BC Living
Local Easter Offerings to Try This Spring
Delicatessens Across B.C.: More Than Just High-End Grocers
March Sushi – From Scratch
4 Tips on Balancing a Nutritious Diet with a Side of Indulgence
Choosing Connection: A BC Family Day Pledge to Prioritize Presence Over Plans
Embracing Plant-Based Living this Veganuary and Beyond
Inviting the Steller’s Jay to Your Garden
6 Budget-friendly Holiday Decor Pieces
Dream Home: $8 Million for a Modern Surprise
Plan Your BC Foodie Field Trip
Kamloops & Sun Peaks Resort: The Ultimate See & Ski Family Getaway
Local Getaway: Stay at an Elven Haven in Courtenay
B.C. Adventures: Our picks for April
Cooking Classes
Culinary Cinema
Culinary Fashion: What to wear on “Foodie Field Trips”
Freshen Up your Skincare this Spring with these 9 BC Based Skincare Products
Are you getting the most from your expertly cultivated and perfectly aged wine collection?
Emotional triggers and not an empty stomach could be the reason you're looking for a snack
The World Health Organization believes that we are in the grip of a global epidemic, and it is estimated by the year 2020 obesity will be the single biggest killer on the planet. Unfortunately, weight management isn’t simply about balancing food intake with exercise output.
Understanding the emotional triggers that affect eating habits may be the key to preventing weight gain and an obesity epidemic.
It is important to recognize eating as a way of fueling the body, and not as a way to cope with anxiety, loneliness, boredom or disappointment. Eating must be separated from the stress rooted in depression, exhaustion, distorted body image and low self-esteem. Ideally, food is enjoyed calmly, whether alone or with others, and is eaten with awareness and appreciation, not while distracted.
Dr. Arya Sharma, founder of the Canadian Obesity Network of health professionals suggests, “The perfect situation is when nutritional balance, caloric balance and enjoyment completely overlap.” For physical needs, focus on nutritious foods that fulfill stomach hunger while providing pleasure. For emotional hunger, work towards making connections or finding activities that can help satiate cravings without food.
Distinguishing stomach hunger from emotional hunger can be a challenge. To help understand cravings, HALT before reaching for food. Assess if you are truly Hungry or if you may be Angry, Lonely or Tired. In the long term, eating does not resolve emotional hunger.