I know its been a while but I’ve recently been inspired. I have finally found another person, in this case a Ph.D in psychology, who believes that it is ok to eat for emotional reasons. For years, authors and authorities of all types, whether it be nutritionists, therapists, Buddhists, personal trainers, etc., said, “Don’t eat for emotional reasons. Try meditating, taking a walk or a bath.” At the same time I saw the reality of emotional eating from the perspective of myself, my friends, loved ones and clients. It seemed that finding a balanced way was needed. What I’ve been saying for some time is that if you are going to eat emotionally (which seems a given), then make sure you’re being mindful and fully embodied at the same time. Finally someone agrees with me. Now I won’t seem so crazy, will I? 
Let me share just a few juicy thoughts and you can read the rest of his book if you’d like. It has many other fun, interesting and not too preachy ideas on mindful eating. This information is from “Eating the Moment- 141 mindful practices to overcome overeating one meal at a time” by Pavel Somov, Ph. (2008). In chapter 4, he discusses mindful emotional eating in detail and provides 5 key steps to success. I’ve summarized them here.
1. Accept emotional eating as a legitimate coping choice, not a coping failure
2. Before eating, relax a bit by deep breathing or meditation for a few minutes
3. Try to eat in company, not alone
4. Follow a ritual- pick a place to eat, with a start and end time for your eating
5. Remember that emotional eating does not have to mean emotional overeating
(All emphasis added is mine)
I also recommend eating foods that will really satisfy and be sure to eat it mindfully and fully present in your body. This way you have the best chance of dealing with the emitionas while minimizing the risk of feeling guilty about it afterwards.
I hope this helps.
Ian
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Thoughtful and totally outside the box. I think about comfort food in this regard, and find that foods that fit this category are foods that make you *feel* good eating. This, in my opinion, is accepted emotional eating. The trouble begins when the food isn't consumed mindfully — enjoyed for its comfort — and the eater keeps eating in the hopes of feeling good.
Great post Ian!
Thanks mediachick. I fully agree with your comment as well. Hopefully this will give some comfort to others.