No Emotional Eating Tool Kit

On Monday we talked about what emotional eating actually is.  (If you haven't checked it out, scroll back to that post.)  Today, we're going to build our "NO EMOTIONAL EATING TOOL KIT"!

Ideally, you'll want to find a small shoebox, or food storage box that you'll be able to put some times in to help you deal in times when you feel an emotional eating need coming on.  Inside this box, you will want to fill it with items that will keep you from trying to satisfy your needs with food.

First, I've found that by far the most beneficial tool in my tool box is an index card.  "An index card?" is probably what you're thinking.  But yes, that's what I said.  Don't worry, it's not a blank one.  On this card I want you to put the following...

• a positive affirmation (or 2 or 3), something that really speaks to you... for me "I believe in myself and my abilities" is one that really speaks to me, but you'll need to find one that works for you.
• phone numbers of 3 close friends - you'll want to make sure that these people are non-judgmental.  Often when we're looking for that "fix" from emotional eating the last thing we need to feel is judged as well.  These 3 people will listen to you, comfort and console you, and simply put, just be there for me.  (I'm blessed to have several people in my life who have been willing to text back and forth with me at all hours of the day and night when I've been in a really bad place.

There obviously won't just be an index card in your box.  But here's where you need to see what works for you.

• Does journaling help you purge your emotions?  If so, then buy a cheap notebook at the dollar store and keep that in there. 
• Do you need to keep your hands busy?  Remember those floss bracelets we made as kids?  Buy some floss and make a bracelet or two. 
• Do you know how to crochet or knit?  Put in a ball of yarn and your needles or crocket hook.  As an added bonus, you could wind up making scarves for everyone for Christmas this year (my boys still have their scarves I made for them before I decided that crocheting really just wasn't for me).
• Maybe you like to draw.  Keep a sketchpad in there.  Like to read, put in a couple magazines or a Chicken Soup type book filled with short, positive and uplifting stories.
• Then there's my favorite... Play-Doh!  Sometimes we just need to keep our hands busy.  When that's the case, squeezing and shaping a wad of this dough can keep your hands moving (and therefore unable to be used to eat) and it's a GREAT way to deal with frustration.

And don't forget, there's something that you can't put inside your tool box, but is a GREAT way to burn out those emotions - exercise.  Whether your doing a T25 workout, or going for a walk, either way you'll be able to clear out your head while doing something good for yourself... And who doesn't feel better once they've got that endorphin burst?

Until Next Time...

Just Breathe...

So today was one of those mornings where I was truly a "bitch on wheels."  I got a new computer last night which wasn't working for me this morning, I didn't wake up early enough so I only got half my workouts in, and I really just wanted to go back to bed since I was up part of the night with a stomachache.  However, that was not in the cards for this Momma today, who had to drive the minions 45 minutes away to Horse Riding Camp today.  Since camp is so far away and only for 2.5 hours I just drove around (and got my nails done) while I was waiting for it to end.  However, on my journey I found this beautiful picturesque spot that made me just have to pull over.  I stood overlooking the water, took a few deep breaths, and tried to be thankful for everything I do have in my life - rather then focus on the stuff that was really pissing me off at the moment.  Then I continued on my way for a little bit of retail therapy...

See if I wanted to be honest, its the vacation weight gain that is really causing me to be a bit, shall we say, snotty?  I know it's less then 10 pounds I've put on since the beginning of the summer, a summer which included longer work days, Disney, the shore, parties, BBQs, not to mention the boys both being home from school.  But I'm angry with myself and fearful that I won't be able to get it off.  Why?  I wish I knew the answer to that - Lord knows I've been able to do it before!  But for some reason, the fear is really building in me and causing me to be quite a "fun" character to be around. 

At any rate, on my drive I found this very cute little health store.  It was kinda "granola" - all organic and natural stuff and LOTS of homeopathic type things.  But a few of my friends have been swearing by assorted essential oils lately, so I figured what the heck, it's not like my mood can get any worse, right?  And so I bought myself a couple of these goodies.  Both the Yoga Mist and Cool Hottie have Lavender in them - I'm not 100% sure what lavender does but I figure, that's the oil that they all seem to be swearing by, so I might as well join in.  I love the scent - I feel kinda hippie but I'm going to keep giving them a try while I'm all wound up.  It can't hurt right?  I'll keep you all updated!

Until the Next Time...