Taming Emotional Eating During "PINK" October

A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Guide:

October is a tricky month for many breast cancer survivors, and if you’re like most of us, you may find it especially hard to manage emotional eating during this time. Pink ribbons, events, and heightened awareness can stir up a whirlwind of emotions that leave you reaching for comfort food. You’re not alone in this struggle.

As a breast cancer survivor and health coach, I’ve seen firsthand how October’s emotional toll can affect eating habits. But the good news is there are ways to tame emotional eating without feeling overwhelmed or guilty. 

Why Emotional Eating Spikes in October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time filled with constant reminders of your journey—whether you’re ready to face them or not. This heightened awareness can be overwhelming, leading many survivors to emotional eating as a way to cope. For some, it’s about stress; for others, it may be about celebrating survival. But too often, we reach for foods that don’t serve us well, leading to guilt and regret.

In addition to the emotional triggers, this time of year marks the beginning of the holiday season, where indulgent foods are everywhere, from Halloween candy to holiday treats. It’s no wonder emotional eating can feel harder to manage.

 The Real Culprit Behind Emotional Eating

It’s important to know that emotional eating after breast cancer is complex. It’s not just about hunger—it’s about filling an emotional void or soothing feelings you may not even realize are there. After cancer treatment, food often feels like one of the few comforts left. Combine that with hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies, and the cravings can feel even more intense.

One client of mine shared that before cancer, she never craved sugar, but post-treatment, sugary treats were all she wanted. This is common, especially with the toll cancer treatment takes on your body, from chemotherapy and radiation to hormone-blocking medications. Your body and mind are still adjusting, and that often shows up in the form of cravings.

3 Tips to Tame Emotional Eating This Month

1. **Acknowledge the Emotions Behind Your Cravings**  

   When you’re reaching for food, pause and ask yourself what’s really going on. Are you hungry, or is something else at play? Journaling or talking it out can help you connect the dots between emotions and cravings.

2. **Plan for Comfort**  

   Find non-food ways to comfort yourself during emotional highs and lows. This could be a cozy bath, a favorite book, or a call with a friend. Having alternative coping mechanisms makes it easier to avoid turning to food.

3. **Be Kind to Yourself**  

   Progress, not perfection. Emotional eating happens—it’s part of being human. Rather than beating yourself up, focus on small changes that support your health without feeling like you have to be perfect.

Take the Next Step: Join My Free Masterclass

If you’re ready to regain control over your eating habits and feel more balanced in your day-to-day life, I invite you to join my upcoming free masterclass: *From Difficult to Doable: 4 Key Steps to Make Eating Healthier Easier After Breast Cancer.*  

This live, supportive session will help you understand the emotional, nutritional, and hormonal aspects of cravings and how to manage them in a way that fits into your life. You’ll leave with simple, practical tools to tame emotional eating and enjoy food without guilt.