Food is not the only method by which we feed our bodies. It is central to our social activities and family time. Food may play a "comfort" role when we are depressed, angry, or lonely. In order to have a healthy relationship with food, it is important that you be aware of how your emotions affect your eating.
Is the current relationship you have with food a healthy one? To find out, keep a written list of what you eat, when and where you eat, and what your emotional state is. Do you eat when you are lonely, or perhaps when you are watching television or maybe because you have a friend to binge with? Identifying such behaviours is the first step toward making positive changes.
Once you have identified your relationship with food, you can evaluate what behaviours may be harmful to your health and begin to make small changes over time. Generally a change in behaviour will become permanent if you practice it for 6 to 8 weeks.
Decide what will be the easiest to change. Make those changes first. What impact will changing this behaviour have on others around you? Is there someone who can support you in this behaviour change? You are the best judge of what changes are best for you. For example, if you just cannot live without chocolate, then leave chocolate in your eating plan, just eat smaller portions less frequently.
If you find it difficult to change your relationship with food, ask for help. Dietitians and psychologists can be strong partners in this effort. Remember, small changes over time can result in big changes toward a healthy life.
Article #6909
Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved.
