Am I HUNGRY? Get in the habit of asking yourself this question every time you’re about to EAT.
Your body is sending you SIGNALS that fuel is needed and that it’s time to eat. You’re probably familiar with those: hunger pangs, gnawing, growling, emptiness, low energy, shakiness or headache. Those are all physical and it’s helpful to get to recognize them.
By letting HUNGER being your guide, you can become your own expert about what, when and how much to eat.
What specific signs of hunger do you usually experience?
Sometimes you will notice that you're not really hungry, but that really what you are is feeling, bored, sad, angry, lonely. What to do to avoid EMOTIONAL EATING ?
1. Take a step back and acknowledge how you're really feeling. 2. Be kind to yourself and practice self-care.
Self-care comes in many forms. Here is a list of nourishing activities that do not involve food: - Talk to someone, on the phone, by text, in person - Write in a journal - Get outside for sun + fresh air and connect with nature - Rest - Garden - Cook - Go for a walk - Run, jog or do some exercise that makes you sweat and that elevates your heart rate - Sit down quietly and take a few deep breaths - Read a good book, a magazine, a blog, an article - Create a peaceful atmosphere by lighting up a candle or diffusing essential oils - Listen to inspiring music, sing, dance - Take care of yourself: Take a bath, make a facial, practice self-massage, put on some make up , do your nails - Dress in clothes that make you feel beautiful - Express your creativity: knitting, crocheting, sewing, drawing painting, colouring, scrapbooking, art journaling, photography, pottery, writing - Get some nice flowers - Drink a glass of water or a fresh juice - Pet your cat or dog, play with your pet - Do some gentle stretching or some yoga
How do you nourish yourself in a way that doesn’t involve food? Any other ideas to add to that list? I invite you to create your own list and refer to it every time you feel like eating without being hungry.
Sometimes, we need help to develop new habits around food and health and it's ok. Reach out if you need help in your journey, let's chat!