We all want to make healthier choices, but experts say that when it comes to some foods, it may not be so easy. “Food can definitely be addictive. You actually get the same dopamine rush in your brain that some people get when they use substances,” said Dr. Michelle DiBlasi, a psychiatrist at Tufts Medical Center. Stress eating. Emotional eating. DiBlasi said food can go hand in hand with mental health. “I think a lot of people struggle with managing anxiety,” she said. “So they basically turn to food.” And when those foods are high in sugar, fat and salt, DiBlasi said, that can cause a real food addiction.” They can really crave that stuff, and it can be really hard for them to stop once they start eating it in in large quantities,” she explained. She added that the first step – that’s when the stress response kicks in – is actually to take a step back and listen to your body. “I always recommend that people eat based on their body cues, not how they feel,” she said. “Are they really hungry?” Or are they feeling something else like anxiety or boredom? Remind yourself that food is used as fuel to help you think clearly and keep your body strong.” And identify your trigger foods, but don’t cut them out completely. For example, if stress makes you reach for French fries, don’t ban them forever. “Then you actually really start to crave French fries. And so all you can think about is French fries,” DiBlasi warned. “Then, when you get your hands on it, you’ll eat a whole bag of fries.” A few more strategies: DiBlasi said when you eat, sit down and eat slowly. Enjoy the food. And avoid screen time when eating that meal. It will help you be more careful about what you eat. Video below: Dr. DiBlasi answers questions from viewers
We all want to make healthier choices, but experts say that when it comes to some foods, it may not be so easy.
“Food can definitely be addictive. You actually get the same dopamine rush in your brain that some people get when they use substances,” said Dr. Michelle DiBlasi, a psychiatrist at Tufts Medical Center.
Stress nutrition. Emotional eating. DiBlasi said food can go hand in hand with mental health.
“I think a lot of people struggle with managing anxiety,” she said. “So they basically turn to food.”
And when those foods are high in sugar, fat and salt, DiBlasi said it can cause real food addiction.
“They can really crave those things and it can be really hard for them to stop once they start eating them in large amounts,” she explained.
She added that the first step – that’s when the stress response kicks in – is actually to take a step back and listen to your body.
“I always recommend that people eat based on their body cues, not how they feel,” she said. “Are they really hungry?” Or are they feeling something else like anxiety or boredom? Remember that food is used as fuel to help you think clearly and keep your body strong.”
And identify trigger foods, but don’t cut them out completely. For example, if stress makes you reach for French fries, don’t ban them forever.
“Then you actually start craving fries. And so all you can think about is fries,” DiBlasi warned. “Then when you get your hands on it, you’ll eat a whole bag of fries.”
A few more strategies: DiBlasi said when you eat, sit down and eat slowly. Enjoy the food. And avoid screen time when eating that meal. It will help you be more careful about what you eat.
Video below: Dr. DiBlasi answers questions from viewers
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