Mind-Body-Food Connection

The Kaiser Weight Management Program asked me to Examine Your Mind-Body-Food Connection.

Each day I rate my mood, level of physical activity, and eating habits in my journal, in addition to just logging my food intake.

For my Mind, I pick a number between 1 - "was in a bad mood most of the day" and 6 - "had a positive attitude most of the day." I almost think it helps to note your mood each time you consume food. It may be that you eat normally through the day, but eat due to stress at home in the evening.

For my Body, I chose somewhere between 1 - "didn't get the exercise I need" and 6 - "met or exceeded exercise goals for the day." As I said before, I'm also tracking how much sleep I get. I think this is another key component.

And for Food, I chose anywhere from 1 - "had no control over food choices" and 6 - "met food goals for calories and fat grams for the day."

Each day for a week, I also examine the connection by contemplating a question provided. They range from "I use food as a substitute for _____" to "What will it take for me to make exercise a priority?"

These are hard freakin questions!

I'm really not having to make any serious changes yet, so this is ALMOST fun. And I think it's a great way to dip my toe into the pool of long-term health.