Let’s admit it, eating is one of the best ways to bond with family, friends, co-workers, etc. Most of the time eating with our favourite company is combined with life discussions and at times it is also coupled with some drinks. Now, there is nothing wrong with being with great people in your life, celebrating or venting over meals and drinks. But though it is not bad, it puts you at risk for overeating, especially if you are an emotional eating or you resort to food for comfort. And we all know emotional eating leads to weight gain and many other lifestyle diseases. But how can you avoid emotional eating when you are with such good company?

1. Honesty is the best policy

• If you have noticed that you eat more or you consume unhealthy stuff when you are with a certain group, tell them about it.
• If they are really people who support you and love you, they will care about your health and help you achieve your goal of warding off emotional eating.
• Chances are, you are in the company of emotional eaters as well so you can all go through the process of change together. But someone has to start opening up.
• If you do not open up to them, it will be much harder to make them understand and for you to avoid the other emotional eating triggers associated with your friends and family.
• No matter how hard you try, if the people around you will pull you towards emotional eating and not help you out, you will keep on struggling to no avail.

2. Bring or cook your own food

• Cooking your own food gives you greater control over what goes into your body. You know what ingredients you use and the portions you consume too.
• It’s your time to shine, bring your home cooked meal to the office or invite your friends over instead of eating out. You will not just show them your cooking prowess, you will all be eating healthier too.
• Not a chef in the making? Don’t fret. There are many easy yet delicious and nutritious recipes you can find, some of them as quick as 15 minutes to prepare. You just have to allot a little time to whip them up.

3. Voice out your suggestions

• Next time your family, group of friends or co-workers go out for a meal, suggest to visit a new restaurant instead of your usual fast food joint.
• Keep a list of places you want to try. How about a new salad bar? Or a swanky gourmet restaurant?
• Studies have shown that if you indulge your senses and get an overall eating experience (smelling the food, looking at its delightful presentation and tasting rich flavors) will help your brain remember the experience better, hence, you will not crave too much later on.
• Also, if you eat at a posh place, you will not be overeating for sure. Aside from the great flavors that will satisfy your palette, the prices will make you think twice too.

4. Less is more.

• When you attend big celebrations with buffets and bottomless food and drink, opt to grab a smaller plate to trick your brain into thinking you are full.
• If you really cannot get your family or friends’ cooperation with your goal to avert emotional eating, spend a little less time with them. This is not to say you ditch their every invitation but rather you can come a bit late, leave early or go to 8 out of 10 invitations instead. Showing up tells them that you care but spending less time lets them know you have a life and other priorities as well.
• Less eating, more fun activities of other sorts. Invite your friends, family or people from the workplace to try new things with you. It could be anything—sports, the gym, a book club, crafting, etc. Anything that will keep you busy that does not involve is a possibility. And it could open doors to new interests and passion as well.

Tips

• Remember that being a great friend and family member is not just about getting together for meals. There are many other ways to show support and love that does not require the consumption of food and alcohol.
• Your journey to veer away from emotional eating is also a good indicator of who belong in your inner circle of trust. You might have to think twice about those who do not support your decision for a healthier life.
• Talk to a professional about your struggles and the discomfort you feel especially in terms of avoiding pressure from peers in terms of emotional eating. It is difficult to process emotions on your own.

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