ByZarafshan Shiraz, New Delhi
Emotional consuming is a typical phenomenon in lots of households and Indian households aren’t any exception as meals performs a central position in Indian tradition, usually related to celebrations, consolation and love. However, when emotional consuming turns into a coping mechanism for stress, boredom or different adverse feelings, it will probably result in weight achieve and an unhealthy relationship with meals.
Dealing with emotional consuming in Indian households: Effective coping methods and options (Photo by Twitter/LifestyleSoln)
In an interview with HT LIfestyle, Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology at Zandra Healthcare and Co-Founder of Rang De Neela initiative, talked concerning the challenges of emotional consuming in Indian households and offered methods for dealing with this behaviour. According to him, one of many important challenges of emotional consuming in Indian households is the cultural emphasis on meals as a supply of consolation and expression of affection.
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He mentioned, “In Indian households, it is common for family members, especially mothers, to show affection and care through cooking and serving delicious meals. This can create a deep connection between emotions and eating, making it difficult to separate the two. Additionally, the availability of delicious and high-calorie Indian snacks and sweets can contribute to the habit of using food to cope with emotions.”
Dr Rajiv Kovil instructed:
- The first step in dealing with emotional consuming is to recognise and acknowledge the conduct. It is essential to turn out to be conscious of the triggers that result in emotional consuming, whether or not it’s stress, boredom, loneliness, or some other adverse emotion. Keeping a diary generally is a useful instrument in figuring out patterns and understanding the feelings behind the urge to eat. By recognizing these triggers, people can begin discovering alternative routes to cope with feelings as a substitute of turning to meals.
- One efficient technique is to develop a toolbox of wholesome coping mechanisms that can be utilized rather than emotional consuming. Engaging in actions comparable to exercising, working towards mindfulness or meditation, listening to music, or pursuing hobbies will help distract from adverse feelings and supply more healthy retailers for stress aid. These actions not solely alleviate emotional misery but additionally contribute to general well-being and self-care.
- Creating a supportive surroundings is crucial in combating emotional consuming. In Indian households, the place meals is commonly a central facet of social gatherings, it is very important talk brazenly about emotional consuming and its impression on well being. Family members can come collectively to assist one another find alternative routes to deal with adverse feelings and encourage wholesome habits. Sharing emotions and experiences will help people really feel understood and fewer alone of their struggles.
- Developing a aware method to consuming is one other efficient technique for dealing with emotional consuming. Mindful consuming includes being absolutely current and conscious whereas consuming, taking note of style, texture, and satiety cues. This will help people distinguish between true starvation and emotional starvation. Mindful consuming additionally encourages slower and extra acutely aware consumption of meals, permitting people to savor their meals and stop overeating.
- Meal planning and preparation may also play a vital position in managing emotional consuming. By planning meals and making more healthy meals selections, people can have larger management over their vitamin and cut back the probability of emotional consuming in response to unhealthy meals choices. Involving relations in meal planning and preparation can create a way of possession and empowerment, making it simpler to undertake more healthy habits collectively as a household.
- Lastly, in search of skilled assist, comparable to remedy or counseling, will be helpful for people combating emotional consuming. Professionals can present steering, assist, and instruments to develop a more healthy relationship with meals and handle feelings extra successfully. They may also handle underlying psychological elements that contribute to emotional consuming and assist people develop more healthy coping mechanisms.
Dr Rajiv Kovil asserted, “Emotional eating in Indian families presents a unique set of challenges due to the cultural significance of food. However, by recognizing the behavior, developing healthy coping mechanisms, creating a supportive environment, practicing mindfulness, and meal planning, and seeking professional help, individuals can overcome emotional eating and cultivate a healthier relationship with food and emotions. By adopting these strategies, Indian families can foster a positive and balanced approach to eating and overall well-being.”
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
