Diet Culture, Stress, and Technology
Do you ever feel like life is pulling you in a million directions? Your attention is being demanded from multiple sources, while having personal reminders for movement, logging food, appointments, and special occasions popping up on your phone or smart watch constantly.
We live in a society where most people have phones, computers, or a tablet on them at all times. Constantly connected to each other at the touch of a button. Scheduling and planning have never been easier with different apps designed to give you reminders at your finger tips. Life has gotten so busy; there is always something left to do that even with technology at your disposal, your days can still feel chaotic. If this sounds like you then you can relate!
When did this constant use of technology lead to tracking every meal and beverage we consume? Every step we take and calorie we burn?
The obsession with having access to all of this information within seconds has convinced us we need to track everything. What about the emotional impact all of this has on our relationship with food? No one is talking about how damaged our relationships with food are becoming by assigning a point system or a “good” or “bad” label to specific foods.
Of course, there are always important reasons to be watching what you’re eating; whether it is a special dietary requirement or food allergy. However, to be labeling foods and feeling guilty for enjoying them? That’s not healthy. This emotional response is adding more stress into our lives. It is important to eat a well-rounded diet of fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains, while also being sure to include the foods you love in moderation! All foods can fit into a well-rounded diet when they are consumed mindfully.
What is the relationship between stress and weight?
When under stress, especially for long periods of time, the adrenal glands release hormones, like cortisol. Cortisol affects how your digestive system functions.1 Increased cortisol levels have been linked to weight gain and obesity prevalence. This disruption in normalcy and increase in weight can put you at risk for other complications as well such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers.2 Being under stress can also increase cravings for foods high in sugar and fat. Studies have shown that foods that are high in fat and sugar can temporarily relieve stress which is why many tend to turn to these foods and snacks during periods of stress.1
If this is our body’s response to stress, then why increase our stress by trying to track our every bite, sip, and step? The emotional stress that is being caused by feeling the pressure to constantly track these things may be negatively impacting your progress to reaching your goals rather than helping. Addressing stress and practicing stress relieving activities is important to help reduce stress levels and can help you reach your goals in addition to a well-rounded and varied food intake.
To reduce stress try:
- Yoga
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Reading
- A new hobby like painting, sewing/knitting, photography
- Exercise
- Counseling
It is time we start addressing our unhealthy relationships with food and working towards honoring our bodies, practicing stress relief activities, and enjoying the foods that make our bodies feeling good while adequately nourishing us!
Finding local resources:
Visit RDtoWellnessnh.com for help with nutrition questions, nutrition counseling, meal planning, and other services like cooking lessons.
For help finding a psychologist near you click here.
Sources Used:
- Why stress causes people to overeat. Harvard Health. (2021, February 15). https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-stress-causes-people-to-overeat.
- Stress, cortisol and abdominal fat. The American Institute of Stress. (2019, August 16). https://www.stress.org/stress-cortisol-and-abdominal-fat.
