Written by Alden Carroll, MSW, LCSW (guest on podcast and blog contributor)
Edited and Updated by Sandra Gentleman, RD

Peaceful Practices

I don’t have time for myself. There is so much to do. If I rest, I’m being lazy. When I think of myself first, I’m being selfish. “Take care of yourself” is something we hear all the time, but, do we know how? It may require a bit of a mindset shift to learn how to actually make time for self-care and peaceful practices.

It’s time for you to start making yourself a priority. Why? Because your loved ones need you to. Your body and life need you to. It’s vital for you to give yourself permission to put yourself first for once. Your happiness, well-being, and health depend on you. Take care of yourself.

When growing up

When growing up, were you taught–even if not directly– that your worth is tied to your productivity or to being thoughtful of everyone else around you before you think of yourself? If so, you are not alone. We live in a “grind” and “hustle” culture that teaches us that our value is solely based on what we produce, whether that’s money, children, a beautiful household, or other external measures that aren’t about our essential selves. We are trained to be “human doings,” not human beings. This experience has been heightened by social media platforms where we get caught up in comparing ourselves to the well curated and carefully edited lives other people portray. In our world, we don’t have many models that truly value self-care as a multifaceted process that involves body, mind, and spirit. Take care of yourself.

Best Version

In order to be the best version of yourself, to feel good, and be of maximum service to others in your life, it’s time to put yourself first. That’s right, take care of yourself.

We all have a well of energy within us. Think about energy as water in your well. If you give your water to everyone else, and don’t keep some for yourself, you become parched and burnt out. The way to start conserving energy for yourself is simple. A few Peaceful Practices a day can be a powerful start to shifting from taking care of everyone else first, at the expense of yourself, to finding a balance of caring for yourself while also managing all of your responsibilities and tending to others. Take care of yourself.

Self-Care

Today, starting right now as you read this, self-care can begin with just one breath.

Exhale fully, inhale deeply, and pause at the top of your breath until your body knows it’s time to exhale, then exhale fully through your mouth. Repeat this type of breath and notice any subtle shifts or changes in your body. Do you feel more calm, present, or relaxed? Did your shoulders drop a little, your muscles relax even slightly, or did you notice a pleasant release? If not, that’s ok. Keep breathing with intention. Once a little more calmness comes, pat yourself on the back and recognize that these simple breaths are a form of self-care. Breathing deeply and with intention can help you to take care of yourself.

That Simple

Is it really that simple? Yes. Deep breaths are a good start to inviting in more nourishment to take the edge off of stress. When you feel stress in your body, it usually manifests as tension, shallow breathing, bracing, or being stuck in your head. I’m excited to teach you simple and practical strategies to help you reduce stress and feel calmer in your life.

Ready for change

If you’re here, you most likely are ready for change. You want to support yourself in better ways whether that be through eating healthier foods, getting more sleep, or practicing ways to reduce stress.
You want to wake up with a smile on your face, feeling refreshed and ready to take on your day with ease. With The Peaceful Practices, I’d love to teach you how to live your best life by reducing stress and practicing more generous self-care. Join me to help support you to take care of yourself.

Free Guide

Here is a link to a free guide “De-stress and Feel Calmer: 3 Simple Steps.”
You can also book a discovery call with me here: Book with me

Listen in to Episode

#91 on My Wife the Dietitian Peaceful Practices, Alden Carroll

Podcast – Sandra Gentleman, or on YouTube.

Written by: Dominique Paquette
@v.for.vanlife (Guest Writer and Podcast Guest Ep 86 Vanlife – Food Hacks to Eat Healthy)
Edited and updated by Sandra Gentleman, RD

Vanlife

Vanlife is a growing trend for people who want some adventures on the road and to explore and see new places. Being away from home can present some challenges to eating healthy and staying well, but, with careful planning and preparation, eating on the road, through van living can be fun. Vanlife meals can be healthy and satisfying.

Although the limited space and resources may pose some challenges, with careful planning and creativity, you can maintain a nutritious diet with vanlife meals.

Eating healthfully while living in a van or practicing vanlife is definitely possible!

Dominique Paquette is a woman who lives in her van in the summer and travels across the continent annually to visit her sons. Her two grown boys both live in the Pacific Northwest and she has been travelling across Canada for the past three summers in her van to spend time with them.

Through her experience and passion for the lifestyle, she offers some personal suggestions and practical hacks for eating well with vanlife meals!

Here are some tips:

1. Plan your meals

Before hitting the road, you can plan some meals for the day or for the next few days. This will ensure you have a well-balanced diet and you can make a shopping list accordingly.

2. Choose nutritious staples

Stock your van with water and healthy staples like whole grains (quinoa, brown rice), canned beans, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, canned fish, and fresh produce that can last a few days without refrigeration (apples, oranges, carrots, etc.).

3. A well-thought-out kitchen in a van is definitely a plus

If you are not quite there yet in your van design and conversion, invest in portable kitchen equipment: Get some space-saving kitchen essentials like a portable stove, a cooler or fridge, and cooking utensils to make food preparation easier. Tiny cooking accessories for vanlife meals can also come in handy for maximizing space in the van.

4. Opt for whole food options

Instead of relying on processed or pre-packaged foods, focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These can be easily stored and prepared in small spaces.

5. Make use of local markets and farm stands

Explore local farmer’s markets or farm stands along your travels. They often offer fresh, seasonal produce, which is not only healthy but also supports local businesses.

6. Cook in batches

Save time and maximize resources by cooking vanlife meals in batches. Preparing larger quantities of meals will minimize cooking time and allow for easy reheating.

7. Utilize outdoor cooking

Take advantage of the great outdoors by cooking over a campfire or using a portable grill. Grilling vegetables, fish, or lean meats can add flavor and variety to your meals.

8. Make sure you have potable water

Carry a refillable water bottle and refill whenever possible to avoid reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

9. Don’t forget about snacks

Pack nutritious snacks like trail mix, granola bars, fresh fruits, or cut-up vegetables to curb hunger between meals. This will keep you fueled and prevent unhealthy cravings.

10. Stay flexible and adaptable

Embrace the vanlife mindset by being open to local food experiences. Explore new cuisines, try local specialties, and enjoy the culinary diversity that comes with traveling.

By incorporating these tips into your vanlife journey, you can maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet. Remember, it’s all about planning, making smart choices, and being intentional with your food choices. Enjoy the adventure while nourishing your body!

Learn more by tuning in to Ep 86 of My Wife the Dietitian to hear about vanlife meals during our interview with Dominique.

Listen in to Episode

#86 on My Wife the Dietitian Vanlife – Food Hacks to Eat Healthy, Dominique Paquette

Podcast – Sandra Gentleman, or on YouTube.

By: Aly Bouzek, MS, RDN
Edited and updated by Sandra Gentleman, RD

Greek vs Regular Yogurt: Which is Better for You?

Chances are, if you’ve ever walked past the refrigerated section in a grocery store, that you have noticed the yogurt section. Looking a little closer, you likely saw that there were not only different flavors of yogurt, but also different types of yogurt.

Greek yogurt and regular yogurt have many similarities. But they also have many differences from nutrient content, to texture, to health benefits, to use as substitutes in recipes.

Follow along as we dive deeper into these two protein-laden dairy products.

What is Yogurt?

Yogurt is a popular dairy food that is produced by fermenting milk with bacteria. It has become so popular, in fact, that the United States’s yogurt sales rose to more than 7.2 billion dollars in 2021 (up from almost 5.6 billion in 2011).

Why is yogurt so popular? Its popularity stems from its versatility in dishes, as well as being known by the general public as a “healthy food.” The two main types of yogurt that you will see in a grocery store’s refrigerated section are Greek yogurt and regular (cow’s milk) yogurt.

Note that you will likely see more variety in yogurt types when visiting a health food store, a health market, a specialized grocery store, etc.

(For more specifics on yogurt as a general topic, visit our Soy Yogurt article).

Nutrient Profiles: Greek vs Regular Yogurt

Yogurt is a good source of calcium, protein, and other nutrients. When comparing Greek vs regular yogurt, their nutrient profiles are slightly different. This is due to the way each type of yogurt is made.

While regular yogurt is made by fermenting milk with bacteria, Greek yogurt is actually made by straining out whey with a cheesecloth. Let’s learn more below.

Greek Yogurt

Calcium found in yogurt is contained in the whey (the watery part) of the yogurt. Have you ever opened a yogurt container and seen the watery layer on top of the yogurt? That actually contains a great deal of calcium, and it’s intended for you to mix the watery yogurt before eating so that you are getting all the calcium provided.

Now, with Greek yogurt, by removing more of the whey (the watery part), some of the calcium is also removed. This is why Greek yogurt actually has less calcium than regular yogurt. Greek yogurt is still a good source of calcium, but if you are really needing to increase your calcium intake, then regular yogurt would be a better choice.

As far as protein is concerned, Greek yogurt has more protein vs regular yogurt as the yogurt is less watery/more dense, and thus more concentrated when it comes to protein. 6 oz of Greek yogurt provides about 17 grams of protein.

Greek yogurt is also lower in carbs when compared to regular yogurt. Additionally, Greek yogurt has about ½ the amount of sodium as compared to regular yogurt, and has less sugar.

Regular Yogurt

Regular yogurt contains more whey than Greek yogurt (remember that the whey is not strained away here, as it is for Greek yogurt). Because of this, regular yogurt can have up to 2-3x more calcium than Greek yogurt.

And since regular yogurt is not as “concentrated” as Greek yogurt, it has about 9 grams of protein per 6 oz, and has fewer calories.

The amount of fat of both types of yogurt will vary depending on how much milk fat remains after processing. Both Greek and regular yogurt come in fat content options of: non-fat, low-fat (1-2%), and whole milk fat.

Comparing nutritional content of 6 oz of plain, low-fat Greek vs regular yogurt:

Taste & Consistency

Taste and consistency are known to make or break a relationship with yogurt. Some like their yogurt thin and smooth, while others may like their yogurt to be thick, tangy, and creamy. The good news is that with so many different kinds of yogurt, you’re bound to find one you like!

Greek yogurt is thicker, creamier, and more tangy than regular yogurt. This is because of the whey that is strained out. Removing the whey makes the yogurt more concentrated (thicker and creamier), and also plays a hand in the tangy-taste left behind.

Versatility

Yogurt is such a versatile food that can be enjoyed plain or added to many different dishes. Greek yogurt is actually a great substitute for mayonnaise, sour cream, and can be used in smoothies, savory dishes, baked goods, popsicles, marinades, and more. The options are endless!

Here are some of our favorite ways to use yogurt as a flavor- and nutrient-boost:

• Top baked or fried fish and chicken
• Add to Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, or toss with pasta
• Use to help fill stuffed veggies
• Top your spicy soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt
• Dips, dressings, and marinades
• Add to avocado toast
• Use as a substitute for sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, oil, butter, eggs
• Mix with jam and add to toast
• Make overnight oats or overnight muesli
• Smoothies, smoothie bowls, popsicles
• Add to baked goods such as cakes, pancakes, breads, muffins, cinnamon rolls, brownies, etc.
• Use Greek yogurt to make homemade tzatziki
• On its own, or layer with fruit and nuts to make a parfait

When preparing dips or sauces, opt for Greek yogurt as it’s thicker, and thus, not as runny. Additionally, Greek yogurt is used more in cooking because it doesn’t curdle as much as regular yogurt.

Greek vs Regular Yogurt Wrap-up

Greek yogurt and regular yogurt are both great options when it comes to choosing a healthy snack and when substituting/adding healthy ingredients to your meals. Look for yogurt with live active cultures, as they are beneficial for gut health.

As a recap, Greek yogurt is higher in protein and lower in sugar than regular yogurt, but it’s also lower in calcium. It has a strong and tangy taste, and is thicker in consistency.

Remember that the best yogurt for you takes into account both your health needs and your individual preferences. Don’t be shy to try a few different varieties of yogurt. After all, you may find more than one that you enjoy!

Listen in to Episode

Nutrition Nuggets 11: Yogurt: Greek vs Regular to learn all about Greek vs Regular Yogurt, Podcast – Sandra Gentleman, or on YouTube.

By: Joni Rampolla, MBA, RDN, LDN / Founder, Nutrition Coaching 4U/ and retail dietitian
Edited and updated by Sandra Gentleman, RD

Budget-Friendly Grocery Tips for Healthier Living

Healthy eating is often associated with big grocery bills. This does not have to be true. As a grocery store dietitian, I help people find the right foods that the family will love and keep them nourished with the best possible nutrition.

Here are six supermarket strategies to help listeners eat better while sticking to a tight budget.

Plan Ahead and Create a Budget

Creating a shopping list for future meals, then shopping for those items can save you up to 40% compared to shopping without a list. When I have a budget to stick to, I think differently. While shopping, I am thinking of the nutrition I am putting in my cart. How much nutrition can I get for my dollar? Planning ahead and creating a list can avoid those impulse buys which can help your wallet.

Embrace Whole Foods

Buying whole foods can be less expensive than their processed, flavored counterparts. Some examples of budget-friendly pantry staples are whole grains including oatmeal, wild rice, popcorn, or whole wheat pasta.

Seek Discounts

Here are some savings suggestions: clip digital coupons, use savings apps, sign up for a store loyalty cards as they often give discounts, and shop the weekly sales by viewing the store circular or flyer. You can plan your meals based on what’s on sale this week. Consider store brands as they often are similar quality but at a discounted price.

Frozen and Canned Foods Fit

Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables offer a wide array of nutrients, convenience, and cost savings. It is so important for our health to include fruits and vegetables in any form. They also allow you to enjoy your favorites even when they aren’t in season. Canned and frozen can be just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts.

Think Differently About Meat

Since meat is typically the most expensive item on our plate, consider using it as a garnish to a meal instead of it taking center stage. Some suggestions are to add meat to a stew or soup filled with a bounty of in-season vegetables. Or add your meat to a stir fry with a large color variety of vegetables, and serve over a bed of rice.

Get Enough Protein

Protein comes in many foods that aren’t in the meat section of the store. Some budget-friendly protein foods to add to your shopping cart are pouch tuna or salmon, beans, eggs, quinoa, nuts and nut butters, and seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin, or sunflower). If you include dairy, don’t forget the cottage cheese and yogurt.

Listen in to Episode

#78 on My Wife The Dietitian to learn all about Budget-Friendly Tips for Healthier Living

Podcast – Sandra Gentleman or on YouTube

By Rochelle Inwood / May 24, 2023 (Podcast guest)
Edited and Updated by Sandra Gentleman, RD

Key Differences Between Dirty, Lazy, and the Clean Keto Diet

The Clean Keto Diet is one of the latest versions of the ketogenic (keto)diet. With so much information swirling around about the various keto diets, you are probably feeling confused. You are not alone!

As you know, keto and low-carb diets are very controversial. As dietitians and nutrition experts, we try to steer our patients away from restrictive eating patterns because they are generally not sustainable.

Even with this basic philosophy, you probably wish you knew more about low-carb and keto diets.

So…what are the key differences between low carb, general keto, dirty keto, lazy keto, and the clean keto diet?

Your simplified answers are below!

Low Carbohydrate and Keto Diets

What are the differences between keto diets and low carbohydrate diets?

Keto Diets

Keto diets allow fewer daily carbohydrates due to the goal of reaching ketosis. Most adults can reach ketosis if they consume fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrate per day. Many people following a keto diet will consume 20-50 grams of carbohydrates per day.

Most keto diets take into account the other macronutrients (macros), fat and protein, as well. Those following a keto diet may calculate their macros using the following % calorie distributions:

• Carbohydrates <10% total calories per day
• Protein <25% total calories per day
• Fat >65% total calories per day
• 20 to 50 grams per day or <10% of total calories

When patients require a therapeutic version of the keto diet, please use the calculator provided by The Charlie Foundation for Therapeutic Keto.

Low Carbohydrate Diets

Low carbohydrate diets allow more carbohydrates per day than keto diets. Meaning, those following a low carbohydrate diet eat more carbohydrates than those following a keto diet.

Depending on your resource, low carbohydrate diets may have <26% of total daily calories coming from carbohydrates. These diets can range between 50-150 grams of carbohydrate per day.

Considerations for Defining Carbohydrates in the Diet. For more information on keto and low carb diets, check out this blog post: Is There a Difference Between Low Carb and Keto Diets?

Considerations for Defining Carbohydrate Intake

Based on a 2,000-calorie diet, the following definitions could be considered when discussing keto diets (very low-carb keto diet), low carbohydrate, moderate carbohydrate, and high carbohydrate diets:

Very low-carb keto diet

• 20 to 50 grams per day or <10% of total calories
  Low-carb diet
• <130 grams per day or <26% of total calories
  Or 50-150 grams per day

Moderate-carb diet

• >130 grams per day or 26% to 45% of total calories

High-carb diet

• >225 grams per day or >45% of total calories (3, 5, 8, 10).

What is the Dirty Keto Diet?

Dirty Keto Diet followers focus on macros (example: <10% carb, <25% protein, >65% fat), but they do not worry about the quality of the foods they are eating. In fact, the dirty keto diet can include processed foods, snacks, and even sweets, if these foods fit into the calculated macros.

For example, someone eating a dirty keto diet will not flinch about eating fast-food, consuming fried foods, or taking in higher amounts of saturated and trans fats.

Foods Commonly Found on The Dirty Keto Diet

• Bunless bacon cheeseburger
• Sugar free beverages and sodas
• All cheese (including processed cheese)
• Lower carbohydrate snack foods (potato chips, tortilla chips, keto cookies)
• Pre-packaged meats
• Pork rinds
• Drive-thru coffees, etc.

What is the Lazy Keto Diet?

Those following the Lazy Keto Diet only track their carbohydrate intake. They do not account for how much protein and fat they are eating each day.

Typically, those following the Lazy Keto Diet will limit only their carbohydrate intake to <10% of their total energy intake or fewer than 50 net grams of carbohydrates per day.

What are Net Carbs?

Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber (and sugar alcohols – if you have that information) from the Total Carbohydrate number found on the food label.

Calculating Net Carbs. Net Carbs = (Total Carbohydrate – Dietary Fiber).
For this food item, you would subtract the Dietary Fiber (4 grams) from the Total Carbohydrate (37 grams) for a total of 33 net grams of carbohydrate.

Foods Commonly Found on The Lazy Keto Diet

Any food can be consumed on the lazy keto diet. Those following this eating pattern restrict their total net carbohydrate intake to <50 grams of carbohydrate per day, but they do not account for protein and fat intake.

What is the Clean Keto Diet?

Those following a Clean Keto Diet will calculate their macros, and they focus more on eating high quality whole foods. A “Clean Keto Diet” focuses on unprocessed, whole, nutrient dense foods.
Foods Commonly Found on the Clean Keto Diet

• Eggs
• Fish
• Full-fat dairy
• Healthy oils – olive oil, avocado oil, etc.
• Lean meats and poultry
• Low-glycemic fruits – like berries – in small portions
• Non-starchy vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Unsweetened beverages

Are There Possible Risks or Side Effects of following a Keto Diet?

Yes, there are risks and side effects that can occur from following a keto diet. These, and other side effects should be considered before anyone starts a keto diet.

Some of the most common side effects include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Fluid loss
• Constipation
• Muscle cramps
• Increased blood cholesterol

Are There Certain People Who Should Never Follow a Keto Diet?

The keto diet should not be considered a safe eating pattern if a person has a fatty acid oxidation defect, a carnitine or pyruvate deficiency, or disorders of the heme biosynthesis pathway (5, 16).

These conditions should be ruled out before anyone considers a keto diet.

Additional Considerations Before Starting a Keto Diet

In addition to the medical conditions above, there are several other diagnoses that should be considered potential risks for those thinking about following a keto diet. Medical conditions that should be reviewed and discussed by the patient with their medical team include, but not limited to:

• 18 years old or younger (or still growing)
• acid reflux
• cancer
• constipation
• diabetes (medication adjustments and monitoring required)
• digestion difficulties
• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• eating disorders
• gallbladder disease or no gallbladder
• gout
• high blood pressure (medication adjustments and monitoring required)
• high cholesterol
• history of kidney stones
• inadequate nutrition intake
• kidney disease or failure
• liver disease or failure
• metabolic acidosis
• multiple food allergies
• noncompliance to other therapies
•  osteopenia
• pancreatitis
• pregnancy or breastfeeding
• received bariatric surgery (because of possible issues w/ digesting fat)
• religious restrictions (5, 16).

Final Thoughts on Dirty Keto, Lazy Keto, and the Clean Keto Diet

There are several versions of low-carb and keto diets, which can be very confusing. Understanding the latest versions and differences between low carb, keto, dirty keto, lazy keto, and clean keto diets can help you understand what they are all about.

If you are a healthcare provider looking for more information on low carb and keto diets so you can have better conversations with your patients about low-carb and keto diets, consider checking out my book: The Keto Conversation – A Guide for Dietitians and Healthcare Providers.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

The Keto Conversation: A Guide for Dietitians and Healthcare Providers

Check out the My Wife The Dietitian podcast where I had the opportunity to speak with the fabulous Sandra and Rob Gentleman about this hot topic.

Listen in to Episode

#76 on My Wife The Dietitian to learn all The Keto Diet, Rochelle Inwood, RD

Podcast – Sandra Gentleman or on YouTube

Wendy Shah, RD
Registered Dietitian
Guest writer and podcast guest
Edited and updated by Sandra Gentleman, RD

Change your thinking habits to change your eating habits

Since 2008, over 3000 health care professionals have trained with the Craving Change program to help people make and maintain positive eating habits for their health and well-being. Craving Change was developed by registered dietitian, Wendy Shah and clinical psychologist, Dr. Colleen Cannon who have decades of clinical experience working with people who struggle with their eating. Based on the cognitive-behavioural model of psychology, the program gives people tools to help them understand why changes are challenging and provides step-by-step instructions for how to better manage their eating habits and food cravings.

It Takes ‘Skill power’, not Willpower

Eating is very personal. We all have our own, unique relationship with food. This relationship began from the moment we were born. We have many associations with food and we eat for a variety of different reasons. Some of us have been advised to alter our eating habits for medical reasons. At times, we may feel that what, when or how much we eat is a concern for our health.
The goal of Craving Change is to increase what is called your ‘eating self-efficacy’. Eating self-efficacy is the confidence and skills that you have to manage your eating behaviour, especially in challenging social situations or when experiencing negative emotions.

The Craving Change program has 4 components:

Why it’s Hard to Change

We are all eating under the influence of many factors that affect what, when and how much we eat. In our society, we are exposed to food and to messages inviting us to eat almost every hour of the day. In addition to exploring our food environment, the program considers your body’s response to different factors that can work for you or against you. It also helps you understand how some of your eating habits have been learned, and how they can be unlearned.

What Needs Changing

Your eating habits may be affected by certain circumstances, emotions, or thoughts that you are unaware of. The program provides a variety of worksheets and techniques for increasing your awareness of your personal eating triggers. Awareness is key to successful behaviour change.

How to Change

By following the Craving Change step-by-step instructions, you can experiment with over a dozen cognitive-behavioural strategies and learn skills to help you manage your personal eating triggers and responses.

Keep the Change

It’s one thing to change a behaviour, it’s another to maintain that change over time. The program teaches you evidence-based strategies to help you sustain your new, positive eating habits.

What is the Cognitive-Behavioural Model?

Here’s a short Psychology 101 lesson. The cognitive-behavioural or CBT model examines the link between how you think, how you feel and how you behave. It is the gold standard for interventions in countless health care settings including mental health and disease management. The cognitive-behavioural approach is effective in helping people who face a wide range of challenges, from A (anxiety) to Zzzz (sleep), including smoking cessation and eating behaviour change.

There’s no doubt that what you’re thinking and how you’re feeling affects what and how you’re eating. For example, many people describe themselves as an ‘emotional eater’. Craving Change tools and activities help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This is important if you’re keen to change your eating.

Skim under your Eating Iceberg

The CBT model can be described using an iceberg analogy.

An iceberg looks like a little island of frozen snow floating in the ocean. It’s big. However, under the surface of the water lies a much, much bigger chunk of ice. In fact, almost 90% of the iceberg is under the water where we can’t see it.

Think of the visible tip of the iceberg as your eating behaviour. This would be what, when and how much you’re eating. Take a moment to look at the iceberg image below. Imagine that you’re a busy parent with young children. You find yourself eating ice cream in the evening. This is your eating behaviour. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath your eating behaviour lie the answers to ‘why’ you’re eating the ice cream. This is what you can’t see. It’s what is going on in your mind.

Beneath your eating iceberg are thoughts (green quotations) and emotions (blue font). Thoughts and feelings that you are likely not aware of at the time. Yet, what you’re thinking and how you’re feeling can have a powerful effect on what, when and how much you’re eating.

You may feel fine about your regular habit of eating ice cream in the evening. That’s okay. However, if you are concerned that it could be a problem for your health and well-being you could try a cognitive-behavioural approach. You likely don’t need tips or recipes for more nutritious evening snacks. It may be more helpful to explore ways to address some of the concerns and circumstances under the surface of your eating iceberg. Simply recognizing that food may be serving as a coping measure or reward is a first step. You could then consider other ways to fulfill these needs other than eating.

Is this stomach, mouth or heart hunger?

Here’s a simple technique to help you start tuning into why you are eating. First, it’s important to understand that we eat for many different reasons. For example, we often eat if we’re celebrating, bored, stressed, lonely, tired, procrastinating, or feeling overwhelmed. We also like to experience the pleasure of food – its appearance, smell, taste, and texture. Eating is a way of connecting with others and it can be soothing and comforting. Of course, we also need to eat food for nourishment and energy. All these reasons for eating are normal and okay.

Let’s consider that we can have three types of hunger for food:

Stomach hunger

This is the physical need for food. It’s been over four hours since you’ve eaten. Your stomach may be growling. Stomach hunger also refers to times when you might eat for a medical reason, for example to prevent a low blood sugar if you take insulin. You are eating for the well-being of your body.

Mouth hunger

This can be described as a food craving. Have you ever stood in front of the fridge or cupboard looking for something to eat with a certain taste, texture or smell? “Where are those salty, crunchy chips? No, that’s not it. I want creamy . . . where’s the ice cream?” You crave the sensory pleasure of food.

Heart hunger

This type of hunger refers to when you are eating in response to your emotions or how you’re feeling mentally, not physically. Heart hunger can also refer to a learned behaviour around food and eating such as growing up having dessert after every meal.

To learn more about your eating behaviour, try this simple technique. When you’re thinking about food or you’re about to eat, ask yourself the question, “Is this stomach, mouth or heart hunger?” Do so with curiosity and interest. Avoid any judgement. Each type of hunger is normal and acceptable. If you are concerned with your eating behaviour, simply becoming more aware of why you’re eating or thinking about food can help you understand your relationship with food. What are your eating triggers? How do you respond to these triggers?

Heart Hunger

Don’t be surprised if you discover that you often have ‘heart hunger’. This is very common. The problem is that eating seldom provides an effective solution for heart hunger. For example, if you feel bored and go to the kitchen for a snack, this gives you something to do for 10 to 15 minutes, but afterwards you’re still bored. And, for some people, they then also feel discouraged or frustrated with themselves for eating when they weren’t physically hungry. Knowing this about yourself gives you an opportunity to try something different to satisfy your heart hunger. If you tune into your thoughts as you’re walking over to the kitchen and realize that you’re bored, try a different activity first before you eat. For example, phone a friend, walk around the block, do some stretching and deep breathing, or watch some entertaining videos online.

Our Thoughts are Powerful!

How can something invisible have such a powerful effect on our behaviour? Our thoughts definitely influence what, when and how much we eat. Have you ever thought . . .?
“It’s been a rough day. I deserve a treat.”
“I shouldn’t have had that donut. I’ll have to get back on track tomorrow. I may as well eat what I want for the rest of the day.”
“Boy, this is a big serving, but I don’t want to waste food. I better eat everything on my plate.”
“I know that this food isn’t great for my health, but I can’t pass up this great sale.”
It can be very enlightening to listen to the conversations that you have in your head. What are the messages that you hear? Are they accurate? Are they helpful? How would your eating behaviour be different if you challenged and adjusted your thoughts? These are topics that are discussed in the Craving Change program.

Learn More and Find a Craving Change Clinician

To learn more about the Craving Change program and CBT strategies, visit www.cravingchange.ca/public. Make sure to read the ‘Stories’.

Craving Change Clinicians include dietitians, social workers, psychologists, and other health care professionals. Trained clinicians offer one-on-one Craving Change services and/or group workshops. Many provide online (virtual) services. This means that you can work with a clinician located in a different city or town than where you live.

The clinicians work in a variety of settings including:

• Private practice
• Health care organizations such as Family Health Teams, Primary Care Networks, community health centres
• Diabetes education centres
• Bariatric surgery clinics
• Companies- for instance Canada-wide with Loblaw in-store dietitians

Click here for the Find a Clinician page plus more information about the program, individual counselling, workshops, cost and program resources.

You can also check out the illustrated children’s book entitled, ‘Is this stomach, mouth or heart hunger?’ at www.cravingchange.ca/4kids. Here’s where you can download free worksheets and activities that address the three types of hunger. The book and resources are written for children but many adults tell us that they find them helpful as well.

Listen in to Episode

#74 on My Wife The Dietitian to learn all about Craving Change

Podcast – Sandra Gentleman or on YouTube