First thing...CONGRATULATIONS to Dawn Robinson who won the first Blog Raffle and a couple of pounds of yummy protein powder! 

Now, let me ask you a question: How often has your mood affected your eating and exercise decisions? If you're being totally upfront, it probably has happened more than a few times.  The emotions are a powerful force to overcome.

The heart wants what the heart wants.  Well, that's what they say anyway.  What will you do?  Will you give in to the temptations of this romance?   Be careful, because this romance will leave you feeling used up and guilty.  Yeah, you're going to be making love like never before.  But wait...

This romance doesn't involve dancing, walks on the beach or sex.  This romance involves FOOD and it gets crazy!

It can be beyond frustrating. 

You're doing well with your weight loss or fitness program when all of a sudden something happens in your life that gets you all perturbed and you lose it. 

So what's your next thought?  What's your next move going to be?  I know, stupid question.  You're going to EAT and make love to your food.

...And so you do. 

You get down right, dirty south, nitty gritty romantic and you begin thinking about what you're going to eat that will make you feel better.  Mmmmmmm, how about some pizza or some fried chicken?  No?  Okay.  How about some sweets?  Yup, that's it.  We need some ice cream baby! 

For many, emotions can be what drives the poor lifestyle choices. Lots of times these emotions are open and obvious, while other times they're under the surface and not that easy to discern.  People can eat to help deal with all types of feelings--anxiety, fear, guilt, and sadness or just about anything uncomfortable.  Unfortunately, it's a cycle that can seem like a vacuum pulling you in and never letting you go. 

Food is seen as a panacea and it becomes the comforter for all ills.  How does it do that and why do so many fall prey to emotional eating?  Here's why:

• Food impacts us in a positive way--albeit temporarily--because we associate it with happy memories, holidays or celebrations.  Therefore, it puts us in "that" good mood or place.
• Eating fills our minutes and occupies our time, which in turn, keeps our minds busy with food instead of pain, anger, anxiety and so on.
• Food can actually change the chemical balance in the body.  The stimulation of endorphins brings feelings of contentment and even happiness.

As you can see, this is much more complex than simply just saying "hey, I'll stop eating junk food." 

There are no quick tips to eradicate this type of behavior.  I believe it takes intensive processing, goal setting, mind conditioning and accountability.  That's why these are all the things central to our new D3 program.  But here are some tangible things you can begin to implement which will help:

1.  Analyze and record your daily activities and when you eat what you eat.  Try to identify the triggers that lead to your unhealthy choices. Do NOT over-analyze.  Just write down what you eat and when and the rest will reveal itself.  Then, remove those things from your life or find healthy ways to deal with the feelings associated with the foods.

2.  Listen to your body and eat slowly.  Studies have revealed that chewing your food slowly may release chemicals in the brain that trigger satiety.

3.  Turn off the TV!  Many have a deep emotional connection with television and food.  Without realizing it, there is a romance going on that is destroying your chances at attaining your dream body.  Instead of watching the boob tube put on some music, write or read instead.

4.  Replace unhealthy snack foods with healthy choices and beverages.  Drinking tasty herbal teas can be a great way to keep the taste buds busy. 

5.  Drink lots of water.  Quite often you're not experiencing hunger but thirst.  Believe it or not your body picks up the wrong signals.  Unfortunately, these signals are also being fueled by your emotions too.  Next time you feel like opening the fridge, drink 2-3 glasses of cold water instead and see what happens to your hunger.  It can't hurt.

6.  See your body as the gift from God that it is and treat your body with a greater respect.  I teach my clients to SEE and TRAIN their bodies as exceptional machines.  Think like this: You're creating YOUR machine with every bite and swallow.  What you put in it will determine what it becomes.

7.  Cultivate habits that relate to a healthier lifestyle. From reading to writing to a long power walk after dinner.  Change your habits and your heart and mind will follow.

By the way, some use alcohol the same way many use food.  If this is you, think twice and do NOT miss my next blog post.  Alcohol is KILLING your best efforts at getting leaner, stronger or more muscular. 

Do not see food or your emotions as the enemy.  In fact, see NOTHING in a negative light but rather set the positive surroundings in place to SHAPE the WAY you THINK.

Leave some comments and let's get into this :)