Behavioral Nutrition
As a behavioral nutritionist for more than 20 years I have learned:
- Food can connect us to each other and to ourselves.
Shared meals are part of human history throughout the world. Listening to our body’s cues related to hunger and fullness can tell us when and how much to eat. Recognizing how our body feels after we eat lets us know how well (or poorly) we met our needs with that meal or snack.
- Eating in response to stress can cause problems and stress in response to eating can reflect problems.
Learning to respond to stress without food is a common challenge. Eating can also create stress, particularly when food choices cause shame or regret. Change requires strategies to address both of these situations.
- Intuitive and mindful eating strategies can help you create a positive relationship with food and your body.
Taking good care of yourself requires awareness related to your body and your mind. This holistic approach to food and eating creates space to explore problems. We replace harsh judgment with curiosity and compassion for long-term success.
- Many factors affect what (and how much) we eat.
Biology, psychology, environment, money, culture, climate, beliefs,… The list is long of things that influence eating. Using nutritional science, we can estimate your general needs (based on height, weight, age, activity level, etc.). However, the art of behavioral nutrition begins when, together, we figure out what works and doesn’t work for your individual needs and goals from day to day, something no calculation can tell us.
- Creativity and experiential learning work best.
Experience is the best teacher. If you eat, cook, wander the grocery aisles, or even create a non-food comfort list, you are involved in learning. Creative tools and skills can empower you.
- Intuitive and mindful eating strategies can help you create a positive relationship with food and your body.
Taking good care of yourself requires awareness related to your body and your mind. This holistic approach to food and eating creates space to explore problems. We replace harsh judgment with curiosity and compassion for long-term success.
