What’s the cost?
It’s something I say a lot.
Not just when I talk about the cost of our decisions on our mental health and physical health
But also the cost of our habits..
In monetary terms too.
Because when it comes to emotional eating
That monkey on your shoulder can be quite difficult to get rid of.
I get it.
“You’re not worth it”
“You can’t keep it up”
“You deserve it”
“One won’t hurt”
“Everyone else is having it”
“They’ll be disappointed if you don’t have one”
Let’s say hypothetically, the person who was emotional eating spends £50 a week on a food shop.. that’s great they need that
But they also
Have 2 takeaways a week at £15 for their “bad”or “busy” days after work
Combine that with £10 every day from the shop for a sandwich and snacks on the go..
(With the wrappers hidden in the car…that’s a story for another day)
So let’s say 2 takeaways a week @ £15 and 7 days of extra snacking @ £10 a day
So extra food dictated by emotional eating is coming in at 100 a week. And this on the LOW END…
And before alcohol etc
I’ve worked with some people who spend thousands a month on food and drink..
£100 a week x 52 ? £5200 a year
That’s over 5 grand a year spent on emotionally eating.
Which for sure..
Provides some INSTANT comfort
But in reality
We are trying to hide from emotions. And avoid problems by using food…
Which although we call it “comfort”
Is actually discomfort
Especially given that by trying to solve one problem
Aka
Stress from work/ home / life
We end up creating another
Comfort eating, excess fat gain, and potential mental and physical health issues.
So what’s emotionally eating really costing you ?
Add up how much you typically spend on takeaways , extra snacks , late night binges etc
and it will add up
I do this calculation with some of the ladies…
And it always helps them put things into perspective for them
If you can’t seem to stop binge eating ?
You need to increase the VALUE in stopping binge eating..
What do you gain?
What would you do with the money saved?
How would you feel?
What would you do differently?
You have to look for the incentive to change …
Most people won’t do this exercise
As it is uncomfortable
But isn’t it uncomfortable anyway?
Matt