We all want to make healthier choices, but experts say when it comes to some foods it might not be that easy. “Foods can certainly be addictive. You’re actually getting the same rush in your brain of dopamine 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 for a lot of people, they struggle with managing their anxiety,” she said. “So, they turn essentially to food.”And when that food is high in sugar, high in fat and high in salt, DiBlasi said that can trigger a real food addiction.”They can really crave those things, and it can be really hard for them to stop once they start eating it in large amount,” she explained. She added that the first step — then that stress response kicks in — is actually take a step back and listen to your body. “I always recommend that people are eating based off of their body cues rather than how they’re feeling,” she said. “Are they actually hungry? Or are they feeling something else like anxious or bored? Remind yourself that food is used as fuel to help you think clearly and for your body to stay strong.”And identify your trigger foods, but don’t cut them out completely. For example, if stress makes you reach for the French fries, don’t ban them for good.”Then you actually really start to just crave French fries. And so all you can think about are French fries,” warned DiBlasi. “Then, when you get your hands on it, you’re going to eat the entire bag of French fries.”A few more strategies: DiBlasi said when you do eat, sit down and eat slowly. Enjoy your food. And avoid screen time when you’re having that meal. It will help you be more mindful about what you’re eating. Video below: Dr. DiBlasi answers questions from viewers
We all want to make healthier choices, but experts say when it comes to some foods it might not be that easy.
“Foods can certainly be addictive. You’re actually getting the same rush in your brain of dopamine 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 for a lot of people, they struggle with managing their anxiety,” she said. “So, they turn essentially to food.”
And when that food is high in sugar, high in fat and high in salt, DiBlasi said that can trigger a real food addiction.
“They can really crave those things, and it can be really hard for them to stop once they start eating it in large amount,” she explained.
She added that the first step — then that stress response kicks in — is actually take a step back and listen to your body.
“I always recommend that people are eating based off of their body cues rather than how they’re feeling,” she said. “Are they actually hungry? Or are they feeling something else like anxious or bored? Remind yourself that food is used as fuel to help you think clearly and for your body to stay strong.”
And identify your trigger foods, but don’t cut them out completely. For example, if stress makes you reach for the French fries, don’t ban them for good.
“Then you actually really start to just crave French fries. And so all you can think about are French fries,” warned DiBlasi. “Then, when you get your hands on it, you’re going to eat the entire bag of French fries.”
A few more strategies: DiBlasi said when you do eat, sit down and eat slowly. Enjoy your food. And avoid screen time when you’re having that meal. It will help you be more mindful about what you’re eating.
Video below: Dr. DiBlasi answers questions from viewers
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