Ep 76- Why You Overeat When You Need a Break

Jul 24

July 24, 2025

Do you find yourself reaching for snacks when you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or just need a moment of peace? In this episode, we're talking about one of the most overlooked reasons people emotionally eat: using food as a substitute for rest.

Whether you're a busy mom, overworked professional, or just constantly running on empty, this episode will help you understand:

Why you overeat when you’re tired
How childhood beliefs, patriarchy, and capitalism shape our views on rest
What to do when you feel guilty taking breaks
How honoring your need for rest can actually make you more productive and stop overeating

Why You Turn to Food Instead of Rest

Hello, confident eaters. Today we are talking about why you go to food, why you overeat, when you should be taking a break.

This is one of the most common habits I see, especially with moms. They’re so overwhelmed and burned out that the only way they give themselves a break is by grabbing a snack. That five-minute pause with food becomes the only “rest” in their day.

But this isn’t just moms. So many of us eat when what our bodies really need is rest.

What Eating Instead of Resting Looks Like

Coming home from work, rushing into chores, and picking at dinner just to feel a little pleasure.
Pushing through yet another hour at work without a break, eating chips at your desk without even tasting them.
Finishing your to-do list, yet still feeling pressure to do more—so you grab a snack to push through instead of sitting down.

These are all examples of your body asking for rest, but being denied it.

Why We Think Food = Break

One of the biggest reasons we use food for rest is because eating feels socially acceptable. Since we need food to survive, it feels more “productive” than taking a walk, stretching, or meditating.

But the truth is, eating is only productive when we’re hungry. Otherwise, it actually drains our energy and focus.

The Beliefs Holding You Back from Rest

To stop overeating when you need rest, you first have to ask: What do I believe about rest?

Did you grow up with parents who called you lazy when you rested?
Were you taught that working harder always equals more worth?
Did you learn that women should do it all—work, cook, clean, raise kids—without taking breaks?

Patriarchy tells women they must always keep going. Capitalism tells all of us that rest is lazy and unproductive. These beliefs aren’t facts, they’re conditioning. And they can be unlearned.

The Cost of Skipping Rest

When you don’t rest:

You overeat more, because food becomes your only “allowed” break.
You’re less focused and productive at work.
You’re more impatient with your kids or partner.
You spend more money and time on food, overeating, and trying to undo it.

One client saved over $200 a month simply by resting instead of overeating.

Rest Makes You More Productive

Here’s the truth: rest is productive.

When I take breaks, especially walking, I get my best ideas, finish work faster, and feel calmer. Instead of wasting hours in exhaustion, I work better in less time.

Ask yourself: What activity makes me more productive when I treat it like rest?

How to Give Yourself Rest Without Guilt

Some thoughts you can practice:

“I am allowed to take a break.”
“I deserve to take care of myself.”
“The most important thing is me feeling my best.”

When guilt shows up, remind yourself: guilt comes from society, not from you.

A Self-Care Menu for Breaks

Try this exercise:

Appetizer: 5 minutes stretching or deep breaths.
Main Course: An hour at the gym or a walk.
Dessert: A 20-minute nap.

This way you always have options for rest—whether you have one minute or one hour.

Plan Your Rest Like You Plan Meals

If you can’t rest immediately, tell yourself when you will. For example: I’ll rest after this meeting in three hours. This prevents food from becoming your only “instant” break.

Final Takeaway

Rest doesn’t have to be hours long. Even little moments count. Show yourself that these moments matter. Remind yourself:

You deserve rest.
You deserve pleasure.
And the most pleasurable thing you can do is take care of yourself.

Ready to Break the Cycle?

If you’ve noticed that food has become your default “break,” you don’t have to stay stuck in that pattern. I’ve created a powerful resource to help you shift in those exact moments when the urge to eat feels overwhelming.

Grab my guided audio: Stop a Binge Before It Starts. This tool will help you calm your mind, rewire the habit of eating when you’re really just tired, and finally feel in control around food.

When you learn to rest without relying on food, you’ll not only eat more naturally, you’ll also feel calmer, more energized, and more at peace with yourself.

Amber Abila