Feelings And Emotional Eating

JUST FOR TODAY:  Recognize that you are not your emotions.  You may feel a range of emotions, but how you feel does not define who you are.

When expressing your emotions, notice the difference between stating "I feel depressed" versus "I am depressed."  Feelings come and go, ebb and flow.  They are not personality traits which define you.  This is especially important to realize for the so-called "dark" emotions, which are usually uncomfortable to express.  Anger, fear, anxiety, grief, depression – you may feel these emotions occasionally, but they are not who you are.  Think about the qualities you possess that you consider a part of your identity – perhaps you are loving, generous, empathetic, kind, funny.  You are a certain person, who feels certain emotions.  Allow yourself to feel without labeling yourself as your emotions, and notice what happens with emotional eating patterns!  

©2009 by "Dr. Dorie" McCubbrey, M.S.Ed., Ph.D. – Eating Disorder & Obesity Treatment Specialist – Denver, Colorado