Emotional Eating Awareness Log
A non-judgemental log tracking physical hunger, emotions before and after eating and underlying needs, plus ideas for meeting needs in other ways.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · CBT · Emotion regulation
- Approach / concern
- Body Image & Eating
- Technique
- CBT · Emotion regulation
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Emotional Eating Awareness Log?
Emotional eating is eating in response to emotions rather than physical hunger. Monitoring hunger, emotions and needs helps people understand patterns and develop alternative coping without restrictive dieting.
Why it works
Emotions affect eating in multiple ways, including eating to regulate negative emotions (Macht, 2008). Self-monitoring of eating and associated feelings is central to CBT for binge eating (Fairburn, 2013).
When to use it
- Emotional or stress eating
- Binge eating
- Weight-neutral wellness work
- Alongside regular eating plans
How to use it in session
- Frame the log as curiosity, not judgement.
- Track for one to two weeks.
- Identify emotional triggers and needs.
- Plan alternative coping for common emotions.
- Review and adjust.
Clinician tips
- Avoid calorie counting on this log.
- Regular meals reduce emotional eating driven by hunger.
- Self-compassion helps more than restriction.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is emotional eating always bad?
No. Occasional comfort eating is normal. It becomes a problem when it’s the main way to cope and causes distress.
Should I go on a diet to stop emotional eating?
Restrictive diets often increase emotional and binge eating. Regular eating and alternative coping tend to work better.
References
Macht, M. (2008). How emotions affect eating: A five-way model. Appetite, 50(1), 1-11.
Fairburn, C. G. (2013). Overcoming binge eating (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
