171. How to Stop Emotional Eating by Understanding the 4 Emotional Eater Types

Aug 31, 2026

Welcome to the Emotional Eats Podcast!

You know you're not always hungry when you are reaching for the food, but you still find yourself digging into the sugar or food especially at night and wondering, why can't I stop doing this?

In this episode, I'm talking with registered dietitian Sherri Clarke, creator of the Four Emotional Eater Types framework, about why emotional eating goes so much deeper than food, discipline, or trying harder.

Sherri also shares her own powerful experience with emotional eating and how food became a source of comfort for her long before she understood what was happening. We talk about the patterns you may have learned years ago, why they can still show up decades later, and how getting curious instead of critical can begin to change your relationship with food.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• The four different emotional eater types and how to recognize yourself in them
• How childhood experiences can shape the way you use food today
• Why high-achieving, disciplined women can still feel completely out of control around food
• How IFS can help you understand the "parts" of you that turn to food
• A simple CBT tool to help interrupt an emotional eating moment
• How mindfulness can help you pause and ask what you actually need
• Why willpower may work temporarily but doesn't create lasting change
• Why healing emotional eating doesn't necessarily mean never eating emotionally again

This conversation isn't about giving you more food rules. It's about helping you understand why you're reaching for the food in the first place and what might change when you stop fighting yourself and start getting curious.

About Sherri Clarke

Sherri Clarke is a registered dietitian with a master's degree and special training in IFS, CBT, and Mindfulness. She's been in private practice since 2013, working exclusively with adults who want to change their relationship with food. She's also the creator of the 4 Emotional Eater Types framework and the Emotional Eater Quiz at sherriclarkenutrition.com. What makes her unique is that she doesn't just treat emotional eating — she's lived it herself.

 

Connect With Sherri

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sherriclarkenutrition/

 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@sherriclarkenutrition3550

 

Website:    https://sherriclarkenutrition.com/

 

Facebook: @sherriclarkenutrition

If This Episode Resonated With You

Please follow the Emotional Eats Podcast, download this episode, and share it with a woman in your life who struggles silently with food, body image, binge eating, or emotional eating. These conversations matter.

And if you’re looking for ongoing support and connection, make sure to check out the Cool Girl Collective, Kim’s community for women over 40 navigating emotional eating, menopause, hormones, cravings, and learning how to nourish their whole lives.

 

Connect with Kim:

Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife

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

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Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals.