Quiz: What type of eater are you?
Do you mindlessly munch? Are you an emotional eater? Dine & Dasher? Or Are you on your way to good health?
By Naturopathic Dr Joel
We all eat for different reasons. Once you understand what type of eater you are and your approach to food, you can take steps to create change.
Take this quick questionaire and learn what your eating style tells about you and how you can improve!
1. You have a craving for sweets so you….
a. Feel guilty so you eat the baked chips with low sodium first , then realize you are still not satisfied so then pick up the chocolate bunny left over from easter and eat it all.
b. Make some cookies to eat because that is what your mom made for you growing up when you wanted something sweet?
c. Grab the chocolate bar from the kids treat box & head out to pick them out?
d. You have a few almonds & make a cinnamon soy latte with a touch of maple syrup to satisfy the urge?
2. You had a crazy lousy day so you….
a. You grab a bag of chips and eat the whole bag?
b. You find comfort in a tub of ice cream?
c. You eat a sandwich in your car, then you grab a sweet to eat while you are on the way to pick up your groceries then finish with snacks while trying to help the kids with their homework and then crash!?
d. You go for a run! To boost you up?
3. When out with friends at a restaurant you…
a. Order a martini, then munch on the bread basket while you wait for your appetizer and main meal?
b. Look at the desert menu first?
c. Eat your meal while you explain the stressful day you had, then run off to the kids sports social and eat the pizza that is served there while running after your kids?
d. Eat a light snack before going out, order water with your wine, skip the appetizer, order the main meal with the sauce on the side , then finish with a desert to share with a friend
4. While preparing dinner for your family, do you….
a. Open a snack and nibble on that & the ingredients while you cook?
b. Enjoy what is on your plate and look forward to having seconds?
c. Ask the family to sit down , then grab a few bites here and there between answering the phone , getting up to check the calendar and signing a cheque for the kids book order ?
d. Have a glass of water, a few almonds then get to preparing the meal and then enjoy your dinner with your family.
5. The pressure is on, you need to get all your to do list done at work. Do you…
a. Open your drawer and eat what ever you can find.
b. Promise yourself you’ll stop biting your nails tomorrow, then stop by your friends office to complain & treat yourself to the treat jar to feel better
c. Eat whatever you have time to grab, eat at your desk so you can run to the 2 o’clock meeting?
d. Take a deep breath with that yoga pose you learned for in the office , have a protein shake and your healthy lunch and Get At Er!
For more tips!
Which letters where your most common answers?
Mostly As: You munch mindlessly
In this situation you may not realize how many extra calories a day that you take in. Why not sit and relax so you can consciously choose which foods you wish to enjoy and not feel guilty because you have mindlessly munched on lots of calories already. In one study, people underestimated more than 200 decisions they made about food in a day. “People eat when they’re distracted, so they have no idea how much they’re eating unless they run out of food or feel too full,” says Brian Wansink, author of Mindless Eating.
Tips
1. “Pay attention to the wonderful tastes of foods , taking time to chewing and swallowing,” suggests Culinary Expert Korey Kealey of Ottawa, Ontario “And put the fork down between bites.”
2. Wear snug-fitting pants or a belt to the table; when they start to feel tight, you’ve had your fill.
3. Munch on a low-calorie snack, such as kale chips, while watching TV. Or keep your hands occupied by knitting.
Mostly Bs: You’re an emotional eater
Like many people, you maybe eating to fill your emotional needs. you eat to take your mind off of sadness or stress, or as a reward when you are happy. But a study from Brown University found that when people ate in response to emotions, they were less likely to lose weight and more likely to regain it than when they ate in response to external factors. .
Tips
1. Start keeping a journal of when you overeat with the emotions you are feeling throughout the day. If you notice a particular place or time of the day in which this commonly happens then change the trigger. For example if you commonly overeat at night while watching TV. Ensure that when you are watching TV your hands are busy ie painting your nails . Another important connection is that if you often feel sad at this time, reassess what is going on in your life and perhaps you are not connecting enough with people thru the day? So take time to enjoy a walk around the park with a good friend , this way you will fill your emotional self and get some exercise at the same time.
2. Retrain yourself you associate “ Treats” with non food based options such as a massage
3. Have your hormones tested as they may also be contributing to cravings & emotional eating!
Mostly Cs: Dine & Dasher
You make your life very busy and don’t prioritize relaxation & the enjoyment of down time. This means you are often eating while doing something or dashing out the door.
Tips
1. Schedule time for your meals in a relaxed environment. When you eat on the run your body can’t produce the enzymes that it needs to help you break down your foods. In the long run you will be prone to heartburn, bloating and ultimately fatigue because of adrenal exhaustion and lack of nutrients due to reduced absorption of nutrients.
2. Try having a hot cup of warm water before each meal. Take the time to sit in a relaxed environment away from your desk and enjoy great conversation with friends and family. The time you take here you will gain in your energy and will still be able to get what you need done.
Mostly Ds: You have healthy eating habits
You’ve got a good attitude, choosing mostly nutritious foods and occasionally indulging without guilt. You eat with awareness, enjoying food and listening to your body’s hunger and fullness signals.
Tips
1. Even healthy eaters may overindulge. Studies show adults have about 115 calories more per day from Friday to Sunday; this can mean an extra five to seven pounds a year.
2. Exercise more on weekends and watch beverages suggests Tony Greco trainer to some of the top NHL players such as Mike Fisher & Claude Giroux, and well known celebrities such as Carrie Underwood and Carol Alt, “Those liquid calories lead to weight gain.”
3. Have your hormones tested so you get the most from your body!
Canada's Fitness Specialist,
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