FOOD & ME

To better understand your own relationship to food, read the following belief statements and answer them honestly, true or false. 

• I usually eat when I’m hungry, continue until I am satisfied, and then quit.

• I usually stop eating when I feel that my body is satisfied.                            

• I choose any food I like, eat it, enjoy it, and feel like I had enough of it.

• I rarely eat or diet to the point of allowing myself to be physically uncomfortable.

• I do not deny myself pleasurable food.

• I don’t have to follow an eating pattern such as eating three meals a day.    

• I don’t eat to the point that I am stuffed, and often beat myself about it.   

• I believe if I listen to my body, I can eat whatever I want.     

• Food is one aspect of my day. I don’t focus my time thinking about what I’ll eat next.

• I eat what I want, when I want, regardless of what others are eating.        

• I can leave some warm, wonderful cookies on a plate.                                              

• I don’t generally choose or reject foods based on their calorie content.    

WHAT YOUR ANSWERS MEAN TO YOU

If you have honestly looked at your relationship to food and you have recognized that you see food as more than a way of providing appropriate nutrition for your body, you may want to begin challenging some of those beliefs. Using food unhealthily, may indicate some serious issues-–ranging from food obsession to an eating disorder. Eating disorders such as Bulimia (excessive eating and then purging), Anorexia (starving oneself), and Compulsive Overeating (habitual eating) can be life threatening. It may be that focusing on food or your body has become a way to avoid looking at some underlying issues in your life. If this sounds like you, think about reaching out for some help at the Counseling Center.

TIPS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

• Eat a well balanced diet that includes meat, cereal, fruit, vegetables, and milk.  It is self-defeating to starve yourself in attempt to lose weight.  This usually slows the metabolism so you actually gain more weight when you start eating again.  It is better to eat three small meals and a smart snack in between to keep your metabolism charged.
• Avoid mood-motivated eating.  Many people who are overweight find themselves eating when they are sad, angry, anxious, bored, or even when happy. For some, food is a reward for doing something good, or a soother when something goes wrong.  Talk to someone you trust about issues as they arise and find other ways to congratulate yourself instead.
• Incorporate exercise into your weekly routine.  A minimum of 20 minutes of continuous movement is enough to burn calories and build muscle.  Work some time into your schedule to go to the workout room for some treadmill time and light weight lifting, or get a partner to do regular walks.
• Set realistic goals for weight loss.  About three-five pounds a week is reasonable.  At times you may find that you’re losing inches before pounds.  Remember to weigh yourself weekly at about the same time of day.