Do you know what type of eater you are? Fun fact: According to the experts at Noom, a psychology-based behavior change platform, there are four types of eaters.
Here Marie Claire UKwe are the anti fad diet (opens in new tab) And working on a way of eating that works for you and your body. Food is an integral part of life, and the type of food that you eat on a day-to-day basis and that suits you will probably look completely different from that of your best friend.
That said, the NHS Eatwell guide recommends aiming for at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day, a balanced diet of protein, fat and carbs, and six to eight glasses of water a day.
So, how can you be empowered by learning what kind of eater you are? Well, understanding your eating habits and educating yourself about what food works for your body and lifestyle has a whole host of benefits, from increased energy levels, improved digestion, to peace of mind .
For an expert’s take on the matter, we asked Noam, Andreas Michaelides, Ph.D. I talked to the head of psychology.
Note here: As Andreas points out, there’s nothing wrong with eating now and then for reasons other than hunger – celebrate birthday cake, ice cream on a hot summer day, or mince pie. Come Christmas time, food is a source of nostalgia, bonding and Can be a source of happiness and much more than just fueling your body. “That said, if you start to feel like you don’t understand why you’re eating the way you are or how you’re eating in a way that supports your health goals, it’s important to recognize and correct this behavior.” It can be helpful to establish eating habits that can better support your body and goals.”
Don’t Miss Our Guide to the Vegan Diet (opens in new tab)healthy breakfast ideas (opens in new tab) What to eat after workout (opens in new tab)while you’re here
Type of eater: 4 to know to inform your food choices
1. Eating Fuel
Noom hypothesizes four different types of food: fuel food, fun food, fog food, and storm food.
Eating fuel is what it says on the tin, really – as Michaelides points out, it’s eating for the purpose of fueling your body.
“Eating fuel means choosing foods that are nutritious for the body and that provide the right kind of fuel for energy and health in the form of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, lean protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals,” He further says.
Eating fuel can also be identified as eating to live, not living to eat. The psychologist explains, “Some studies have found that this type of diet helps your body function at an optimal level.” “We know that eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can be beneficial for both body and mind.”
That said, some people may find that fuel eating lacks the joy and spontaneity that is so important to a healthy relationship with food—not to mention, that it can lead to a division of foods into “bad” and “good.” “Labeling as is, by definition, a disorganized way of looking at food. Michaelides continues: “It’s important to give yourself permission to eat for pleasure or enjoyment. Eating fuel is good for you, but it’s not the only food game in town.”
2. Fun to eat
Next comes indulgence, aka eating for pleasure. If fuel is food to live, then fun food is food to live to eat, psychologists point out. It’s important to note here that you can engage in both styles of eating—in fact, it’s actively encouraged that you do.
Commonly consumed foods when consumed are those listed above – celebratory foods, comfort foods, and foods that perhaps lack nutritional value but boost your mood and comfort level. “These foods are meant for enjoyment as opposed to nutritional value, but are equally important,” explains the psychologist.
“Just as it can be easy to think of fuel eating as “good,” it can be easy to think of fun eating as “bad,” he adds, “however, both of these types of foods There’s no harm in having fun.”
It’s really important to enjoy these types of eating situations, such as eating out, cooking with family and friends, or eating at events, without guilt or negative feelings.
How? Well, Michaelides recommends prioritizing eating high-quality foods and practicing mindfulness. “These are both great ways to achieve sobriety without constantly worrying about self-control and finding a balance between the two types of eating.”
(Image credit: Getty Images)
3. Eating Fog
next? Eating fog This is also known as mindless eating, when you do not pay attention to the foods you are eating or why you are eating them.
“Many of us often find ourselves downing a bag of crisps or popcorn in front of the TV,” he shares. “It can often become a ritualistic habit that occurs every time you turn on the TV”
Although it’s impossible to pay complete attention to every mouthful, incorporating mindfulness can greatly improve your eating experience, he shares. “This can result in you making more informed choices, paying attention to when you’re full and enjoying eating more.”
Portion control and paying attention to your fullness cues are also important when trying to reduce binge eating.
4. Storm Food
Finally, binge eating is eating that can occur as a response to strong emotions such as stress, fatigue, or tiredness. “For example, if you come home from work in a state of stress, you might find yourself mindlessly eating chocolate or crisps.”
Storm Eating Isn’t About Real Hunger – Rather, it is about rebelling against food restrictions or self-medicating with food, experts share. “When it happens, you feel as in control of it as you would feel if you were caught in a storm,” he explains.
Here’s a note: It’s completely normal for this to happen over and over again, but if it becomes a habit, it can affect your mental health.
If storm eating is giving you trouble, ask yourself the following three questions, advises an expert.
1. Are you eating enough filling, nutrient-rich meals during the day? Maybe you’re just hungry when you get home.
2. Are you on a highly restricted diet? If so, then storm eating is a common side effect.
3. Are you eating for emotional reasons? If so, how can you overcome these feelings in other ways?
So, how can you adapt your lifestyle based on the type of foodie you are?
1. Incorporate Mindful Eating
Michaelides is a big fan of incorporating mindful eating into your day — “It can help you become more aware of your decisions about food and why you make them,” he explains.
You must have heard about meditation in your daily life, but how can it help you with your eating habits? Well, “by incorporating mindfulness, you can teach yourself to stop and take a moment to consider the choices you’re about to make and why you’re making them,” she continues.
2. Try CBT Techniques
Another approach that he recommends is to adopt some cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. “These can help move you toward incorporating more helpful thought patterns, which in turn can have a positive impact on your health journey,” he explains.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
3. Be curious
Next, Michaelides highlights that it’s important to be curious about what you crave. “Question the emotions you’re feeling at the time – Why do I want to eat? What do I want to eat? Am I really hungry or am I thirsty, or am I feeling other feelings like stress, boredom, or anxiety?” feeling who?” He recommends.
Try this: If you feel like you’re really hungry, he recommends trying to connect with food and create a more positive association with it, enjoying the aroma, texture and taste. Sit at a table to eat your meal without distractions and enjoy each bite to the fullest. Breathe deeply to ground yourself in the present, engage all of your senses, and as you eat think: How does your food feel and feel when you chew it? What’s the most distinct flavor and what aroma can you smell?
Between each bite, put your fork down and think. Listen to what your body is telling you. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full. So slowing down and savoring your food in the present will help you become more aware of your feelings of hunger and fullness. If you don’t have 20 minutes to make this a habit, invest just one minute in the beginning to enjoy the texture of your food. Just one minute a day can go a long way and help you incorporate this habit into your eating routine.
4. Know the type of eater you are and educate yourself accordingly
Finally, by identifying what type of eater you are, you may be better equipped to identify behaviors that are related to your eating habits, experts share.
If you have been affected by any of the topics mentioned in this article, BEAT is the UK’s leading eating disorder charity. Their helpline is open 365 days a year from 9am until midnight during the week, and 4pm until midnight on weekends and bank holidays, or help is available beateatingdisorders.org.uk. (opens in new tab)
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