Ask yourself:
- Am I physically hungry or emotionally triggered?
- What emotion am I feeling right now?
- Is there a non-food way I can comfort myself?
- How will I feel after I eat this?
- What does my body actually need in this moment?
Before you dive into that pint of ice cream, hit pause. These 5 questions can create just enough space to shift the moment.
1. Am I physically hungry or emotionally triggered?
Physical hunger builds slowly and feels like a true body need. Emotional hunger is usually urgent and specific—like suddenly needing cookies right now.
2. What emotion am I feeling right now?
Name it to tame it. Are you stressed, bored, lonely, sad, overwhelmed? Awareness is the first step toward change.
3. Is there a non-food way I can comfort myself?
Try something soothing: a walk, a hot shower, music, journaling, or texting a friend. Food won’t fix what’s emotional.
4. How will I feel after I eat this?
Think ahead. Will it make you feel comforted… or worse? This doesn’t mean guilt—it means awareness.
5. What does my body actually need in this moment?
Maybe it’s rest. Maybe it’s water. Maybe it’s just a good cry. Listen with compassion.
You don’t have to be perfect to make progress. Just more present. These small check-ins can lead to big breakthroughs.
