1.   Eating to reward or entertain ourselves

Situation - Children get cookies as a reward, workers get dinners for a promotion

Challenge - These are enjoyable experiences!

Solution - Enjoy them with new skills and habits firmly in place. List things that you truly enjoy and reward your self in other ways.  Eat half the normal amount.

2.  Eating to soothe an unpleasant experience

Situation - Children bump a knee and get a lollipop, adults blow an interview and go on an eating binge.  This is comfort food.

Challenge - Does the food really lessen the bad feelings, or compound other issues?  How do you get over feelings without a food crutch?

Solution - Rationalize the situation before eating.  Find a new way of warming your heart and feeling good.  Consider a hug, a chat, getting out, a good movie or book.

3.  Eating to gain authority or be noticed

Situation - (Belief) With a big body, you get more attention and authority

Challenge - How to get noticed and retain authority without size.  Is this producing the kind of attention that you want? 

Solution - Recognize your self worth. Respect and attention are linked to personal power not your size.  Find something that you are excellent at, harness that feeling of confidence, and carry it with you into other situations.

4.  Eating when we need love

Situation - Babies are trained to associate love with food, mother holds and milks, cooks and feeds, all providing love and attention.  We continue the cycle when we are alone.

Challenge - How do I feel loved and attended to without food?

Solution - Rationalize the situation before eating, replace this pattern with new habits and employ your new skills.

5.  Eating because we are afraid

Situation - Being overweight frees you from the decisions, consequences or attraction associated with relationships.  A spouse may remain secure if you are unattractive.  Skinny equals unhealthy.  You can devote your self to work. This demands no emotional or physical change. 

Challenge - Being attractive and secure with self in view of others.

Solution - Rationalize the situation and work through your fears.  Truly love yourself.

Adapted from "Hypnosis for Change" by Josie Hadley and Carol Staudacher