Discover 5 simple interior design strategies that can transform your space and help curb emotional eating. Create a healthy, inspiring environment for better well-being.
There’s no doubt that modern life is fast-paced and most of us juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. If we don’t take steps to reduce the stress associated with our lifestyle, it is likely to lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Many people were never taught healthy emotional regulation so we turn to food to “fix” everything from stress and anxiety to boredom and loneliness. We also live in a world where junk food is affordable and easily available which makes it tougher to develop healthy eating habits. Interior design changes can help reduce stress and promote mindful eating which will help you break free from emotional eating.
Interior Design Tips to Help Prevent Emotional Eating:
Interior design won’t produce miraculous results – changing your lighting will not stop you from reaching for chips or cholates! The first step is to interrupt your habit loop and to do this, you need to identify the emotions that make you reach for your favorite comfort foods. Once you’ve identified the trigger emotions, you can decide on actions you can take when you feel those emotions – this will depend on what works for you.
Some people find it easier to switch to eating a healthy snack while others have better results when they switch to an activity such as going for a walk to break their habit loop. Emotional eating often causes weight gain which can make the problem worse. Probiotics can help with weight loss as studies show that some of these healthy bacteria can promote weight loss. Not all probiotics are equally effective so compare the best probiotics that have been vetted by gut health experts and dietitians. This will help you choose one that is best suited to your needs. In addition to these changes, here are 5 interior design changes that will help to break the loop of emotional eating.
Choose Soothing Colors
Color psychology plays a significant role in appetite and mood. One study on the effect of room color on stress found that red was associated with higher stress rating scores compared to rooms painted white or green. Similarly, muted tones like soft blues and earth tones create a relaxing atmosphere and help regulate emotional triggers to help prevent emotional eating. You can incorporate these colors through paint, curtains, or tableware. The right color scheme can make mealtimes feel peaceful and encourage mindful eating.
Keep Unhealthy Snacks Out of Reach
The visibility of food significantly impacts eating habits. If unhealthy snacks are within reach, you’re more likely to grab them mindlessly. Store junk food on high shelves, while placing healthier options at eye level. For example, if you are trying to switch to healthy snacks like fruit, keep them in an open bowl on the counter or towards the front of your fridge shelf for easy access. The simple act of making unhealthy food less visible can drastically reduce emotional eating.
Have Indoor Plants
While there are plenty of studies that prove the health benefits of spending time in green spaces, there are also studies that show that even indoor plants can improve mental health. A study on the impact of caring for indoor plants found that it promoted a comfortable and soothed feeling and even reduced blood pressure. Adding houseplants to the areas where you spend your free time will reduce your stress and prevent stress-related eating. You can start with plants like pothos that require minimal care and thrive indoors.
Declutter with Storage Solutions
Stress and clutter can form a vicious cycle where your clutter increases your stress levels and then when you are stressed, you are less likely to declutter. You can use multi-functional furniture like storage ottomans, beds with drawers, or coffee tables with hidden compartments to keep items you need out of sight. Similarly, you can install wall-mounted cabinets to keep your surfaces free of clutter. As your stress levels fall, you will find it easier to avoid emotional eating.
Maximize Natural Lighting
Natural light has a huge impact on your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. A well-lit space can reduce stress, boost serotonin levels, and help prevent emotional eating triggered by low mood or fatigue. Exposure to sunlight regulates your body’s natural circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality, which in turn reduces cravings for sugary and high-carb foods often linked to emotional eating. To make the most of natural light in your kitchen and dining area, start by keeping windows unobstructed. Use sheer curtains instead of heavy drapes to allow maximum sunlight to filter through. If privacy is a concern, opt for frosted glass or light-filtering shades that let in brightness while maintaining discretion.
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