EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control

weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food. continued on page 16

Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

Pride Center Des Moines

Born to promote the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and ally community in Central Iowa. Web: desmoinespridecenter.org

CAPITAL CITY PRIDE - DES MOINES, IA

Capital City Pride is a 501(c)(3) organization that brings together the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and queer community along with their friends, allies, and supporters. We do this by producing events that inspire, educate, commemorate, and celebrate our diverse community and culture with and for the greater Des Moines metro. Web: www.capitalcitypride.org

Pride Sports League

Providing recreational and networking opportunities through sports to the LGBTQ+ community in Central Iowa. Web: pridesportsleague.org

Iowa Queer Communities Of Color Coalition

The Iowa Queer Communities of Color’s mission is to use an intersectional lens to address the inequity of services, lack of support and space, socioeconomic disparities, and institutional racism experienced by our communities through education, advocacy, intentional inclusivity and organizing. Web: www.facebook. com/IowaQueerCommunitiesOfColorCoalition

Transformations Iowa

Transformations Iowa is a support group for transgender and non-binary people with meetings in Des Moines. Web: www.facebook.com/transformationsiowa

Capital Bears

Capital Bears is an inclusive group which focuses on providing the LGBTQIA+ community a safe and accepting social network. Web: www.capitalbears.org