When Food Feels Like Comfort...

* Does an awkward conversation send you to the biscuit tin?

* A frustrating email lead you to the chocolate box?

* Or a night home alone leave you curled up on the sofa with a big bag of crisps for company?

You're not alone. It's estimated that over 40% of people regularly turn to food when they're feeling emotional.

And while emotional eating can feel comforting in the moment, we often know deep down it’s not really helping.

There are a few reasons why we overeat:

The sugar cycle – where our body craves more and more to get the same emotional ‘hit’

Habit or association – like always snacking during TV or eating more at the cinema than you would at home

Self-sabotage – where we know what we want, but something inside pulls us back

Emotional eating – using food to meet a deeper emotional or spiritual need

The truth is, food can’t meet those needs. It can’t soothe a broken heart, heal a frustration, or fill a lonely evening.

But God can.

And with a little support and some gentle mindset shifts, emotional eating can lose its grip.

You may have had moments where food felt like it got you through something, but if you’re reading this, perhaps you’re ready to explore another way. One that brings real comfort, healing, and freedom.

Here are three gentle steps you can try:

1. Feel the emotion.

If food has been your go-to comfort, you may have lost touch with what your heart is really saying.

Allow yourself to pause. Sit with the feeling. Even say out loud, “I’m feeling lonely right now,” or “I’m overwhelmed.”

Tell God how you’re feeling; He can handle it.

Promise yourself that if you still want the chocolate in an hour, you can have it—but first, just feel.

2. Build in healthy obstacles.

Put a little space between the feeling and the food.

Could you move the snacks to a less convenient place? Count to 20 before deciding? Phone a friend?

Even a few seconds can give your brain time to make a different choice.

3. Soothe the real need.

Ask yourself, "What am I truly needing right now?"

Comfort? Connection? Rest?

Could a warm bath, a worship playlist, or writing in your journal help meet that deeper need?

When you respond to your real need, you're building long-term change.

God didn’t design us to be comforted by food alone. He’s our source of peace, joy, and healing.

Blessings on this journey.