When food becomes an emotional crutch, you might develop an unhealthy dependence on it, resulting in overeating.It can be easy to misuse food as a form of therapy—we all love comfort food, right? But, when food becomes an emotional crutch, you might develop an unhealthy dependence on it, resulting in overeating. Psychotherapist Arlene Englander, author of Let Go of Emotional Overeating and Love Your Food, defines emotional overeating as eating to distract from painful thoughts and feelings, rather than for pleasure or hunger satiation. She says the key to a healthy food relationship is saying goodbye to rigid diets and eating in an enjoyment-oriented, relaxed way. Learn how to replace overeating with healthier habits and how to still savor your food without overdoing it. Bonus Extra Pounds Can Prolong Your Flu Symptoms