Are You Letting a Toddler Run the Show?

Have you ever found yourself reaching for the crisps, chocolate, or leftover cheesecake because of an emotion that you are feeling?

Is it anger, sadness or fear that drives you there?

Emotional eating is one of the biggest challenges for those I work with on their health journey. 

But the good news is: it’s not about “trying harder”… it’s about understanding what’s really going on. 

Only then can you begin to remove it.

When you're emotionally eating, it’s often your “toddler brain” in charge - the part that:

* Wants instant gratification

* Ignores long-term goals

* Makes irrational demands!

Can you think of anything crazy and toddler-like that you have done in terms of emotional eating?

Perhaps you have hidden a wrapper in the bin? 

Perhaps you have found yourself shovelling food into your mouth in a cupboard?

Recognising this part of your brain can help you pause, breathe, and invite your adult self and God into the moment.

Next time you feel the urge to emotionally eat, try this gentle reset:

1. Take the Time – Pause. Breathe. Count to 10.

2. Emulate Empathy – Show yourself kindness. Acknowledge your feelings.

3. Experience the Emotion – Don’t rush to “fix” it with food. Let yourself feel.

4. Remind of Reality – What do you really want long-term? What does God want for you?

5. Nourish the Need – What’s the true need behind the craving? Can it be met another way?

And the most powerful shift of all is letting God become your comfort instead of food. 

Emotional eating often comes from a deep need to feel seen and safe. And only He can truly meet that need.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”

Psalm 34:17