Have you ever turned to food for comfort during difficult times? Do you find that when you’re feeling angry, sad, or even bored, your natural reaction is to seek your favorite foods? You’re not alone! Emotions can often trick you into eating – even if you aren’t feeling truly hungry. Common triggers include work-related stress, finances, relationship difficulties, illness, or social situations like parties and holidays. While emotional eating might feel like an “escape” from the distressing feelings or stressors at hand, this does not solve the problem. Instead, you’re left with two problems: the initial situation which prompted the difficult emotions and second, the negative feelings after an episode of emotional eating (e.g. anxiety, guilt, etc.). In addition, emotional eating can affect one’s food choices by choosing less nutrient-dense options, the quantity of food consumed, and the rate at which someone eats. Since emotional eating often occurs in the absence of hunger, this could lead to overeating as well. Combating Emotional Eating So, what are some strategies to cope with negative emotions in a…

Have you ever thought about how eating habits can affect your mind and emotions? Eating disorders are serious illnesses that involve eating too much, too little, or in an unhealthy way. They are not just about food but also about how we feel and think. The Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) helps people, children, adolescents and adults, who struggle with these problems. What are eating disorders? Let's delve into each of these eating disorders to understand them in more detail. Anorexia Nervosa What is it? Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder where individuals have an intense fear of gaining weight and see themselves as overweight even if they are underweight. They often restrict the amount of food they eat, leading to significantly low body weight. Behaviors and Signs Extreme restriction of food intake. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming 'fat,' even when underweight. Distorted body image – seeing themselves as overweight despite being underweight. In females, missing menstrual periods can be a sign. Weighing themselves frequently and obsessively monitoring their body…

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, Thanksgiving approaches with its promise of cozy gatherings and delicious feasts. At The Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR), we're all about embracing the festive spirit while maintaining healthy habits. So, how can you enjoy Thanksgiving to the fullest without compromising your well-being? Let's dive into some tips, ideas, and recipes for a fulfilling, health-conscious holiday. Smart Strategies for a Balanced Thanksgiving Moderation is Key 1. Stay Hydrated Why It Helps: Water plays an important role in maintaining your body's balance and ensuring effective digestion. When you're well-hydrated, your stomach sends signals to your brain that can reduce the feeling of hunger. Sometimes, we confuse dehydration with hunger, so staying hydrated can prevent unnecessary snacking.How to Implement: Aim to drink a glass of water before your meal. It's a simple trick to help fill your stomach slightly, so you feel satisfied sooner and are less likely to overeat. 2. Pre-Meal Snacking Why It Helps: Eating a small, nutritious snack like yogurt, a piece of…

At the heart of health and wellbeing, we find two key players: nutrition and physical activity. UCSD's Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research has dedicated countless hours to understanding the science behind these elements, and today, we'll take a dive into their findings, ensuring that even a 10th grader can appreciate the importance of that salad and morning jog! The Unveiling of Physical Activity's Wonders The Lifeline to Good Health Physical activity is more than just an avenue to lose weight and keep fit; it's a shield against some of the most common health problems. Here's why it's a vital component of health: Disease Prevention: As highlighted by the National Institute of Health, an active lifestyle can be your defense against daunting health issues. Cardiovascular diseases, which include heart attacks and strokes, are less common among those who engage in regular physical activity. High blood pressure, often labeled the 'silent killer', can be kept at bay with exercises like brisk walking. Surprisingly, our exercise habits can influence our chances of getting cancer. Engaging in…