The only reason we are overweight is because we eat too much

The only reason we are overweight is because we eat too much

If you've been following me for a while, you know that the way I always describe “natural eating” is that it's not about what you eat, but how you eat. Today I wanted to discuss why we eat and why so many people are overweight.

In my opinion, the only reason we are overweight is because we eat too much. We eat too much because we eat for the wrong reasons. Our body only really wants food when it is hungry. Most people have lost the ability to know whether they are physically or emotionally hungry.

The reasons we eat other than physical nutrition are:

· Emotional reasons, e.g.: boredom, loneliness, anger, sadness, stress, depression or disappointment.

· Keeping our emotions inside rather than facing them.

· Cultural traditions

· Eating without hunger so as not to offend anyone.

· I was taught not to waste food, so eat everything on our plate even if we have enough

· To reward ourselves

· We know that we are probably hungry somewhere where it is inappropriate to eat, so eat beforehand even if we are not hungry.

· We are not “allowed” to eat a certain food, so when our willpower finally gives in, we will end up eating it.

· Secret eating so people don't see us eating something we "shouldn't eat", e.g.: in the car or waiting for family members to go out.

· We just ate something we didn't really want and even though we're physically full, we're not emotionally satisfied, so keep eating.

What happens in all these situations is that we end up feeling disappointed, uncomfortable and guilty because our body doesn't want food but something else.

Our bodies are constantly giving us signals, but unfortunately many of us have used food to cope. Often we need rest, sleep, stimulation, love, fresh air or hydration, but we reach for food out of habit.

There are many tips and strategies to politely refuse when we are not hungry or have had enough. The two most important things in all of this are to be aware of what our bodies are telling us and then be prepared.

When I show someone how to eat naturally, I'm showing them how to reconnect with their body's natural hunger and satisfaction instincts. This allows them to only eat when they are physically hungry and to find other positive, empowering things to satisfy emotional hunger.

Inspired by Catrina Bengree