Read more about the article Breaking Free from Food Anxiety: When Healthy Eating Becomes Overwhelming

Breaking Free from Food Anxiety: When Healthy Eating Becomes Overwhelming

You know how it goes. You decide you want to eat a little healthier—maybe boost your energy, feel better in your body, or just take better care of yourself. So you start reading labels, diving into nutrition articles, or following those wellness accounts that make everything look so simple and beautiful. At first, it feels amazing, like you’ve finally got this whole healthy living thing figured out. But then something shifts. Suddenly, every meal feels like a test you might fail. You’re second-guessing every bite, feeling anxious when you can’t control exactly what’s in your food. Maybe you start saying no to dinner invitations, skipping the office potluck, or feeling stressed about that family barbecue because what if there aren’t any “good” options? Even making food choices can trigger anxiety and lead to avoiding social situations altogether. Sound familiar? What you’re experiencing is called food anxiety—when eating, something that’s supposed to nourish and bring joy, turns into a source of worry and fear. Sometimes this overlaps with orthorexia, which is basically getting so fixated on…

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Read more about the article Binge Eating Disorder Treatment: Revolutionary Method Shows Promise for Breaking the Cycle

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment: Revolutionary Method Shows Promise for Breaking the Cycle

New research proves that targeting hunger signals works better than traditional therapy for veterans with binge eating disorder The Hidden Struggle Imagine feeling completely out of control around food. You know you’re not hungry, but you can’t stop eating. The sight of certain foods triggers an overwhelming urge that feels impossible to resist. For millions of people struggling with binge eating disorder, this scenario is all too familiar. Binges are episodes where a person rapidly consumes large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control and distress. These binges can lead to significant physical and emotional consequences. The numbers are staggering: Binge eating affects up to 65% of female veterans and 45% of male veterans - much higher rates than in the general population. Military service often involves eating quickly, periods of food deprivation, and “making weight” requirements, which can severely disrupt natural hunger and fullness signals. Understanding Binge Eating Disorder Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious and often misunderstood eating disorder that affects…

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Read more about the article Understanding the Science of Cravings and How to Make Lifestyle Changes to Outsmart Them

Understanding the Science of Cravings and How to Make Lifestyle Changes to Outsmart Them

Cravings Aren’t the Enemy—But Understanding Them Is Your Superpower Cravings can feel like they hit out of nowhere—but they’re not random, and they’re not a sign of weakness. In this blog post, we unpack the real science behind why you crave what you crave and what you can do about it. You’ll learn: How your brain, hormones, sleep, and even your gut bacteria drive food cravings Why traditional diets fail—and what works instead Practical tools like habit stacking, SMART goals, and mindful eating to create lasting change How regular movement can curb cravings and support better food choices When to seek support from professionals (and how CHEAR can help) This isn’t about restriction—it’s about empowerment. By the end of this read, you’ll have a clear, science-backed path to outsmarting cravings and building habits that support long-term health without guilt or deprivation. Ready to feel more in control of your choices? Let’s dive in. Ever found yourself reaching for snacks when you’re not even hungry? You’re not alone. Cravings can feel powerful, unpredictable, and frustrating—especially when…

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Read more about the article Ultra-Processed Foods and Kids: When They Become a Trap

Ultra-Processed Foods and Kids: When They Become a Trap

Helping Children with a High Food-Reward Drive In a recent NPR article, CHEAR’s own Dr. Kerri Boutelle shared a simple—but eye-opening—story. She described two children eating ice cream: one stopped halfway through, while the other devoured every bite and even took the rest of the first child's treat. The takeaway? Not all kids react the same way to food—especially ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are made to be hard to resist. What Is a Food-Reward Drive? Some children are naturally more drawn to tasty foods than others. This is known as a high food-reward drive. These kids tend to eat quickly, struggle to feel full, and crave foods that are salty, sweet, or full of fat—especially the kinds of foods that come in boxes, bags, or drive-thru windows. These foods are designed to keep us coming back for more. Dr. Boutelle puts it simply: “Those kids are going to gain weight in today’s environment—unless parents help protect them from ultra-processed foods.” Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are a Problem Ultra-processed foods make up nearly 70% of the average…

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Read more about the article Meal Timing: Every 3 or 4 Hours? How to Time Your Meals for Better Energy, Focus, and Mood

Meal Timing: Every 3 or 4 Hours? How to Time Your Meals for Better Energy, Focus, and Mood

Struggling with energy dips, mood swings, or brain fog by mid-afternoon? Your eating schedule may be to blame. In this post, we’ll show you how eating every 3–4 hours can: ✅ Keep your blood sugar stable✅ Help you stay focused without that third cup of coffee✅ Prevent overeating and cravings later in the day✅ Support your mood, metabolism, and long-term health Plus, we’ll share practical tips, snack ideas, and signs your body might be overdue for fuel. Whether you’re busy, burnt out, or just curious, this guide will help you feel better—one well-timed bite at a time. Ever hit that dreaded 3 p.m. slump, only to realize you haven’t eaten since breakfast? You’re foggy, irritable, and staring at the clock like it’s moving backward. The time since you last ate can have a big impact on your energy and mood, making that afternoon crash even worse. Whether you skipped lunch because of back-to-back meetings or simply forgot in the chaos of the day, the result is the same: your body and brain are begging for…

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