Category: Emotional health

According to the American Psychological Association, roughly one-quarter of Americans admit to eating in order to cope with stress. This common reaction is known as emotional eating, a behavior where you use food to suppress or soothe negative feelings rather than to satisfy true physical hunger.

Research shows that eating high-fat and sugary foods can trigger the release of 'feel-good' neurotransmitters like dopamine in the brain. This is one of the main reasons why you want to eat comfort food during times of stress, boredom, or loneliness, as it offers a quick, temporary emotional lift.

Neuroscientific research, particularly from Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, shows that the body's automatic physiological response to an emotional trigger lasts only about 90 seconds. This fundamental insight is the basis for understanding **what is the 90 second rule for eating**, a powerful technique for managing emotional and impulsive food cravings.