For many of us, we eat without really thinking of what we
are doing. We eat food to nourish our bodies, to give us fuel
to move around and to assist in producing hormones and
chemicals to make us healthy.
So food is good for us - in moderation. The problem arises when
we eat for other reasons. Our bodies will give us clues to eat,
even when it is not for nourishment or fuel. One reason is when
we are becoming dehydrated.
The same triggers are sent through brain receptors to let us
know we need fluid. It seems odd, but many foods contain water
so the body knows that if we eat, we will also access
hydration. Many of us drink too much caffeinated drinks;
although they are liquid, they actually remove fluid from our
bodies therefore becoming dehydrated. 
Just like a plant without water that dies, so will we.
Therefore the body makes sure we get fluid. Emotional eating is
a large part of our food issues. Many struggle with emotional
eating because of past hurts and other issues such as low
self-esteem, depression, boredom and loneliness.
Food does actually assist the brain in elevating serotonin
levels (our feel-good hormone), that temporarily makes us feel
better. At the same time, our blood glucose levels raise
because of the food choices we make.
Let's face it, when we are in a crisis, we will not eat apples
and celery sticks - we go right for the junk foods.
Comfort foods include ice cream, pasta, chips and candy.
So - back to the brain, once the glucose level drops, so do the
serotonin levels and we feel awful, but the craving is back -
so the process happens all over again. The more we eat, the
less our body can use the food.
With excess calories, our body stores the excess fuel for
later. It is amazing that most of us have 20,000 pancakes worth
of calories stored and waiting to be used but we remain hungry
and tired. To make changes we must first understand what is
going on then we need the tools to implement. The first thing
to do is have a glass of water with each meal or anytime you
think you are hungry (no, do not add flavours to make it taste
better - you are adding calories or worse, chemicals to your
body - that often trigger the body to eat more).
Eat regular meals making healthy choices - fruits and
vegetables, lean protein and good fats.  Decrease your
volume of pop and juices (eat whole fruits instead). Eat to be
satisfied, not to be stuffed and bloated.
Sure we would all love to have more food that tastes great -
but do you really need it?  Add nuts to your choices for a
great fat choice that will decrease your cravings.
If your eating behaviours do not change and there is a strong
emotional trigger, please seek counselling to change this
learned behaviour.
Remember, think of food as your fuel to get you to the next gas
station - the tank is only so big; we need only what we need
and more than that causes negative outcomes. Take a minute and
ask yourself the question - why am I eating?
Is it because I haven't eaten for four or five hours? Then food
is necessary. If you are mad or sad, it may because of an
emotional drive. Learn your body's triggers to make a positive
change in your life.
Karen Hourtovenko, RN (EC), is a health and wellness consultant who writes columns about healthy living for Northern Life.
