by Susan Albers, Psy.D.

Does your client say that he or she is hungry all the time? Individuals struggling with binge eating disorder as well as other eating problems often lose touch with the sensation of true physical hunger. How can you help? Work on a concrete list of physical hunger cues—rumbling stomach, fatigue, hours between meals, etc. Then, help you client draft another list of the signs of emotional hunger—hunger comes on suddenly, linked to stress, only a certain kind of food (like chocolate) will do. Encourage your client to be mindful by checking in with themselves before they take every bite. One of the first steps to mindful eating is simply being aware of why you are truly eating.

Also by Susan Albers, Psy.D.