We all have needs. We may create emotions and feelings that drive us to act in ways that compromise our total health and quality of life when we fail to get our needs met.

WHAT NEED IS DRIVING YOUR BEHAVIOR?

When we become consumed with getting our needs met, we end up being controlled by our needs. When we believe or think those needs will not be met, we can create emotions and feelings of fear, anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. If we are not emotionally resilient and intelligent, we may find ourselves constantly being a victim of the emotions that we have created. Worse, we may find ourselves turning to the 4 P’s for distraction, comfort, or relief. Learn to differentiate between your real needs and your wants and desires.

WHEN WE ARE NOT EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT

When we are not emotionally intelligent, we struggle to effectively cope or deal with the emotions and feelings we create. Furthermore, we compound the issue when we turn to food to soothe or calm our emotional state. This begins a cycle, which over time becomes a habit that bears unhealthy fruit. Most people will deny they are emotional eaters; however, if you have been struggling with a weight issue, consider the possibility that the root cause of your weight issue is a lack of emotional sobriety. Believe that you can cope with whatever emotions you create when you realize that you are creating your emotions and feelings based on the belief, thinking pattern, and thought you have.

I WAS AN EMOTIONAL EATER FOR DECADES

Why does it take so much food to soothe you? It takes a lot more food to soothe your emotions than to satisfy physiological hunger. What you must understand is what is the force driving you to reach for food. Why do you eat? I remember one day saying to someone, I never get hungry. That should have been a clue, that I was eating not because of physiological hunger, but because I was hungering emotionally. What are you hungering for emotionally? Realize excess weight is not solely a physical issue, it also has psychological and spiritual components.

THE BEST EXERCISE AND DIET PLANS OFTEN FAIL

If you do not get to the root cause of WHY you eat, your best exercise plan and diet will not work in the long run. Some things you must accept:

1. Food has been your comforter for a long time; therefore, you will need a healthier source of comfort.
2. Your emotions are signals that something is out of spiritual alignment; therefore, you will need to examine your beliefs for truth and love.
3. Life is not always going to be smooth sailing; therefore, learn to respond appropriately to the bumps and detours along the way.
4. People will disappoint and even hurt you; learn to take it to God in prayer.

YOU CAN REDUCE YOUR WEIGHT AND KEEP IT OFF

Every other week I was trying a different diet, until I realized it was not what I was eating, but why I was eating. I needed to change the yo-yo diet mindset. Today, I still must be mindful of why I am eating, but I am in a better place now to deal appropriately with the emotions and feelings I create. Did I create feelings of disappointment and shame? Of course I did, but I realize that is self-sabotaging and I must show myself more C.A.R.E. in every moment. You cannot be an emotional eater and maintain a healthy weight. Decide what you want most! Know you can have health and comfort.