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The Story
**Emotional eating isn't always the problem. Sometimes it is the solution we've learned to use for a need we haven't yet identified.** ***In order to provide a safe and supportive environment, we ask that cameras are on during meeting.*** # In the Moment: Interrupting Emotional Eating Have you ever found yourself standing in the kitchen eating when you weren't physically hungry and wondered, *“How did I get here?”* There is a reason emotional eating can feel automatic. ## What Is Happening in the Brain? When we experience stress, anxiety, loneliness, frustration, boredom, or another uncomfortable emotion, our brain doesn't simply sit back and thoughtfully analyze the situation. Stress activates biological systems involving the **amygdala, hypothalamus, autonomic nervous system, and HPA axis**, which can influence cortisol and other stress-related signals. At the same time, stress can make it harder to use the thoughtful, deliberate processes associated with the **prefrontal cortex**. Under stress, we're more likely to rely on behaviors that have worked for us before. And food can work. Palatable foods engage brain reward and motivation pathways involving dopamine and other signaling systems. Eating may temporarily provide pleasure, distraction, comfort, or relief from distress. The brain learns from that experience: **I felt uncomfortable → I ate → I felt different.** Repeat this enough times and the association can become increasingly automatic. A difficult phone call may eventually trigger a trip to the kitchen before we've even identified what we're feeling. This isn't simply a lack of willpower. It is a **learned coping response**. The encouraging part is that learned responses can be interrupted and new responses can be practiced. ## The Goal Isn't to Fight the Urge When an urge appears, we often respond with: *“Don't eat.”* *“I shouldn't be hungry.”* *“I need more self-control.”* *“Here I go again.”* Unfortunately, now we're dealing with the original em
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Sunday, September 20 · 11:00 AM