One common reason for overeating, for eating the "wrong foods" for craving and indulging in cravings is the need for emotional satisfaction. We all have common needs to feel important, cherished, loved and supported in our lives. However, we may not always take stock of what amount of cherishing or demonstration of loving support has come our way recently.

If during the course of a day you notice a sudden craving for, say, the old favorite, chocolate and the craving is so strong you just can not withstand until later in the day or perhaps even in the evening, you may be reacting emotionally to a food substance. Instead of reaching for that quick fix, try this: close your eyes, breathe deeply two or three times and think back through your day. Was there a moment of interaction with others in which you felt small, unnoticed, or noticed in a derogatory or demeaning way?

Reflect carefully on the details of your day so far. Sift for small moments and see what arises.

Now, you will likely notice another internal voice or attitude which says to you "That was not a problem. That person (or event) did not mean anything by it. You are being a baby, a wuz, a too-too sensitive person. Smarten up and get strong!"

Any variation on these words that convey the same meaning, has the same message, indicates a part of yourself that is not trustworthy.

Try again to identify what moment caused the emotional dip which is demanding satisfaction through sugar, doughnuts, cookies, chips, fast foods etc. Think slowly and give yourself the support you need: let that other voice go. It is alright in this exercise for you to fully feel the response you actually had at the moment, not the one you believe you "ought" to have had.

Once you have identified at least a small moment, perhaps a couple of similar interactions through your day so far, let yourself feel a little more clearly what your real response to that moment was. Allow yourself to feel sorrowful, hurt, upset in whatever way is true for you. Now, support yourself. Let yourself put your arm around your own shoulder, so to speak, and give yourself the same kind words and loving attitude you would to your best friend.

Now breathe deeply again and open your eyes.

Sometimes, if we identify what is causing our emotional discomfort, we find the need to grab for that emotional comfort leaves. Soon, as we pattern ourselves to keep on alert for when we feel emotionally unhappy we learn to comfort ourselves from the very moment the event occurs. Then very easily we find we can get through the day and into the evening without having to grab for comfort through food.

If, after this we choose to have something we know is comfort food, just because it feels good on a rainy day, or during a winter storm, when we are a little tired, or just looking forward to some additional comfort, the food is the food and not a substitute for emotional satisfaction.