4 Surprising Reasons you May Overeat
Have you ever noticed that your eating habits sometimes change in different social situations? Or maybe you've experienced the frustrating pattern of self-sabotage, where you reward yourself for making healthy choices only to indulge in overeating later.
These behaviors are more common than you might think, and they often have underlying psychological factors at play. In this blog post, we'll delve into overeating and explore the reasons behind it.
From the impact of social dining to the role of chronic stress and distractions, we'll uncover the hidden forces that can lead to overeating.
So, grab a seat and get ready to gain insights into the psychology of overeating and how to better manage your relationship with food.
Because You're at a Restaurant with Friends
Would you believe me if I told you that you're likely to consume more food while dining with friends? According to a 2001 study from Vanderbilt University, people tend to eat more when in a group, regardless of their hunger levels. Social eating fosters a stronger bond with your dining companions, and our mirror neurons make us more inclined to mimic their eating habits.
Because You Self-Sabotage
Moral licensing is a psychological phenomenon where individuals tend to grant themselves permission to engage in undesirable behaviors, such as overeating, after previously demonstrating virtuous or responsible behavior, like not overeating. In essence, you might reward yourself for abstaining from overeating and then undermine your efforts by indulging in overeating.
Because You Eat When You're Distracted
If you're not consciously aware of what you're eating and the pleasure of the experience, your brain may not signal fullness as promptly. It also struggles to communicate effectively with your hypothalamus, which regulates hunger hormones and informs you when it's time to stop eating. Distracted eating can take various forms, from eating in your car to snacking in front of the TV or at the movies. Most people view eating as an activity that can be multitasked with work, socializing, or other activities.
Of course, not every meal can be a mindful one, and there will be times when you talk and socialize while eating. But when was the last time you sat down to a meal and fully immersed yourself in the eating experience? I bet it's been a very long time, if ever.
Because You Have Chronic Stress
A staggering 38% of adults who self-report overeating attribute it to stress. Stress encompasses both real and perceived stressors. You could be stressed due to your daily life, global news, an argument with someone, or even the relentless demands of your daily responsibilities. Negative feelings about eating and concerns regarding self-control can trigger a stress response in your body. When you eat while stressed, your brain's prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational decision-making, shuts down, leaving you to operate primarily from your primal brain, which prioritizes immediate protection, safety, and comfort. Consequently, it's challenging to stop yourself from overeating, especially if you're dealing with chronic stress, even when you genuinely want to avoid it.
If you struggle with chronic day-in and day-out stressors that affect your relationship with food especially during the holidays - listen up!
The holiday season is right around the corner, and while it's a time of joy and celebration, it can also be filled with stress, especially when it comes to food. Are you tired of the endless cycle of holiday stress-eating? I have the solution you've been searching for:
The upcoming Holiday Stress-Eating Bootcamp!
Imagine a holiday season where you can enjoy family gatherings, savor delicious meals, and remain in control of your eating habits.
This two-hour bootcamp on November 16th from 12-2 pm Eastern (with a recording, workbook and done-for-you meal plan available) is designed to provide you with a holistic approach to stress eating during the holidays.In this bootcamp, you'll:
🌴Discover quick and effective stress-reduction techniques to regain control and make calm, rational decisions.
🌴Learn how to effectively communicate your needs and boundaries to family members and advocate for your self-care.
🌴Gain mindful eating and meditation tools, along with a recorded meditation to use whenever you need.
🌴Create a flexible yet structured meal plan using our 3-tiered meal planning matrix.
Leave the bootcamp feeling empowered, prepared, and in control, armed with your very own holiday eating survival guide.
All for only $97
Don't let stress-eating hijack your holiday joy.
Join me for this transformative experience, and make this holiday season truly balanced and enjoyable.
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and say goodbye to holiday stress-eating!