Emotional Eating: Why Cake & Guilt Can Lead to Less Weight Loss Weight Loss Mental Health

Cake is a comfort food that can be associated with guilt and worry, or pleasure and enjoyment. In a study of dieters, those who associated cake with “guilt” vs. “celebration” were less likely to lose weight over a three-month period. Those who had positive feelings and associated cake with being a comfort food were more likely to lose weight during those three months. 

The message: guilt can derail your efforts. This study was shared in Susan Albers' book, “50 More Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food.”