122. How to Stop Emotional Eating by Calming Your Nervous System

In this deeply practical and calming episode of the Emotional Eats Podcast, Kim sits down with certified yoga therapist Cheryl Gordon to explore how yoga, breathwork, and self-compassion can become powerful tools to break the cycle of emotional eating. They discuss how slowing down, being present, and reconnecting with your body can shift you out of habit-driven eating patterns and into a place where you make choices from your higher self. Cheryl guides listeners through on-the-spot joint-freeing and breathing exercises to process emotions, calm cravings, and reset the nervous system.  You have to try these! If you've ever felt stuffed in your clothes, eaten to soothe emotions, or believed you must have chocolate after dinner to survive, this episode will help you understand why and what you can do to change it. You'll learn why emotional eating isn't just about food, how your nervous system plays a role, and how yoga and mindful breathing can help you feel more grounded, empowered, and in control. Highlights Cheryl's journey with emotional eating and how yoga transformed her relationship with food and herself Why self-compassion is the foundation of mindful eating The truth about emotional eating in any body size Why emotional healing is not a quick, linear process How yoga helps process emotions, reduce stress hormones, and spark the "relaxation response" The four guidelines for choosing a yoga practice that supports emotional healing The Joint Freeing Series: a gentle, "boring" but powerful yoga sequence for midlife women How even a few minutes of breathwork can shift cravings and calm anxiety Why your nervous system pushes you toward habitual eating—and how to work with it instead of against it Timestamps 0:31 – Why self-compassion matters in emotional eating 2:29 – Cheryl's personal journey with food, body image, and yoga 7:02 – The connection between yoga and emotional eating 9:27 – How movement processes emotions and stress hormones 14:31 – The four keys to choosing the right yoga practice 19:35 – Reconnecting with your body in midlife 22:02 – Guided sample of the Joint Freeing Series 26:13 – Why breathing techniques work—even outside of yoga 28:36 – Even ratio breathing exercise for cravings and stress 32:00 – The nervous system's role in emotional eating 36:36 – How yoga and breathwork help you access your higher self 38:04 – Where to find Cheryl and her free resources About Cheryl Gordon Cheryl Gordon is a certified yoga therapist who helps midlife women navigate change using the tools of yoga and mindfulness. When she reached menopause, her over 20 years of experience were put to the test, leading her to refine her skills, lose 25 pounds, and reinvigorate her business. Now, at 62, she brings renewed passion and energy to her clients, showing that transformation is possible at any age. Connect with Cheryl: Website & Free Joint Freeing Series:  https://cherylgordonyt.com/ Podcast:  https://cherylgordonyt.com/ If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend who needs a mindset shift around food. Hit Follow or Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review — it helps other midlife women find this support. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is not intended to replace working with your doctor, medical provider, or mental health professional. It is for conversation, information, and entertainment only. Note: Some links may be affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission or sponsorship support at no extra cost to you. These partnerships help me keep the Emotional Eats Podcast going and allow me to continue creating free content to support you on your journey. Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH