Psychology of Eating: PACER Integrated Behavioral Health with Dr. Dawn Elise Snipes
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The content segments discuss various aspects of eating and its functions. Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes explains that eating serves physical functions by providing fuel for the body and supplying building blocks for hormones, neurotransmitters, and tissue repair. It also serves as a source of comfort. Cognitively, eating provides brain fuel, especially for activities that require a lot of thinking. Eating patterns can be influenced by circadian disruption, sleep deprivation, and the ingestion of stimulants like caffeine. An overactive HPA axis can impact hunger signals, causing cravings and affecting eating patterns. Malnutrition can lead to cravings for specific nutrients. Eating for self-soothing is common, but it is important to explore other ways to experience and express love besides food. Mindfulness plays a crucial role in understanding our body's signals for anger, anxiety, and hunger. Breaking habits and being mindful while eating can support healthier eating habits. Sights, smells, and dopamine activation can trigger the desire to eat. Strategies for handling social gatherings and celebrations with tempting food include making alternative choices, occupying taste buds with non-caloric beverages, and planning alternative activities. Distractions can help shift focus away from food cravings. Food can temporarily increase serotonin and dopamine levels, but it is important to find a balance and not solely rely on food for increasing these neurotransmitters. In recovery from substance use, food can serve as a substitute addiction, but individuals should be mindful of their response to distress and find other ways to cope. Rediscovering activities that bring joy can help boost serotonin and dopamine levels.
The content segments discuss various aspects of eating and its functions. Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes expl