identifying triggers

Triggers are situations or emotions that may lead to unplanned or comfort eating. These will be different for different people.

Some possible triggers • Seeing, hearing or smelling food • Shopping • Preparing food • Loneliness • Money worries • Worries at work • Arguments • Being tired • Having nothing to do • Feeling unhappy Think about the situations, emotions or thoughts that trigger unplanned eating or comfort eating for you Avoid, Distract, Resist

How to deal with triggers Avoid: Can you avoid the trigger? Example: The sight and smell of a fish and chip shop triggers you on the way home so you find an alternative route that avoids passing by it. Distract: Find something to do to distract yourself. Example: You had a really stressful day at work and you are tempted to buy takeaway. Instead you go out for a walk to take your mind off things. Resist: Practice learning to resist in the presence of a trigger Example: A friend offers you a slice of cake which you know will take you off plan if you accept. Practice how to say no and to be able to politely and confidently refuse. (See next section)