Take the fight out of food

Ever find yourself rummaging through the junk food cupboards when you’re feeling stressed out?

This year’s Nutrition Month campaign is dedicated to supporting Canadians end their struggle with food.

Eating is a simple pleasure that should be joyful for everyone, not a source of everyday frustration and confusion. That’s why this year’s Nutrition Month campaign will teach you how to take the necessary steps to Take the Fight out of Food!

If you’re fighting with food, try this three-step approach:

1. Spot the problem. Define what’s causing your fight with food first.

2. Get the facts. Use facts from credible sources to decide what needs to be done to solve the problem.

3. Seek support. Put the plan into action with support from a dietitian, family and friends.

This three-step approach example can help you with your “food fight."

For example: Why do I always turn to food when I’m stressed?

Spot the problem: “When I’m stressed at work or frustrated at home, I turn to food for comfort. I want to learn better eating habits.”

Get the facts: Craving food when you feel stressed instead of hungry is called emotional eating. It can be helped with mindful eating, which includes learning to eat when hungry and stop when full.

Seek support: Find a dietitian or psychologist who specializes in mindful or intuitive eating.

Quick tips and facts:

• Instead of turning to comfort food, fight stress by doing something you enjoy. Listen to music, take a walk, talk to a friend, exercise, cuddle your pet or read a book.

• Emotional hunger craves fatty foods or sugary snacks, such as chips or baked goods.

• When you’re feeling emotional, try eating nutrient-dense foods that nourish our body and mind, like fruit, yogurt, veggie sticks with hummus, nuts or whole grain crackers.

Read more about this year’s Nutrition Month Campaign at https://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-Month/Nutrition-Month.aspx