EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control

weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food. continued on page 16

Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM + LGBTQ AFFAIRS

Mayor Woodfin and the City of Birmingham are committed to the fair treatment of all Birmingham residents including lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) residents, workers and visitors. We work hard to best serve all LGBTQ individuals who reside in Birmingham. BIRMINGHAMAL.GOV|(205)-254-2608

Magic City Wellness Center

BAO’s Magic City Wellness Center (MCWC) is the first LGBTQ comprehensive healthcare facility in Alabama. The MCWC provides a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ individuals to have an open dialogue with a healthcare provider without fear of rejection, embarrassment, or discrimination.

MAGICCITYWELLNESSCENTER.ORG|205.877.8677

SOUTHERN PRIDE- A GUIDE TO BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA’S LGBTQ SCENE

This article features some of the LGBTQ-friendly offerings residents of Birmingham enjoy – and why more members of the LGBTQ community may want to consider calling Birmingham home. LIVABILITY.COM

Birmingham Aids Outreach

BAO has been saving and transforming lives since 1985 as Alabama’s first AIDS Service Organization. Today BAO provides free services to over 800 HIV-positive individuals and touches thousands of lives through community events, HIV testing, and prevention outreach. BIRMINGHAMAIDSOUTREACH.ORG|205.322.4197

Take Birmingham

TAKE Birmingham stands for “Transgender Advocates Knowledgeable and Empowering”; this group is just that. The organization has transformed into a wider organization that advocates for equal housing, support for sex workers, trans-friendly services, fights against trans discrimination in the workplace, and works to alleviate the many other barriers that trans men and women of color face. TAKEBHM.ORG

Apr 19 2024

2024 Gardendale Magnolia Festival

The Gardendale Magnolia Festival is the Total Family Experience: While mom and grandma are shopping at over 160 vendor booths, dad and grandpa can enjoy the classic car show. Kids of all ages will enjoy the midway carnival while the younger children can ride ponies or take advantage of the free art classes all day Saturday. The whole family will enjoy two free stages of live entertainment and lots of unique food vendors. Learn more at magnoliafestival.org.

May 3 2024

Birmingham Hot Air Balloon Fest 2024

Bring the whole family out for a great family fun time! See incredible Hot Air Balloons, check that bucket list and get a ride on a tethered Hot Air Balloon! There will be a laser show & DJ music by a variety of artists, lots of craft & retail vendors with tons of cool and interesting items for sale, food vendors with plenty of fantastic festival style food to choose from and more! Learn more at allevents.in.

Jun 1 2024

Central Alabama Pride

In June 2024, Central Alabama Pride will present a celebration of Pride in The Magic City that begins on June 1st and culminates with the annual day-long Pridefest celebration. With over 100 entries already registered; CAP is preparing for another record-breaking Pride parade in Lakeview. Throughout the 12 days, expect drag superstars and many more of RuPaul’s queens, as well as signers and dancers. Learn more at centralalabamapride.org.