THE MOOD AND FOOD connection
If we only ever ate when we were physically hungry we’d probably be a lot slimmer, but often we eat to feed an emotion such as stress, anger, anxiety, frustration or even loneliness. Or we eat out of habit, because we’re procrastinating or we’re bored. You may have learned ways of eating throughout your life that lead you to unintentionally gain weight, or that make it harder for you to lose weight and keep it off. Maybe you always have something sweet with your morning cuppa, you reach for a chocolate bar when you’re feeling sad, or you pile your plate high when you’re stressed.
“Women are more likely than men to use food as a way to manage their emotions and cope with stress,” says Dr Jafari. “You may find yourself seeking out highfat, high-sugar and highcalorie foods when you’re stressed, anxious or low.” Often, it’s your mind that’s telling you to eat rather than your body and getting to the bottom of this unconscious thought process is the key to being slim for life.
“Your mindset is incredibly powerful, because it shapes your feelings and your actions,” says Dr Jafari. “Any pattern of thinking or behaving that is ingrained over years and decades will be more difficult to shift because these brain circuits are well established. But your brain has an incredible ability to create new brain cells and remap brain circuits even in adulthood, which means we can change our mindset at any point in our lives.”With a few simple practical steps, you can start to rewire your brain and improve your health and wellbeing for good.
Turn the page for our 5-step plan to change your mindset and stop emotional eating for good