Body Weight Loss and how Emotional Eating Affects Diet Plans

There are probably countless things that may compromise body weight loss. The problem of emotional eating is one of those seemingly hidden elements that render fat burning and calorie restriction virtually impossible. Diet plans are constantly ruined until such an eating disorder is identified and eradicated.
Emotional eating may be recognized by a number of triggers associated with unnecessary food consumption. In order to formally identify an eating disorder, it is important to apply a special test to the suspected person.

Body Weight Loss and the Problem of an Eating Disorder in Diet Plans

There are a number of elements that may cause emotional eating in many individuals. Some of the following triggers might affect certain people while others may not. Overall, the absence of hunger is a key characteristic in any event.



Some people may eat when bored. It does not matter what time of day it is, if specific individuals are experiencing boredom, they will raid the pantry. Such behaviour will obviously affect body weight loss and fat burning, especially if the person is predisposed to frequent boredom.

Stress is another factor that may cause people to eat. Some individuals, when feeling anxious, might want to consume their favourite foods whenever they smell them.

All such factors that cause emotional eating may significantly hinder attempts at healthy weight loss.

Healthy Weight Loss and Recognising Emotional Eating

As an eating disorder can affect calorie restriction, fat burning and ultimately diet plans, it is important to recognise when one has problems with emotional eating. People are normally unaware or in a state of denial that they could be eating out of emotion.

Probably the best emotional eating test is to see if one eats when hunger is not absent. Try to see if the craving for favourite foods, especially those that are high in fat and calories, is almost constant. After that, attempt to find out if the eating takes place simply because the food tastes good.

Finally, an eating disorder, especially when one tends to overeat, usually is accompanied by feelings of guilt. Thus, a cycle occurs where the person suspected of emotional eating consumes their favourite food, followed by a session of guilt thereafter.

If people have a significant eating disorder that makes fat burning difficult and prevents them from engaging in diet plans where calorie restriction is an element – and body weight loss is rendered impossible – it is best to seek professional help.

Lose Weight with the Mind, Mouth, Muscle Formula

Men and women lose weight differently. For women, this can be particularly frustrating, but there are reasons why men lose weight more quickly and women tend to struggle to lose any weight.

“Gender had a significant influence on body fat and weight gain.” (21)
Diferences of fat deposits amoung males and females starts as early as puberty when girls have fat that settles on their chest, hips and thighs. Men and women typically carry their weight differently and men have a higher percentage of muscle, which burns more fat.

Pamela Peeke adapted the Body for Life program to fit the emotional and mental needs of women on a diet. She stresses the importance of striking a balance between taking care of others and taking care of yourself.

“Women secrete less of the brain chemical serotonin than men do, making them more vulnerable to depression, mood disorders, and overeating (especially carbs) under stress.” (20)

Factors Addressed in Body for Life for Women:

• Monthly periods
• Menopause
• Emotional eating
• Poor body image
• Low self esteem
• Hormones
• Aging

The Mind, Mouth, Muscle Formula

Peeke discusses how the mind, mouth, muscle formula works to help you lose weight.

Mind – Having a positive attitude about yourself and believing that you can do it is half the battle. Reduce your stress level to lose weight.

Mouth – How you eat makes a big difference with the number on the scale. Know what you are eating and how much, then educate yourself to make healthier food choices.

Muscle - Physical activity should be a no-brainer. Not only does regular exercise help you lose weight, it is good for your heart, helps tone your body and relieves aches and pains. Cardio, along with resistance training, needs to become a habit. Weight training is important for preventing muscle loss as you age.

The Food Plan

The Body for Life for Women food plan is sensible, requiring 5-6 small meals per day while watching portion sizes. Peeke also says to throw the idea of perfection out the window. Eat smart 80% of the time, allowing yourself some wiggle room for stressful times, holidays and cravings as long as you continue to keep an eye on your portion sizes.

The idea is to cut calories without have to track everything you eat. Learn to read labels and choose high density foods to feel full longer.

Structure of Body for Life for Women
The book is set up according to hormone stages of life. Each section addresses how a women in each stage needs to adjust the plan to meet her hormonal needs and changes. A woman in menopause and a teenager will have a different plan because of different metabolism rates, aging, hormones and activity level.

Peeke goes through the mental speed bumps we slow ourselves down with when taking the weight loss journey. She describes the 10 principles that allow you to deal with your emotions, keep them in check and successfully lose weight. She goes into great detail about the exercise portion of the program and provides a checklist to record your BMI, body measurements, weight, energy level and quality of life. Lastly, the book covers weight maintenance. She even tells readers how to maintain their weight while taking a break from their weight loss journey even when they are not at goal weight yet.

Body for Life for Women includes many before and after pictures along with success stories. While these women only had 20-25 pounds to lose and saw a big improvement in their body structure, someone with more weight to lose can continue the program at the end of 12 weeks to lose more and reach their goals too.

Let Body for Life for Women help you transform your body and mind.