Nutrition Q & A

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Nutrition Q & A

March 2nd, 2010 by jpereira

My views on nutrition were not always like they are now. I was a hardcore health nut for many years. There is even a term Orthorexia, which I would say accurately describes my past. That fanaticism is why I chose to be a dietitian in the first place. As I went through school, my attitudes began to shift. This was largely due to the fact that it seemed unethical to put people on diets, knowing 98% would regain their weight.

So it’s late, and I’m too tired to come up with major wisdom right now. However, it seemed neglectful for me to not start posting on my blog. I didn’t want it to be naked. This is where you come in. Ask me a question–anything related to a healthy lifestyle. Well…you can ask me about anything. I just want you to take responsibility for forcing me to make stuff up if it is outside of my areas of expertise.

If you don’t have a question, you can just tell me something delicious you’ve eaten lately. Please not anything about barley, salads, or dry tuna–that is not how we roll around here.

Q: So 2 years ago I stook to a weight watchers type diet, and got down to 117 and was very happy. I would fluctuate 3-5 bi-weekly, but then lil by lil my bad habits took over again and I’m back at my heaviest 140! ((( You used to love me please help, Lol… Should I try the weight watchers again? At my now weight, the book is allowing me 19 points a day with every 50 cal(s) being a point, plus 35 points allowance a week to use at my leisure. Sounds smart? It worked last time, will it again?

A: All programs like that typically result in weight loss…in the short term. So while you say it worked, it really didn’t–statistics show 98% of those who lose weight in this way will regain it (usually within a year). They artificially restrict your intake, but do not address the real issues with food. Weight gain is caused by non-hunger eating…

Q: Hey, I started my food journal today. Do I have to write absolutley everything down? Like even the sample bite of red velvet cupcake that I had at Starbucks this morning when I was picking up my triple shot latte and the 2 or 3 “New Moon” conversation hearts (one of which said I heart E.C.) that I popped in my mouth on the way to a meeting??

A: No–it is not a guilt food journal–it is used as a tool to determine if you need to make any changes in your typical day. So if you go 6hrs between lunch and dinner and then overeat all night–that is a clue you need an afternoon snack. And if the snack doesn’t hold you, you can look at your journal to see you need to add protein, etc. If you do think you are taking lots of little bites and it is an issue, then you might think of saving those things until snack or when hungry. People emotionally eat, but don’t feel emotional–it just is soothing through the day to snack, it eases anxiety.

3 Responses

obamarulz writes:
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 pm

What is the meaning of life?
Tiger writes:
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:47 pm

Actually, since you said no salads, I’m reminded of the best salad I ever had, at this great little place in my grandfather’s town. It had walnuts, and goat cheese, and cranberries, and my main course was just as good!

But, that seems like a lifetime ago.

I feel like lately I’m caught between wanting to restrict constantly, or go on an all-out binge. But I don’t *really* want either of those things, I want moderation. Ideas?
jpereira writes:
March 4th, 2010 at 3:18 am

Well, I guess salad is okay before your real food comes out. I crave a salad like you described every 6 months or so.

If you are restricting, it is likely setting up the urge to binge. And vice versa. I would recommend you challenge those restrictive urges and eat frequently throughout the day–this stops 80% of binges in my clients. Then what you are left with is the emotion-driven binges, and for that you need to do some deeper work (healthy self soothing skills, processing in your journal, etc.). Moderation can sometimes sound like another version of using your head to tell you what you need. Really you need to get your eating pattern on track, then move over to hunger and fullness cues, make sure you are legalizing all foods…basically Intuitive Eating. It is awesome! It is total freedom from the food thoughts and guilt and confusion. I write about it a ton on my site, and will be writing on it here too. There are a load of books on the topic.