usually something
quick, easy, and pre-made, pre-packed or requires very
little preparation other than opening a box or wrapper.
Any food choice that is especially sugary, salty, or
crunchy are the favorite fixes. We are feeding ourselves
with quick fixes that usually have little or no nutrition,
and we're eating when we are in a mode of emotional
unbalance and hunger isn't the issue. We're caught in old
patterns of mindless, compulsive emotional overeating.
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "Who are you
feeding?" or "What are you feeding?" This pause and
awareness is important in overcoming mindless and
compulsive emotional overeating. You've eaten dinner and
are physically satisfied from your meal. Yet, before you
know it, not hungry, you are walking into the kitchen to
eat a piece of cake, ask yourself "Who am I feeding?"
Maybe ask yourself how your body will feel after you've
eaten the cake. You know that you'll be uncomfortable,
overfull, and remorseful that you've eaten the cake. Not
only will be you feel physically uncomfortable, but it sets
off a cycle of remorse, frustration, disappointment and
another jab toward lower self-esteem. Are the few seconds
of temporary pleasure worth the discomfort to your body and
emotional downward spiral? Is it worth it?

It really isn't about the cake. It is never about the
food. It is about awareness. The key is to be aware of
your actions and acknowledge how a particular food choice
will "feed" you. If you stop and ask yourself to get in
touch with who you really need to feed, it becomes easier.
Are you feeding an emotion, anger, or the scared part of
yourself? You become more in touch with your emotions and
what you really need and what emotion you're feeding. With
practice, it becomes a habit to check in with yourself on a
regular basis. If you make this a habit, you'll go a long
way to feeding yourself in a nurturing, healthy way.
You'll be headed toward losing weight and maintaining your
weight loss healthfully. The next time you find yourself
on your way to emotional eating, stop and ask yourself "Who
am I feeding?" Wait for the honest answer that is inside
you. If you ask yourself and then listen, the answer will
come.

----------------------------------------------------
Cathy Wilson is a weight loss life coach. Cathy lost 147
pounds six years ago. Her passion is helping clients
achieve their weight loss and life goals. Cathy works with
clients to create a weight loss life plan that is
customized to each client. Cathy is a member of the
International Coaching Federation, International
Association of Coaches, and Obesity Action Coalition.
Visit Cathy's website:
http://www.LoseWeightFindLife.com