If you tend to eat to calm down when you're stressed or nervous then it might affect your mental and physical health a lot.
Meanwhile, people with eating disorders can't always understand which one they are experiencing at the moment.
Here are a few core features that can help you.
Real hunger
Real hunger is a physical feeling that gradually builds up over time.
Signs of real hunger include a rumbling stomach, feeling weak or lightheaded, and having difficulty concentrating.
When you eat because you're genuinely hungry, any type of food can satisfy you, and you'll stop eating once you feel full.
Emotional eating
Emotional eating is when you eat to cope with emotions rather than to fulfill your body's need for fuel.
It's often triggered by stress, sadness, boredom, or other emotional states.
Signs of emotional eating include sudden cravings for specific comfort foods (like ice cream or chocolate) and an intense desire to eat even though you don't feel physically hungry.
Emotional eating can also lead to feelings of guilt or regret after eating.
Differentiating between emotional eating and real hunger
Pay attention to your body and emotions.
Reflect on whether you're eating because you're genuinely hungry or because you're feeling a certain way.
Consider if there are other ways to address your emotions besides eating.
Explore healthier ways to cope, such as talking to a friend, practicing relaxation techniques, or engaging in enjoyable activities.
If you find that you're eating to soothe emotions rather than satisfy physical hunger, it may be emotional eating.
Previously, we talked about okra.
