Author: Beth Summers

What if I’m not hungry?

Overeating doesn’t necessarily mean you’re an emotional eater.

 

On the flip side, under eating isn’t something we typically think about when it comes to emotional eating but it is. Under eating is celebrated and promoted in our wellness culture, when in reality it’s a sign that we may be emotionally unwell.

 

Food apathy, or lack of hunger, is something every eater needs to be aware of. As moms, we might be hypersensitive about making sure our kids get an appropriate amount of food but do we give ourselves permission to pack our own diaper bag?

 

“But I’m not hungry! Nothing sounds good.”

 

That’s because you’re past hunger.

 

>>> Read more about hunger cues at Joyfully Inspired Life

Is stress eating bad for you?

One of the signs of disordered eating is skipping meals.

 

Maybe you’ve heard of intermittent fasting and thought, “I already do that!” Going without food, whether it’s intentional or not, is also another form of emotional eating.

 

If you’re feeling stressed to the point of not eating then your body is lacking the energy it needs for living.

 

Stress eating includes under-eating because you might not have much of an appetite when there’s a deadline looming, you’re running late to an appointment, or your kids are literally running circles around you. But you still need to eat.

 

>>> Read more about stress eating at Joyfully Inspired Life

What is emotional eating?

Emotional eating is a phrase you hear tossed around a lot nowadays, usually with a negative connotation. The truth is, we’re so out of touch with our emotions as a society that most people are actually emotionless eaters. They eat to numb out or avoid their emotions, not feel them.

 

And when that happens, it’s usually because we’re hungry for something. Whether it’s physical hunger due to restriction or emotionally starved for self-validation.

 

>>> Read more about emotional eating at Joyfully Inspired Life