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Embracing the practice of calorie counting can seem like the perfect solution for weight management, especially when there are specific health concerns involved, such as PCOS, insulin resistance, or fertility issues. However, it's crucial to approach it with caution. Calorie counting can become addictive, leading to anxiety and obsession around food. To break free from the calorie counting cycle, focus on meeting your nutritional needs, opting for whole foods, and gradually reducing reliance on calorie counting. By challenging the habit and embracing mindful eating, you can regain control over your relationship with food.
Cravings are common, but if they happen often and you feel out of control, they may indicate something deeper. PCOS and high BMI increase the likelihood of food cravings and emotional eating. The debate on food addiction continues, but intense cravings for highly palatable foods resemble addictive patterns. Overcoming compulsive behaviors requires understanding your triggers. Recognize the five categories of cravings: physical, emotional, social, exposure, and habitual, to regain control of your relationship with food.
The brain plays a significant role in obesity and energy balance, with three key areas responsible for regulating weight: the hypothalamus, which acts as the "Energy Accountant" by controlling our eating behaviours and responding to signals from various organs; the mesolimbic area, known as the "Hedonist," which governs the pleasurable aspects of eating and can lead to cravings and overeating when signals are dysregulated; and the cognitive lobe, or the "Wise Decision-Maker," which oversees executive functions and helps override primal behaviours driven by the mesolimbic area. Understanding these complex neural circuits and their interactions is crucial for managing weight and making healthier eating choices.
Some women feel bad if they don't eat what they think is "pure", "clean", or "healthy" food. This can lead to a problem called Orthorexia, where someone becomes obsessed with eating perfectly. Eating too "clean" can also cause health problems like not getting enough nutrients, hormone imbalances, feeling anxious, having trouble digesting food, and feeling left out of social situations. Eating healthily means finding a balance and sticking to basic nutrition guidelines while also being flexible.
