eat happy

Eat Intuitively.

There are so many reasons for why we eat that have nothing to do with hunger. I’m an advocate for a plant-based, whole foods diet as much as the next nutritionist, but I have also been known to get down with a butter-basted steak on occasion. Why? Because it makes me happy. 

Pay attention to your hunger cues, and be mindful about what and why you are eating. Is it boredom? Stress? Just cause it’s available? Hone in and respect your internal hunger cues- your body will thank you.

Share.

How many holidays and special occasions are marked by a feast? Studies show that eating with others has positive impacts on physical, mental, and social health that extends far past what’s on the plate. 

Some of the benefits of eating meals with others include:

• It promotes mindful eating. When we sit down at the tables with others we pay more attention to what we are eating. This is shown to lead to making better food choices (i.e. more fruits and vegetables, less fried and sugar-y foods), reduces overeating, and boosts overall enjoyment of meals.

• It’s calming and helps us bond with others, increasing levels of oxytocin (a feel-good hormone) in the brain.

• It helps create a sense of community, something that is tied to happiness and longevity.

Use mealtimes as an opportunity to de-stress, disconnect, and spend time with people you love. Actually take your lunch break at work and eat with a co-worker, make dinner with a friend, get out there and form some great memories around the table.

Love.

Love yourself, love your body, and celebrate all that it does by eating food that nourishes you. Eat foods that make you feel good, and most importantly eat joyfully, because if there’s one thing I know for sure, life’s too short not to eat the damn cookie.