Why Do You Overeat?

This is a question that comes up a lot. First, what is overeating? It's not eating more than the serving size listed on a jar of peanut butter or box of cereal. It's usually much more significant than that and involves eating way past comfortable fullness. 

Everyone overeats from time-to-time, but if it's something that is happening frequently, it can help to understand the root cause and what you can change. Here are possible explanations:

1. You're undereating - yes, not eating enough is usually the #1 cause of overeating. Make sure you're getting 3 balanced meals and at least 1-2 snacks throughout the day to prevent overeating.

2. Intentional restriction/dieting  - there are many different types of restriction. You can restrict calories and you can also restrict types of foods. Both can result in a feeling of being out of control around food.

3. Stress/emotions - both can create a different type of hunger that can be confused with needing food when it's really some type of emotional comfort and release you require. 

4. Environmental cues - where we are and what’s going on around us can often influence what and how much we eat. Being aware of your surroundings can make a huge difference.

No matter why it's happening, it's best to not try to compensate with restriction or worry. Instead focus on eating more balanced and intuitively the next day.

Working 1:1 with a dietitian is the first step to learning how to respond better to hunger and fullness cues and discern between emotional and physiological hunger.