6 Things Your Nutritionist Wishes You’d Stop (Part 2) by Joan Kent, PhD

6 Things Your Nutritionist Wishes You’d Stop (Part 2)

by Joan Kent, PhD

Here are 2 more things your nutritionist would probably prefer that you stop doing:

 

3. Using Food to Relieve Stress

 

Eating to relieve stress may happen when we’re frustrated, or at the end of a bad day. Or in the middle of the bad day. Stress also makes us likely to reach for junk food.

 

This might seem like a minor issue, but any stress time is a bad time to eat. The digestive system basically shuts down – reduced saliva, lack of contractions in the digestive tract, other stress changes. The body just isn’t ready for food.

 

Because foods change brain chemistry, they can change our mental/emotional state. When our mood is low, it’s almost instinctive to look for something to lift us out of it.

 

Even animals do it. Researchers have said that animals don’t eat for calories or nutrition per se, but for “optimal arousal.”

 

That’s why food choices when we’re stressed are usually big brain chemistry changers.

 

Sugar is a common stress reliever because it triggers changes in brain chemicals quickly.

 

But other comfort foods are common – frequently in large quantities. Mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, spaghetti, biscuits, grilled cheese sandwiches, chips, pizza.

 

If your favorite comfort food isn’t on that list, it’s probably still a state-changer.

 

State changing is the key. You won’t binge on broccoli when you’re stressed – unless it’s smothered in cheese or sauce. That’s because broccoli doesn’t change brain chem, but the toppings will.

 

Your nutritionist would probably prefer that you avoid stress-driven, high-calorie blowouts. Fortunately, there are specific ways to do that.

 

4. Thinking Only About Calories, Not Food Quality

 

I don’t think food (or weight) is only about calories in/calories out. I wrote a book chapter on it because it’s an important subject.

 

Some nutritionists and dietitians do think a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. As the lead nutritionist in a weight-loss program, for example, I worked with a registered dietitian.

 

When a participant typed “HELP!” next to the brownie listed in her food log, the dietitian replied, “This is only X calories, so I’m not worried about it.”

 

Apparently, the dietitian didn’t recognize that the brownie might have consequences. My field (psychoactive nutrition) keeps me aware that the brownie might increase appetite, start cravings, or trigger binges – any of which could last for days.

 

The dietitian apparently didn’t realize that the brownie might have been the result of what the participant had eaten earlier that day or the day before.

 

Or that “HELP!” revealed the participant’s lack of control at that moment.

 

I have never told a client that all calories are equal. Or that it’s okay to eat a certain amount of sugar if you’re within your calorie limits. Unfortunately, I do know RD’s who say that.

 

When you realize sugar is a psychoactive drug, calories seem less important than what the sugar DOES.

 

It’s not just about sugar, of course. We now know that saturated fats aren’t as bad as we were told, but most of my clients realize that French fries are not healthful in a daily food plan. Some foods are better to skip.

 

At a recent presentation, a man asked about a non-caloric butter replacement. He started using it to save calories, but the junky chemicals in it made it a poor substitute. A better choice would be coconut oil, raw almond butter, or grass-fed butter – despite the calories.

Focusing on calories alone can lead to eating without mindful attention.

 

Coming soon! The final 2 things your nutritionist wishes you’d stop doing. Don’t miss them!

I’m available to help with aspects of your health and wellbeing that are directly related to my specialties:  diabetes, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, persistent low moods, mood swings, cravings, ADD, and more. Just visit www.LastResortNutrition.com and grab your free Empowered Eating Consult. Find out how a few simple changes can make a big difference in your health and how you feel.

Brought to you by Dr. Joan Kent, best-selling author of Stronger Than Sugar:  7 Simple Steps to Defeat Sugar Addiction, Lift Your Mood and Transform Your Health.