One Simple to Fix Cause of Overeating

One of the major causes of overeating is devoting all of your time and attention to other people and obligations, leaving little time and energy to care for yourself. An obvious sign of this destructive habit is the constant feeling that you are “running on empty”. Women especially seem to be prone to this kind of “selflessness on steriods” habit, but men can easily fall into the trap too.

The problem with feeling as if you are running on empty all the time is that subconsciously you are going to seek ways to fill that inner void – even if it means eating more food than your body needs, numbing yourself with alcohol or drugs, or other destructive compulsive behavior.

Needless to say, trying to lose weight while this is happening is a losing battle. If you try to give up your favorite foods (especially the “comfort” foods you are using to make yourself feel better) you will be miserable, and probably give up on the diet long before you’ve reached your goal weight.

The solution to this problem is clear, and it’s not even as difficult as you may think: find other ways to soothe and fulfill yourself!

If you spend too much time focused on other people and responsibilities, start making yourself a priority. Set aside some time each day to do things that make you feel good. Has it been so long since you’ve done that that you’re not sure what you enjoy? Grab a sheet of paper and start making a list! Jot down some ideas for hobbies you used to enjoy, or those you’ve always wanted to explore but never find the time. Also include activities that make you feel peaceful and relaxed like meditation, taking bubble baths, curling up with a good book, etc.

Then be sure to make these activities a high priority on your list – even if it’s only for a few minutes a day. You may be thinking that you really don’t have a few minutes a day to spare, but you may be surprised at how much time is wasted on non-essential activities.

It may be a challenge to carve out a few minutes for yourself each day, but once you start doing so regularly, you will be amazed at how much happier, lighter and calmer you feel – and as those positive effects intensify, you will notice that your desire to overeat starts to fade. That’s because you have filled the empty place within you and no longer need comfort food to do it.