H E A LT H U P D AT E S
Don’t let your eating patterns control you
Eby
Are you eating for the right reasons? Is it nutrition or comfort? In this age of abundance, where we are confronted at every turn with highlyprocessed foods, more and more people are overeating. Courtney Eby, RD, LD, a nutrition therapist at Northfield Hospital & Clinics, says many are eating for the wrong reasons. Their food consumption has taken on an addictive pattern that masks deeper “YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO CONSUME FOODS FOR NOURISHMENT RATHER psychological issues. THAN COMFORT.” There is not yet an accepted medical – COURTNEY EBY definition of a food addiction. But Eby says it is present when someone is overwhelmed by their cravings for food and have lost the ability to regulate their food consumption. The biochemistry is similar to that associated with alcohol and drug addiction, she said. Today’s processed foods are engineered with fats, salts and sugars to appeal to the brain’s pleasure centers. When food becomes your primary source of comfort, you have a problem. “We see people eating all day,” she said. “They are trying to push back those feelings of anxiety, depression or boredom.” Women seem to be more susceptible than men to a food addiction. Some of the warning signs of an addictive pattern are: • Being obsessed with meal preparation, food shopping, recipe collecting; • Eating in secret; • Hiding and hoarding food; Tips for becoming a mindful eater: • Feelings of guilt over eating pat–[ reserve at least 20 minutes for each meal terns; –[ eat while sitting down • Requiring food for comfort. –[ chew food well, don’t inhale it • Exhibiting strong physical cravings for food. –[ put down your fork between bites –[ keep food out of your car, don’t eat while driving
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“You have to learn to consume foods for nour–[ be present while eating – take time to taste the food and take in the whole dining experience ishment rather than comfort,” Eby said. She recommends people work with both a nutritional therapist and a behavioral therapist to get a handle on a pattern that will eventually compromise a person’s health. People need to observe their habits and develop strategies to control their use of food. Strategies include having a structured meal plan, controlling portions, learning to cope with cravings and avoiding situations where you will be tempted. Eby suggests approaching food consumption in a studied manner. If you have questions about addictive eating or other nutritional issues, call 507-646-1410 and ask for Courtney Eby or Kristi Von Ruden.