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Do you eat more when you’re feeling stressed, or angry, or bored? Maybe you use food to feel better when you’re sad or anxious, or do you feel powerless and out of control around food? Does food feel like a friend, calming you and making you feel safe, or do you turn to the fridge even when you’re not hungry for a little boost or reward?
If any of this rings a bell, you’re an emotional eater – and you’re not alone. According to researchers at the University of Maryland, 75 per cent of overeating is caused by emotions, but often the connection goes unnoticed, preventing us from expressing and managing our feelings, and leading to unhealthy habits and a sense of powerlessness.
We forget that our food choices