I've been meeting with a lot of people lately to help them with weight loss. I guess January through Spring time is somewhat of the season of weight loss in this profession!
It has reminded me that for humans, food is so much more than just an energy input. We all have our own likes and dislikes based on taste preferences -- basically the "what we eat" side of the equation. To some degree, we can categorize these into having a "sweet tooth", or loving salty foods, or disliking vegetables and so forth. And as a Dietitian, we love to tell people what their plate should look like, or how much [insert food item here] they should have, etc. And these are great life skills, but they don't really get to the root of the behavior change needed to alter a lifetime of poor food habits.
So it's important to focus on why we eat the things we do, and in this regard, I have found every individual to be completely unique. One of the conversations that I think is the most helpful starts with the question, "do you ask yourself if you are hungry?".
It's interesting to guide someone through the underlying emotions and habits around food. Sometimes its centered around early family habits such as the requirement to eat everything on your plate "because there are starving kids in Africa...."...you all know how that goes! Sometimes, food is used to sooth, comfort and calm. And often in our culture it's used to celebrate! It's important on your own journey not to judge these feelings, just to understand them. With awareness, comes the ability to proactively make decisions, rather than being led by what you might interpret as "cravings". Essentially, I help people engage the cognitive side of the brain, to gain back some oversight of food intake, instead of allowing these underlying feelings and habits drive everything. Because in the conscious understanding of your own decisions, you can gain back control of a part of your life that may seem beyond your control. And doesn't that feel comforting? :)
If you would like my help on the journey to better eating, I'd be delighted to help you with a nutrition plan you can Live With!!
