Comfort eating, otherwise known as emotional eating, often has roots right back to our childhood. As babies we are comforted with milk, and often while growing up, sweets, biscuits and other foods are given as treats, rewards or comfort. This process can leave us with the feeling that food is the answer in many situations that wouldn’t naturally call for it, and some of us are left with a ‘comfort eating’ habit as a result. Talent Management knows that this habit causes problems for a huge amount of people and has been looking at ways to change this learned response. If you think you may be a comfort eater these tips may help.

Distraction. This may sound challenging, but distraction can be one of the healthiest and most productive ways to avoid comfort eating. When you feel those cravings coming try to engage yourself in something else. Fitness activities are perfect as you are fighting the problem with a fantastic solution. It could be anything from a job that needs doing to a phone call to a friend. If you can keep this up you will gradually form new, more positive habits to replace unhealthy comfort eating.

Alternatives. Often our bodies mistake thirst for hunger, so the next time you get the urge to eat when you know you shouldn’t be hungry try a healthy drink instead. Other alternatives may include sugar-free chewing gum, or even ice cubes, which reportedly work well for some people.

Shopping list. One of the most simple and effective methods of stopping yourself from comfort eating is to avoid buying the foods that tempt you in the first place. This may seem like a harsh approach, but if they’re not in the cupboard you can’t eat them! If you must buy the foods that you are trying to avoid for other members of the household make sure that you have only what they need and not an excess of temptation. At the same time it’s OK to allow yourself to eat as much plain fruit and salad as you like as a consolation. You will find that when faced with three apples you are unlikely to eat them all, whereas three bars of chocolate may be a different story! Recognising this should help you to judge when you are comfort eating as opposed to when you are actually hungry.

Causes. In the long term you must consider what the root cause of your comfort eating habit may be. Take note of which circumstances and times of the day lead you to crave for food and be ready for it next time! If breaking the cycle is too difficult on your own you may wish to consider some help from a therapist.