Health Tip: Is Your Child an Emotional Eater?

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Children need nutritious food to fuel their growing bodies. But as with adults, some kids may eat for emotional reasons, rather than out of hunger.

The American Academy of Family Physicians mentions these signs of emotional eating:

• Expressing a need to eat urgently, feeling shame or guilt about eating, or craving specific foods.
• Eating larger portions than usual.
• Eating at an odd time, such as in the middle of the night.
• Gaining weight rapidly.
• Sneaking extra food and hiding the packaging, especially when the child is stressed.

Source: HealthDay

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