Emotional eating is one of the addictions of modern society. It has nothing to do with hunger or nutrition, it is a way of finding comfort in a difficult world.
People can turn to eating for comfort at times of great stress, such as:
• An unhappy relationship
• An unhappy event in childhood
• Death of a loved one
• Divorce
• The start of the menopause
For an emotional eater, food provides a feeling of comfort and something to look forward to; it numbs the pain, but it is followed by feelings of guilt and disappointment. If you recognize the following symptoms, you may have an emotional eating problem:
• You enjoy eating alone
• You are constantly planning private treats to enjoy
• You stock up on private food
• You eat again privately following a family meal
• Once you start eating something that you enjoy you find it hard to stop
If you recognize three of these habits you need to take action:
• Recognize that what you are doing will affect your health
• If you carry on, you will gain a lot of weight
• You are in a cycle that will lead to weight gain, poor health and depression
• You can change this
The first step is to recognize that you are an emotional eater. Look at why you are finding comfort in food. Tell yourself you deserve more than this. Everyone is special and deserves respect but you have to start by respecting yourself. Talk about your feelings with someone you trust. You will find that you are not alone.
Exercise Hint
Walking Off Depression
When you are trying to lose weight, it is often a slow process, and it is easy to sometimes get depressed. But getting out of the house and walking is a great way to fight depression. Going out for that walk is not only good for your overall well-being, but there is a benefit in lifting your spirits, too. Perhaps, it is the feeling of accomplishment that helps. If you have something to feel good about, you are usually happier. You can learn how to get the best out of walking by sending for my fact sheet, A Little Light Exercise — just email [email protected]
Recipe of the Week
Fettuccine with Chicken, Sundried Tomatoes, Basil and Pine Nuts
Serves 6
Ingredients
600 g boneless, skinless chicken cutlets, cut into strips
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
3 tbs. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrated and sliced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup basil leaves, chopped
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
3 tbs. fresh lemon juice
500 g Fettuccine
Method
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat and sauté the chicken on both sides until it is golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer the chicken to a warm plate and keep warm. Turn the heat to medium and add the sun-dried tomatoes and the chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the basil, pine nuts and lemon juice. Meanwhile, cook the pasta (in the boiling water) until it is al dente. Drain and toss with the sun-dried tomato mixture. Divide the pasta among the serving plates and arrange the chicken on top.
Ask Alva
I know that a healthy diet is important for our skin, but do you have any special tips you can pass on to help my face look fresh? Amelia
You can work on your face with the food you eat — try this brilliant anti-ageing skin boosting way to start the day. In the morning just mix some fresh (or frozen) berries with your favourite low fat yoghurt in a bowl. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of muesli. Berries are low in calories and fat, and bursting with antioxidant super-nutrients that help beat pollution and keep the skin in great condition. Alva
For all your weight concerns and questions e-mail Alva Carpenter at:
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