Food and Mood Discoveries

For the last several months I have been studying the concept of mindful eating. Recently, I was a guest blogger for a mindful eating website (www.eatq.com) so I have created a series of articles from my experience and offer these mindful eating tips for you.

Did you ever notice how each food choice impacts your mood and stress levels?  As a Health Coach I’ve spent many days experimenting with different foods and how my body reacts to them. One of which, to my surprise, is my dearest friend Diet Coke.  I have educated myself on the (gasp!) dangers of Diet Coke (and other soft drinks) and have s-l-o-w-l-y weaned myself from my one-a-day beverage (you know, like a vitamin) habit to an occasional treat.  This was not an easy habit to come to terms with. But this is what I’ve learned about my body’s reaction to Diet Coke:

• I began to notice a tiny headache at the bridge of my nose after I drank the soda.
  
• My hips and joints don’t ache in the morning 
  
• I sleep much better
  
• I don’t have that morning slimy nastiness in my mouth when I wake (I know, gross, but true)
  
• Cravings are significantly less when I stay away from pop of any kind

The cravings also became easier when I quit bringing it into the house, which has been a BIG help. Now, I only enjoy an occasional Diet Coke when dining out on Saturday night. I’m learning that water with lemon is just as satisfying – even with pizza! And I walk away from the table feeling satisfied (not stuffed – from the carbonation?) and not crabby from another failed food choice.

Take action this week by becoming aware of your mood and stress levels when you eat. Challenge yourself to try this fun activity: keep a food journal for the next seven days. Record everything you put in your mouth along with the portion size. Then note answers to these questions: 

• Who were you with? 
  
• What was your hunger level and mood at the time you ate? 
  
• What was your mood an hour later?  
  

Then review your journal and look for patterns to emerge. For example:

• Do you eat sweet or salty things when you are stressed? 
  
• Do you eat when you are bored? tired? happy?
  
• Do certain foods cause you to eat uncontrollably? 
  
• How do you feel when you make a good food choice? 
  
• How about your emotional satisfaction level? 
  

What do you notice about your eating habits when you are: 

• Eating alone? 
  
• Eating with a friend? 
  
• Bored with your food choices? 
  
• Eating at a favorite restaurant?  
  

How can you use this new information to change your eating habits? I’d like to hear from you! Send me an email (sarawolfsen@gmail.com) with your findings. I’m fascinated by food and mood discoveries. I hope to hear from you.

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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Visit her Facebook page at Sara Wolfsen, Certified Health Coach for healthy tips, recipes and resources. Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.