Most of have days when we turn to food as a way to get through a day that’s emotionally, physically or mentally draining.
While we may well be aware this is what we’re doing to cope, the effect on our bodies can be cumulative, and can lead to potential weight gain.
Australian author and nutritional biochemist Doctor Libby Weaver recently shared her insights with Stuff as to the various ways people eat, and how recognising these patterns can help curb self-defeating habits.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at three common eating patterns, and the adjustments you can make that can lead to better health.
Doctor Libby Weaver recently shared her insights as to the various ways people eat, and how recognising these patterns can help curb self-defeating habits (stock image)
EATING WHEN YOU’RE TIRED
Given the demands of modern life, it’s no surprise many of us reach for quick and easy meal options at the end of a long, hard day.
While occasionally opting for takeaways isn’t such a problem, issues can arise when, over time, preparing healthy, nutritious meals is repeatedly dispensed with in favour of food which requires little effort.
Dr Weaver notes that if scenario sounds familiar, it’s possible you might be eating for convenience, with little thought as to what your body needs for a balanced diet.
‘Remember that the way you feed yourself is the most basic, fundamental way you take care of yourself. Look for ways to make nourishing yourself easier such as preparing large batches of meals at one time and freezing them later in the week,’ she said.
For those suffering fatigue, Dr Libby previously noted the benefits of having a good night’s sleep. Her main recommendation was to avoid coffee after midday and to make sure the stimulant is out of your system before bedtime.
The demands of modern life can leave us reaching for convenience foods with little thought as to what our bodies need for a balanced diet
EMOTIONAL EATING
Eating as a way of coping with stressful or upsetting feelings can way of managing difficult emotions. And while reaching for that sweet treat can dampen everything down, emotional eating has repercussions, according to Dr Weaver.
‘If you find yourself reaching for a block of chocolate (or whatever your food of choice is) and are aware you’re not hungry, ask yourself – what do I really want?
‘You’ll probably find you’re looking for comfort, to feel happy or something similar.’
She recommends try to find other ways to allow yourself to feel your feelings safely that won’t be harmful to your health. Hot baths, reading or meditation are great ways to unwind at the end of the day, relieving stress and anxiety.
According to Dr Weaver reaching for that sweet treat can dampen down difficult feelings, but emotional eating has repercussions
EATING OUT OF HABIT
Often times eating out of habit, irrespective of whether we’re hungry or not, can mean we’re out of touch with what our body needs for its daily nutritional intake.
Dr Weaver highlights the importance of being aware of whether you’re eating at a habitually set time of day, rather than noting if you’re being directed to eat though your body’s cues.
Eating out of habit, irrespective of whether we’re hungry or not, can mean we’re out of touch with what our body needs for its daily nutritional intake
‘I can’t encourage your enough to only eat when you’re hungry and to forego any meals when you’re not (unless there are health conditions that might be affecting your appetite
‘Of course this can be challenging when we’re given set lunch breaks at particular times of day but wherever possible, avoid eating purely out of habit.’