Exploring the Connection Between Food and Feelings
Eat For Life Dietetics
In a world where diets and food rules dominate the conversation around food and eating habits, there’s one aspect that often gets overlooked: emotional eating. For many of us, food is more than just fuel for our bodies; it’s a source of comfort, joy, and sometimes even solace during challenging times. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay.
We’ve grown up surrounded by messages that eating, especially yummy foods, is a pleasurable experience. We may have been conditioned to view food as a form of reward or to seek comfort in its soothing sensory qualities. Therefore, it’s understandable that when our minds crave comfort, happiness, or a sense of reward, turning to food feels like a natural response.
But what happens when emotional eating starts to feel less like a comforting embrace and more like a tangled web of guilt and judgment? When reaching for our favourite, yummy foods leaves us feeling physically unwell or emotionally distressed, it might be time to explore a different approach.
Cultivating Awareness and Kindness
Let’s be real: emotional eating isn’t inherently bad. Turning to food to cope does not make you a bad person, it does not mean that you are lacking willpower. It is a natural response to our emotions, a way for our bodies to cope with stress, sadness, or even boredom. But just like any coping mechanism, it can become problematic when it starts to interfere with our emotional and physical well-being.
So, how do we navigate this complex relationship with food and emotions with kindness and understanding? Firstly, we can practice cultivating awareness. Take a moment to pause and check in with yourself when you feel the urge to eat emotionally. What are you feeling in your body before, during and after you experience emotional eating? What emotions are you experiencing? Are you feeling stressed, lonely, or anxious? By acknowledging our feelings without judgment, we can start to understand the underlying triggers behind our emotional eating patterns.
Next, let’s get curious. What is it that our bodies truly need in these moments of emotional distress? Sometimes, it’s not food we’re craving, but rather comfort, connection, or relaxation. By tuning into our bodies and exploring alternative ways to meet these needs, we can begin to break free from the cycle of emotional eating.
Building a “toolbox” of coping strategies is another powerful tool in our journey towards healing. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, going for a walk in nature, or engaging in creative activities, there are countless ways to soothe our emotions that that may feel different for you. Experiment with different strategies and notice how they make you feel in your body. Which ones bring you a sense of calm and comfort? Keep those in your toolbox for when you need them most.
Seeking Support: How Eat for Life Dietetics Can Help
Above all, let’s practice kindness towards ourselves. We’re only human, after all, and navigating our emotions can be a messy and challenging process. Practice letting go of perfectionism and embracing the imperfections and the challenges with an open heart and a gentle spirit.
Emotional eating doesn’t have to be a source of shame or guilt. By approaching it with curiosity, awareness, and kindness, we can transform it into an opportunity for growth and learning. If you’re struggling with emotional eating and seeking support, Eat for Life Dietetics offers compassionate and non-judgmental nutrition counselling tailored to your individual needs. Our team is here to help you navigate your journey towards healing, self-acceptance, and a positive relationship with food and your body.
Do you have to use an NDIS Registered Provider?
Most of the time you do not have to choose an NDIS registered provider, however this will be dependent on how your funds are managed. There are three ways your NDIS funds can be managed.
- Self-managed – This means you are running your own NDIS plan. If you’re self-managed you can choose to use a registered or non-registered NDIS provider. You will pay for the service, then apply to get the money back from your NDIS plan.
- Plan-managed – This means that your NDIS plan is managed by a third party. These third parties are known as plan managers. Plan managers will help you by monitoring your funds and paying providers for supports delivered. If you are plan-managed you can choose a registered or non-registered provider.
- NDIA (agency)-managed – This means that the NDIS manages your funding on your behalf. If you are NDIA-managed you must choose a NDIS registered provider. NDIS registered providers can request payment for services from the NDIS.
