The Underlying Cause of Emotional Eating http://learntruehealth.com/emotional-eating-tricia-nelson Emotional Eating is common especially when you are stressed.  However, most people do not realize this leads to very serious health disorders. American Psychological Association (APA) reports that majority of American adults are overweight or obese. Hence, the risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease is increased. Furthermore, the research reveals a connection between stress and emotional eating. Bodies store more fat than when people are stressed.  In addition to that, cravings are usually for sweet and fatty foods.  As a result, people feel lazy or sluggish. Thirty-eight percent of adults say they have overeaten or eaten unhealthy foods in the past month because of stress. Half of these adults report engaging in these behaviors weekly or more. Thirty-three percent of adults blame it on stress while twenty-seven percent say they eat to manage stress. On the other hand, thirty-four percent say this behavior is a habit. Causes of Emotional Eating Tricia Nelson, an emotional eating expert says, "Emotional eating is not only about overeating. It has a lot to do with the food you're drawn do as well."  She adds, " People know what excess food is doing to them. Unfortunately, people don't think about what it's doing for them." Doctors have identified that some common causes of emotional eating are: Anxiety Childhood Obesity Depression Fatigue "People think emotional eating is about food and weight. But the emotional part has everything to do with it. We eat because we get stressed out. We get to that tipping point where we just can't take it anymore. And we reach for food," Nelson explains. "That tipping point happens when we're filled with so much stress and anxiety that we bust out basically."  Tricia's Story Tricia Nelson has been battling emotional eating since her early 20s. After years of experimentation with 12-step programs, therapy, and self-help books, Tricia finally hit a spiritual and emotional bottom. None of the diets seemed to work for her. "I've been an emotional eater my entire life. Basically, I love food. Sugar, fat, and starch. Those were my food groups," says Nelson. "I ended up going to therapy." Tricia attended Amherst College and began her career working at the Seattle Art Museum. While in Seattle she began working with a spiritual healer, Roy Nelson who would later become her husband. Roy helped her recognize and heal the root causes of her addictions. By creating a positive lifestyle, Tricia was able to stop drinking and emotional eating. She has maintained a fifty-pound weight loss for close to 30 years now. Ways to Curb Emotional Eating When you look at holistic medicine, true health is emotional, mental and spiritual. If you have an imbalance in one you have an imbalance in all because it's all inter-connected. WebMD comprises a team of medical doctors specializing in various fields.  Here are some of their recommendations to help you get your mind off emotional eating: Talk to a friend. Read a book or magazine, or listen to music. Go for a walk or jog. Meditate or do deep breathing exercises. Play a game. Do housework, laundry, or yard work. Write an email. Doctors also suggest keeping a food diary. It is a good idea to jot down your food intake and the time of your meal. You can also add the thoughts or emotions you have at each meal or snack. You may find patterns. For instance, you might notice that you eat for social reasons, such as when other people encourage you to eat or to fit in with a group. You may also want to work with a counselor in "talk therapy." It's a good place to plan other ways to handle your emotions and how you relate to food. Heal Your Hunger: 7 Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating Now Tricia's book is set to come out this April.  It will be available through Amazon.com, Goodreads, Booksamillion and other fine retailers. "I caught the emotional eating