Is it Bad to Emotionally Eat?

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Emotionally eating is complicated.

Everyone experiences emotional eating because it is a safe coping mechanism.

When it begins to impact your overall wellbeing, it can pose challenges because eating doesn’t address the root cause of your emotions. Your body naturally craves food for survival, and the act of eating can activate your brain’s reward system, providing a sense of well-being. Eating releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Food cannot permanently resolve feelings of stress, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, sadness, or fatigue. For some, turning to food can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, adding another layer of complexity.

Food is woven into various aspects of our lives.

Food is a part of celebrations, a gesture of care during tough times, and a means of social connection.

Food can sometimes play a role in dealing with intense emotions, however, it’s important to recognize if and when a more effective coping mechanisms is more appropriate.

Emotional eating can be triggered by a variety of external factors such as:

Work
Finances
Health
Relationship
School
Globally issues

Emotionally eating can stem from various reason. The food insecurity and/or food accessibility can also contribute to emotional eating.

Emotional eating, on its own, is not classified as an eating disorder, although it can be an early sign of disordered eating patterns that may escalate to an eating disorder.

We all have different coping mechanisms, and it’s okay if eating is one of yours. Eating shouldn’t be the ONLY one. Adding more coping skills to your toolkit such as, movement, writing, listening to music, calling a friend, meditation, or engaging in activities that bring joy, can be helpful in managing emotional eating. If emotional eating becomes a concern for you, seeking support can be beneficial.

Lastly, building meals using my Joy Full Plate Method, which includes a variety of carbs, protein, fat, and fiber can help you to build a healthier relationship with food.

Pecan and Plum Cheese Ball

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Looking for a new spin on your festive holiday cheese ball? Look no further than this delightful dried plum and pecan cheese ball. This perfect crowd-pleaser can be prepared in under 20 minutes and requires no fuss. Simply pair it with a box of crackers, and your appetizer is ready to go!

I think cheese balls are one of my all-time favorite holiday appetizers. They are so simple to make and so customizable. Odds are, you probably have everything you need on hand. Because cheese balls are so customizable, I decided to make this cheese ball using dried plums aka prunes.

Plums pair well with goat cheese, honey, and ginger if you want to make a dessert cheese ball.

Did you know that prunes support digestive health. They do this by allowing more water to enter the body – which increases moisture and ultimately helps regulate digestion.

The base of is an 8 oz block of cream cheese. Simply add in shredded cheddar, green onions, chopped dried plums, chopped pecans and some garlic powder.

Mix all these ingredients in a large bowl and shape them into a ball with your hands. Then, roll the mixture in a blend of chopped pecans, dried plums, and green onions. Serve it with crackers.

Cheese balls can be a beautiful centerpiece. You can form into a pumpkin, snowman, or any shape you desire.

Pecan and Plum Cheese Ball

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword cheese ball, dried plums, holiday, pecans, recipe

Prep Time 20

Servings 8 people

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped dried plums, divided
1 cup chopped pecans, divided
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ½ pecans, ½ cup dried plums, and green onion, and garlic powder until well combined.
8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup chopped dried plums, divided, 1 cup chopped pecans, divided, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1 tsp garlic powder
Form mixture into a ball.
Just before serving, combine remaining ½ cup pecans, ½ dried plums, and 2 tablespoon green onions on a flat surface or cutting board. Roll cheese ball in dried plum-pecan mixture.
1 cup chopped dried plums, divided, 1 cup chopped pecans, divided, 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Serve with crackers

Notes

If cheese ball is not being served right away, after forming cheese ball into a ball and wrap in a piece of plastic wrap and place in fridge until ready to serve. Once ready to serve, roll in dried plum-pecan mixture.

Are you Anti-Diet curious? List of Anti-Diet/Intuitive Eating Resources

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Podcasts

Some of my favorite podcasts from Anti-Diet/Intuitive Eating Dietitians and Experts

Food Heaven Podcast with Wendy Lopez, RDN and Jessica Jones, RDN

Body Kindness with Rebecca Stritchfield, RDN

Food Psych Podcast with Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, CEDRD

Dietitians Unplugged with Aaron Flores and Glenys Oyston

Books

Some of my favorite books from Anti-Diet/Intuitive Eating Dietitians and Experts

Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program that Works By Evelyn Tribole, Elyse Resch

The Intuitive Eating Workbook: Ten Principles for Nourishing a Healthy Relationship with Food By Evelyn Tribole, Elyse Resch

Social Media Accounts to Follow

Some of my favorite accounts from Anti-Diet/Intuitive Eating Dietitians and Experts

@the.queer.nutritionist

@your.latina.nutritionist

@eatbirdlove

@asoftplacetoland_nutrition

@thethicknutritionist

@aaronfloresrdn

You can find additional resources that I recommend to all of my client here

11 Foods You Should Always Keep in Your Kitchen

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Milk

Milk is a kitchen staple that deserves a permanent place in your fridge. Its versatility is unmatched. It’s often the key ingredient in baked goods like cakes and muffins, and the base for comforting hot cocoa. Milk is a must-have for both nutrients and flavor in your kitchen. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Adequate calcium intake can help prevent osteoporosis and fractures.

Eggs

Eggs are the G.O.A.T of kitchen foods. Omelets, scrambled eggs, and egg cups are just the beginning. In baking, eggs serve as binders, helping to create structure and texture in cakes, cookies, and more. They can also be transformed into satisfying dinner dishes, such as stir-fries and frittatas. Eggs are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, vitamin B6, choline, and selenium. They contribute to overall health and well-being.

Bread

Bread is a staple. It’s versatile and satisfying. From classic PB&Js to grilled cheese sandwiches, bread is a reliable for as a quick and satisfying source of carbs, it’s a go-to option for making simple meals feel substantial. Some breads, particularly those made from enriched flours, are a source of folate. Folate is crucial for cell division and is particularly important for pregnant individuals.

Cheese

From its starring role in mac ‘n’ cheese to its supporting part in sandwiches and salads, cheese adds a creamy and salty dimension to countless dishes. It’s the “not so” secret ingredient that can elevate even the simplest recipes. Cheese offers a variety of flavors and textures to explore, making it a must-have for any kitchen. Like milk, cheese is rich in calcium, which supports bone health and can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Potatoes

Potatoes are the overlooked hero of vegetables. They’re a reliable source of carbohydrates and can be prepared in numerous ways. Whether you’re mashing them into creamy goodness, air-frying them to crispy perfection, or simply tossing them in the microwave, potatoes are a fundamental and adaptable. When consumed with the skin, potatoes provide dietary fiber and vitamin C, which supports digestive health and the immune system.

Pasta

The ultimate comfort food. Its quick cooking time and ability to soak up a range of sauces make it a go-to for busy weeknights. Whether you prefer classic spaghetti with marinara or more adventurous dishes like carbonara, pasta offers endless possibilities. With its shelf-stable nature, it’s a handy pantry item for whipping up satisfying meals when you’re short on time. Pasta is naturally low in sodium and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice when paired with low-sodium sauces and ingredients.

Frozen Fruit

Frozen fruit is a lifesaver for any time of the year. Whether you’re blending up a smoothie or making a fruit compote for desserts, frozen fruit brings the flavors of summer to your kitchen year-round. The added benefit is that it minimizes food waste, as you can keep it on hand and use it as needed. Frozen fruits are often picked and frozen at their peak ripeness. They are a great source of essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Salad Kit

Salad kits are the ultimate convenience food. They come pre-packaged with fresh, pre-washed greens and often include extras like salad dressings, croutons, and cheese. These kits are a time-saver, making it easy to whip up a flavorful salad without the hassle of washing, chopping, and assembling all the ingredients. They’re perfect for busy days when you want a salad without the fuss. Salad kits typically include a variety of fresh vegetables that are high in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Canned Beans

Canned beans are a kitchen staple that can transform simple recipes into hearty, protein-packed meals. Whether you’re making a chili, a quick bean salad, or adding them to soups, canned beans offer convenience without sacrificing nutrition. They’re a versatile source of plant-based protein and fiber that can be stored in your pantry for months, ready to lend their delicious creaminess and texture to your meals. Canned beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas, are rich in both protein and fiber. They support digestion and managing blood sugar levels.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter. Need I say more? Beyond the classic PB&J, peanut butter can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s a protein-rich addition to smoothies, a key ingredient in energy bites, and a versatile component in savory sauces and marinades. With its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture, peanut butter is a tasty way to add depth and nutrition. Peanut butter contains both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats that can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a versatile and nutritious food item that can be a valuable addition to your kitchen. It’s a good source of fiber, providing a feeling of fullness and sustained energy throughout the morning. It’s customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences. You can add a variety of toppings such as fruits, nuts, honey, or even savory ingredients like eggs and nori. Oats contain beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Behind The Binge-Restrict Cycle: Undereating Causes Overeating

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You might think that undereating and overeating are two entirely separate issues, but the reality is: they are connected in a cycle known as the The Binge-Restrict Cycle. It’s a paradoxical relationship, where undereating often causes overeating. This can be a distressing pattern that affects both your physical and emotional well-being. Restricting your food intake, whether through energy intake or food groups, can lead to feelings of loss of control, overwhelming cravings, and a sense viewing food as the enemy.

Restriction, whether it’s limiting specific foods, food groups, or overall intake (intentionally or unintentionally) has potential consequences. It creates the sense of scarcity, followed by intense cravings and obsessive thoughts about food. This can further lead to the feelings of being out of control around food. Thus, perpetuates the cycle of restricting and bingeing.

What is The Binge-Restrict Cycle?

1. Restriction

This can lead to a host of problems, including nutritional deficiencies, reduced energy levels, and negative effects on physical and mental health. When you cut out nutrients or limit our food intake, your body can feel the consequences. Not just physically. Restriction also impacts you socially and emotionally. It limits your ability to participate in social events or enjoy a wide variety of foods.

2. The Sense of Scarcity

Instead of focusing on what you can eat, your thoughts revolve around what you can’t. This leads to feelings of deprivation, anxiety, and a constant preoccupation with food. The sense of scarcity can also lead to emotional scarcity, where our enjoyment and satisfaction with food are limited. Over time, this emotional scarcity may trigger emotional eating, causing us to turn to food as a coping mechanism. The Minnesota Starvation Experiment (1945) showed the emotional affects of food restriction.

3. Intense Cravings & Obsessive Thoughts

When you tell yourself, you can’t have something, it often becomes even more desirable. You may find yourself obsessing about that particular food. Your thoughts become consumed with what you’re not “allowed” to eat, leading to constant preoccupation about food.

4. Bingeing/Overeating as a Response

Paradoxically, restrictive eating patterns often lead to bingeing/overeating. When you feel deprived of your certain foods, you experience an overwhelming urge to compensate for what we think you lack. If you’ve seen the “Girl Math” trend, it’s kind of like this: “I didn’t eat the cookie, so I will eat one spoonful of ice cream. And since I ate the ice cream and not the cookie, I will eat two mini candies, since I ate the candies and not the cookie then…”, you get this picture. This results in consuming more than we usually would, leading to guilt and shame.

5. Feeling Out of Control

You oscillate between rigidity and loss of control. This only adds to the to a range of negative emotions, including embarrassment, shame, fear, and guilt.

How to Break Free From the Binge-Restrict Cycle

Ditch the “All or Nothing” Mentality

One of the first steps to prevent the binge-restrict cycle is to steer clear of the “All or Nothing” Mentality. This leads to black-and-white thinking about food, while ignoring all of the middle ground. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on consistency and variety. Remember, all foods have their place.

Examples of the “All or Nothing” Mentality may include thoughts like:

“If I have a cookie today, then I can’t have another one this week.”
“This was a bad choice, I have to make up for this immediately.”

Practice Self-Compassion

Shifting to a mindset of self-compassion is an essential part of breaking free from the cycle. Instead of punishing yourself for enjoying a foods, be kind and understanding towards yourself. Reframe “all of nothing” think in to:

“Eating that cookie is absolutely fine, and I don’t need to feel guilty about it.”
“This food may not have been what I wanted right now, but it’s just one meal, and it’s not about perfection.”

You send a different message to your body—one that promotes balance and flexibility rather than scarcity and restriction. It’s essential to find a gentle and sustainable approach to that doesn’t lead to feelings of being out of control.

How Cozy Cardio Can Improve Your Relationship with Joyful Movement

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I work with a lot of former athletes. From collegiate athletes to endurance athletes and everything in between. Even though I “retired” from my sport over 10 years ago, it has taken me years to approach movement in an enjoyable way.

What demotivates us from joyful movement?

Several factors can demotivate us from joyful movement. Here are some key reasons why we may become demotivated from joyful movement:

Negative Past Experiences

Injuries, discomfort, or humiliation, can create a strong aversion to movement. These memories can make it challenging to re-engage in joyful movement. Many of my clients who live in larger bodies have expressed fear going to gyms because they fear other gymgoers may film them and post it online. Which leads me to, if you are someone who posts larger people working out on the internet to humiliate them, you are a horrible human!!!

Overexertion & Perceived Lack of Progress

Pushing yourself too hard, too fast, or setting unrealistic goals can lead to both physical and emotional burnout. Overexertion can make movement feel like a chore rather than a joyful. If individuals do not see noticeable improvements, they may become discouraged.

Negative Self-Image

Many can feel pressured by society, social media, or peers regarding body image. Self-image or a constant focus on your perceived flaws can lead to a lack of motivation. Negative self-talk and self-criticism can make you less likely to engage in joyful movement.

Unrealistic Expectations

Unrealistic goals or expectations can lead to frustration and demotivation. It’s important to set achievable and progressive goals. When movement driven solely by external influences and not about your personal enjoyment it leads to burnout.

Environmental Barriers

Environmental factors, such as a lack of access to safe and accessible places to move, can demotivate individuals. Limited access to resources, facilities, or a lack of suitable equipment can all be barriers.

What was is cozy cardio?

Cozy cardio is simple.

Elevate your heart rate while priortizing your comfort.

Step 1: Get Cozy

While the details will vary from person to person, it often involves setting a cozy atmosphere in your living room by dimming the lights, queuing up your favorite TV show (or catching on LIB Season 5), and slipping into your soft clothes.

Step 2: Choose Your Cardio

This could mean wheeling out your walking pad, hopping on your indoor bike, engaging in a calming yoga session, or any form of movement that feels good at this moment.

Cozy cardio challenges the wellness belief that cardio must be intense to be count. All movement is good movement. Cozy cardio is an approach to movement without added stress, pressure, or viewing cardio as punishment.

How Cozy Cardio Can Improve Your Relationship with Joyful Movement

Cozy Cardio can improve your relationship with joyful movement because it centers around engaging in movement that brings pleasure, happiness, as well as a sense of well-being. When you genuinely love and look forward to doing Cozy Cardio it brings happiness and satisfaction, which improves both your mental and physical well-being.

Cozy Cardio encourages you to move because you love your body and want to care for it, not because you’re dissatisfied with it. It encourages you to listen to your body’s cues. If you need rest, you rest. If you want to push yourself, you do so with enthusiasm, not obligation. Movement should be a source of pleasure rather than a chore or an obligation.

What Is Intuitive Eating? Helping You Listen to Your Hunger

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Back in 2015, one of my preceptors asked me if I had ever heard of Intuitive Eating. I had not. Quite honestly, it wasn’t a message I was quite ready for. I was really deep in my disordered eating and Intuitive Eating wasn’t part of the curriculum. Simply stated, honor our hunger has become complicated, because we are conditioned to follow rules.

Intuitive eating tends to bring up a lot of feelings with folks as they move through different stages of recovery from eating disorders. In my work, I find that it is a topic that can lead to some difficult conversations around food and bodies. Intuitive eating is often misunderstood on many different levels.

10 Principles of Intuitive Eating

Intuitive eating emphasizes listening to your body’s cues, rather than relying on external diets, rules, or restrictions. The primary principles of intuitive eating include:

Honor Your Hunger: Intuitive eating encourages you to recognize and respond to your body’s signals of hunger. Instead of ignoring hunger, you should acknowledge it so that you can begin to rebuild trust with your body.
Make Peace with Food: There are no “good” or “bad” foods. By removing guilt and judgment from your food choices allows you to enjoy all foods without shame or guilt.
Rejecting the Diet Mentality: Intuitive eating starts by abandoning the diet mentality. It encourages individuals to let go of restrictive diets, counting calories, and food rules.
Challenge the Food Police: This is about dismissing the inner critic that often labels foods as “forbidden.” It’s about becoming more curiously compassionate about food.
Discover the Satisfaction Factor: This emphasizes finding pleasure and satisfaction in your meals. It encourages you to build meals that are both filling and satisfying.
Feel Your Fullness: Being able to recognize your body’s signals of hunger and fullness is crucial. This doesn’t mean only eating when you’re hunger and only stopping when you’re full. This is about noticing what fullness feels like to you.
Cope with Emotions With Kindness: Using food as a coping mechanism is not necessarily a bag thing. It can become problematic with food is your only coping mechanism. Intuitive eating encourages you to address emotional needs and stress by adding in addition coping mechanisms, such as meditation, movement, or seeking support from friends and professionals.
Respect Your Body: Accepting and appreciating your body for what it is, regardless of its size or shape. It encourages self-compassion and body positivity.
Movement—Feel the Difference: Movement should be about feeling good rather than as a way to compensate for what you eat.
Honor Your Health—Gentle Nutrition: Lastly, while all foods are allowed, this principle suggests making choices that honor your health and well-being. This may require you to make informed choices around foods based on your budget, health conditions, religious, or culture traditions.

Intuitive eating is not a one-size-fits-all and will take time to discover what works for you. This may even change over time. This approach helps you break free from the cycle of dieting and leads to a more positive and balanced approach to nutrition and overall well-being.

Joy Full Plate

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Protein is undoubtedly essential for various bodily functions, including tissue repair and hormone production, however, our current health and wellness culture tends to overemphasize the importance of protein. This has convinced us to believe that everything we consume needs to be high-protein. From high-protein ice cream and waffles and everything in between.

According to the Dietary Reference Intake, a sedentary adult should consume 0.8-1.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. It’s important to remember that protein needs vary depending on factors such as age, gender, physical activity level, and overall health status.

Many people are able to can meet their protein requirements through the foods they eat because protein is found in variety of foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds, without the need for supplementation or specialized diets.

A simple yet effective guide to ensure you achieve a balance of nutrients in every single meal is by using my Joy Full Plate. This approach is one that I share with all of my clients.

The Joy Full Plate consists of four fundamental parts:

Fruits and/or Vegetables (50%): Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, they promote overall health, support the immune system, aid digestion, and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases
Carbohydrates (25%): Essential for providing a primary source of energy for the body, especially the brain and muscles
Protein (25%): Crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting the immune system, and serving as enzymes and hormones for various physiological processes
Joy Full Food: Nourishing and enjoyable foods that satisfy both physical and emotional well-being, promoting a positive relationship with food while creating an overall positive eating experience

Use your plate as a guide so that you can visualize, yet keep in mind, it doesn’t need to be perfect.

Here are some examples of a Joy Full Plate:

Breakfast: Yogurt bowl

Fruits, granola, honey, and peanut butter drizzle

Lunch: Wrap

Chicken, lettuce, mustard, cheese, and jalapenos

Dinner: Nachos

Chicken or black beans, shredded lettuce and tomatoes, rice, and cheese

Make your Joy Full Plate you own! Combine foods that promote your health and satisfy your preferences.

What’s the Difference Between a Nutritionist, Health Coach, and Registered Dietitian?

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Updated October 27, 2023

Distinguishing a nutritionist from a health coach or a Registered Dietitian can become difficult for individuals seeking nutrition services.

What is a Nutritionist?

A nutritionist does not need to have any specific schooling, certifications, or license. Anyone who claims any knowledge of nutrition at any level can call themselves a nutritionist.

Your friend who sells cold-pressed juices could call herself a nutritionist. The teenager who works at the supplement store could call themselves a nutritionist. The graduate student who decided not to pursue an RD-credentials could call themselves a nutritionist.

Some individuals may have great knowledge of nutrition while others may have limited understanding.

Since nutritionists are not required to have a nutrition degree, training, or internships to hold their title, an increasing number of nutritionists do not have related degrees.

What is a Health Coach?

A health coach is essentially an accountability partner. They help individuals stick to their goals. Similar to a nutritionist title, a health coach isn’t a regulated title. Some health coaches may hold a certification from ACE Health Coach Certification, Health Coach Institute, or Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Health coaches should not prescribe diets or programs but should play a role in motivating individuals on how to put their goals to practical use.

Health coaches can work with RDs to help support clients in their goals between RD sessions.

What is a Registered Dietitian?

All Registered Dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are Registered Dietitians. A Registered Dietitian is the highest level of nutrition education an individual can obtain.

In outpatient settings, Registered Dietitians are health coaches. RDs are trained in motivational interviewing which is a key component of building rapport with clients.

In the foodservice and clinical setting, Registered Dietitians must stay on top of current evidence-based research and industry advancements. Registered Dietitians work in settings where it’s pertinent to provide updated and accurate nutrition information and interventions to clients and patients.

Registered Dietitians and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist are used interchangeably. Both of these titles are protected titles accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

To become a Registered Dietitian, one must:

Have at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, although many have higher degrees
Complete 1000 hours* of supervised practicum, commonly referred to as a dietetic internship or DI for short- many DIs are unpaid rotations in clinical, community, and foodservice settings *this is a temporary change effective between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022; typically 1200 hours are required
Pass the national RD exam which consists of at least 125 questions about the Principles of Dietetics, Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups, Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services, and Foodservice Systems

Beginning in 2024, ALL new RDs will be required to have a master’s degree in addition to the three REQUIREMENTS listed above.

Nutrition is an important predictor of livelihood, disease risks, and health outcomes, it’s no wonder everyone wants a piece of the pie. It’s important to understand the titles because, in practicing nutrition, credentials matter. Misinformation and disinformation are so harmful to both individual, community, and public health.

Gluten-Free Oat Pasta

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Gluten-Free Oat Pasta is everything warm & cozy for the holiday season. Not only is this recipe so simple and versatile, but it’s also so good. With only 3-ingredients, you can turn out a hearty meal in 45 minutes.

This oat pasta is filled with fiber which is optimal for digestion and heart health. If you want to be adventurous, you can even toast up your oats prior to blending them into flour.

This is my new staple oat pasta recipe that will keep me warm & cozy all season long.

Gluten-Free Oat Pasta

Course Main Course

Keyword gluten-free, vegetarian