Application of three different coaching strategies for people with emotional eating 87 4 did not tolerate condonement of emotional eating behaviour, and stated that finding comfort in food or in eating is impossible. The coach justifies eating behaviour. That isn’t very helpful (lisval-18). You will find no comfort in food (lisval-18ng). Condition “Focus-on-change & after losing control to emotional eating” Insight into processes | A significant number of participants indicated being in need of deeper insight into the whole emotional process, in order to break through patterns and habits. They said it would be useful to have the virtual coach question them about situations and occurrences that preceded the emotional eating, relating these events to feelings and emotions that were predominant. Participants wanted the virtual coach to ask them questions, so they could learn to analyze and influence or regulate their emotion or behaviour, as well as apply that knowledge to reducing the behaviour. Try to find out for yourself what happened today, and try to recall how you felt at that particular moment (lisdial-44). Relapse prevention | According to the participants, the virtual coach should confront them with questions such as: “What are your thoughts? Are they true? How are you so sure?”. The coach should ask more in order to gain better insight into an individual’s eating behaviour, helping them reconstruct what just happened and make a relapse prevention plan. How can I prevent this next time? Can I do something that doesn’t make me feel so bad that I will give in to bingeing, or to make me react differently when I feel bad? Perhaps – if I cannot prevent a binge – advice on alternative, less harmful food? Tips how to get out of the binge. (lisval-21). What she can do the next time she feels like she’s caving to bingeing, for example experiencing her emotions or seeking a distraction (lisval-21). Variety in practical advice | Participants were in need of guidance and advice. They were on the lookout for alternative activities, for distractions that could lead away from the cravings or from the eating that just took place, or even for an escape from a binge while being in the middle of one. Others suggested the virtual coach could provide encouragement to take action.
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