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Can food provide comfort?

How many times have we popped in a small chocolate in our mouths thinking that it will help us overcome the anxiety we are feeling? Chocolate really does not fill up ‘empty spaces’ which have been caused by emotional upheavals. But the point here is that we often over-eat when we are anxious or under pressure. When one is stressed out or more colloquially depressed, there is a tendency to veer toward foods for comfort. A few people down cola glasses when nervous, or feeling impatient or bothered. Think about the unwanted calories downed in one moment of weakness!

Food and stress partnership
Stress eating happens to everyone! And believe us, it just does not do any good! Take a tip from experts to break the habit. Get diverted toward more meaningful activities like exercise. It does not have to be intense exercise. Sometimes a quiet walk by yourself can have a great impact on relieving stress. If one lives close to the beach then a walk in the sand barefoot can be rejuvenating. Walking under shady trees with a light breeze blowing can also distract you from being in the house and near food. As the demand for more oxygen is fulfilled the body eases out and the pit of anxiety slowly disappears. The moments of introspection bring about more relief than expected!

TV eating
This is one modern day ‘malady’! Meals in front of the TV are to be discouraged for all age groups. Studies reveal that becoming preoccupied during mealtimes may cause one to eat more calories than one normally would. In fact not focusing on your plate is undesirable as the meal will never be fulfilling. And the whole purpose of eating healthfully is defeated.

Keep a log book
It is a rather cumbersome thought but it does work! Keeping a log book is a simple way to find out what triggers your food choices. Note down what you eat and also the circumstances around that choice. If you feel up to it also write the emotional state when you made that food choice. In due course of time you will see some patterns emerge, and voila! Once the problem has been identified, fix it!

Smaller portions are healthier
Start your meal with smaller portions. Then your seconds can be still smaller! Try using smaller plates at home. It helps to eat lesser because the illusion of simply cleaning your plate can sometimes be enough to signal the hunger mechanism to stop. Focus your second helpings on more of the salad or fruit. Convince yourself that you should only eat a cup or two of food. If you get hungry sooner than you thought you would, you may eat a little later. Our bodies digest food better in smaller portions anyway and this will help to keep your digestive system active more often (burning more calories at a steady pace).

Stress and fat are enemies
Become a person who understands ‘lean’ and practises it! Remove all visible fat from meats and skin from poultry before cooking. Keep away the frying wok and broil or bake foods instead as much as possible. Flavour vegetables with spices and herbs, then steam cook or stir-fry in non-stick pans. Use non-fat / low fat dressing or lemon juice on salads. Drink non-fat milk and choose lean meat.

All said and done, food does play a major role in our mental well being. In fact health is wealth so eat wisely!

 

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