Let us start with a very familiar scene. It is around 12AM, and you are not sleepy. You are scrolling through Instagram thinking about the stressful day you had at work. Well, your mood is questionable.But your stomach?Not actually empty but suddenly that packet of chips starts calling you for just one bite.Fast-forward six minutes …
Let us start with a very familiar scene. It is around 12AM, and you are not sleepy. You are scrolling through Instagram thinking about the stressful day you had at work. Well, your mood is questionable.
But your stomach?
Not actually empty but suddenly that packet of chips starts calling you for just one bite.
Fast-forward six minutes and there you are holding that empty packet of chips. This is where your guilt kicks in. Did you actually want that?
If this sounds painfully like you, welcome to the club of the Emotional Eaters Association of India, quite unofficial but real. But here is the twist. Sometimes, it’s not the actual hunger. It is the emotions.
And that difference is what the experts from the best slimming clinic in Chennai want you to know before you step into a weight loss programme.
Real hunger is your body’s biological signal that tells you that it needs fuel. This does not set out randomly but gradually starts. It comes out with signs like a growling stomach, low energy and difficulty in concentrating.
Also, you will want to actually eat a whole meal and not just snacks. And, real hunger does not demand for you to eat a specific food.
If you get happy with just some idly or fruits, then you are probably hungry. Real hunger wants you to eat anything, anything decent.
Emotional hunger is triggered by feelings and not the body’s actual hunger senses.
And emotion and food is an inseparable love story. We celebrate with good food. We find comfort in food. Well, we even binge-watch with food.
Emotional hunger is something that is triggered immediately and the onset is sudden. This is normally triggered by stress, boredom, loneliness, anxiety, anger and even happiness.
And unlike real hunger, these hunger pangs make you picky. It demands specific foods. Be it chocolates, fries, pizza, biriyani, ice cream, and sometimes…chaat? (Okay, don’t pretend that pani puri is not your emotional support system.)
Emotional hunger screams, “Give me what I want…and now…”
According to the top slimming clinic in chennai, emotional eating happens from stress-related hormonal changes, lack of awareness between emotional and physical cues. Sometimes, your reward-based upbringing can be the reason..
Finish your homework, and you get your chocolate (Sounds familiar?)
In very basic terms.. according to your brain, food is comfort. So when you feel low, your brain finds its comfort in food.
Here is the real villain that you will never see: Dopamine.
Sugary and salty foods give that instant dopamine rush. It feels good, and your brain wants it more.
This is where the cycle becomes more and more addictive… especially when your emotions are high.
How do you find this out?
Well, if your hunger came out suddenly, then you might be sitting on an emotional hunger bait.
Do you randomly crave a slice of pizza? That extra cheese sounds tempting, and your mind wants it right away? You are probably eating out of emotions and not hunger.
Ask yourself if it can wait for another 20 minutes. If the hunger cannot, then you are not actually hungry.
And here is another test. The guilt test. If you feel guilty after eating that meal, well, you are not hungry.
Also, what are you craving to eat? Anything? Or something specific?
Actual hunger wants food; that is it. It can be anything. But emotional hunger does not work like that. It demands specific foods only.
Also read: Why Stress Affects Your Weight Loss Results: Insights from Experts in body slimming in chennai
Weight loss is not always about just eating less. It is about understanding your body. And the best weight loss clinic in chennai focuses on behavioural correction, mindful eating tips, metabolism support, appetite regulation and non-diet slimming treatments.
They should also give you nutrition guidance tailored to your food habits and style.
Ask yourself.
Am I actually hungry?
Pause. Breathe. And then find out.
Sometimes the body asks for food, but actually the mind wants some rest.
You don’t lack discipline. You just need awareness. Once you break out of this pattern, your weight loss journey becomes surprisingly easier.
And you need some guidance; we are always here.
Book your consultation with us today, because at MINUS, change does not start with food; it starts with understanding (and probably, a consultation).
Emotional eating is your body’s way to cope with stress, boredom or loneliness. And many people seeking weight loss treatments in Chennai mostly experience emotional eating without realising it.
Start by trying to find out what is making you eat a lot. Start practising mindful eating and create an escape plan without having food in your mind. If it is out of hand, then try consulting the best slimming clinic in Chennai. We can help you.
Absolutely. Emotional eating leads to a change in diet patterns. Weight loss becomes a tough game. Start with a professional analysis of your body and its needs.
