How to Break the Hunger Habit!

Do you eat because you’re bored, sad, stressed? - that is emotional eating.

Do you eat to celebrate, to connect with others? – that’s social eating.

We are in a society where food is available all the time, so there are many opportunities in every day where food can call out to us.  But we need to learn to tell the difference between when we’re hungry or are we eating just because everyone else is, or just because we see food.   Food can be addictive- especially processed foods.  In fact, processed food creators have people who are trained to make food addictive so you can’t stop eating them.  The addictive quality of unhealthy food, along with its ability to affect our moods, creates a complicated relationship with food.  Choosing to eat certain foods doesn’t make us a good or bad person, but it may have consequences for our health. 

So how do we break the hunger habit?  Well, first you must realize that we tend to eat out of habit.   We need to be aware of what those habits are, and what we tend to reach for during those times.  Are we reaching for foods high in sugar, salt, comfort foods?  Why do those have such a draw?  Is it really about the food or is it to satisfy an emotion.   If we are truly hungry eating something healthy like an apple and some nuts should do the trick. Secondly, we need to be mindful and attentive when we are eating, usually you’re thirsty, not necessarily hungry.   So have a glass of water and wait 10 minutes to see if it satisfied you.

When you eat healthy- whole plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts and seeds) you tend not to be hungry, because these foods are high in fiber and are nutrient dense, so they make you feel fuller, and satisfied.  They tend to help your mood be better, so that when you’re bored or stressed that you’re not tempted by all the food you see. You are more able to handle cravings.  Old habits can be changed into new habits, it just takes practice by making new choices.

Are you ready for change? Let's Talk