A Bite-Sized Read for Your Health and Waistline
Nope, that’s not a typo in the title! Maybe you’ve heard the joke about the “see food diet” where you see food and eat it. I’ve been there too. I also felt like I would breathe and gain weight. While it’s funny to call it “see food,” experiencing this can be frustrating and make you feel out of control. In my years as a health coach and through all the research I’ve done, I want to lift that weight off your shoulders. Often, this pattern points to something else going on in the body or your eating habits.
Start by taking a little inventory and getting curious about what might be off. I know that sounds daunting but it’s simpler than you think. Grab a piece of paper or open your notes app. Notice when the “see food” feeling shows up. Is it a certain time of day, a particular event, or a specific day of the week? Are there actions or triggers that spark this feeling?
Next, take a look at your daily fuel intake. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, especially in the morning. Protein helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps hunger signals in balance. Ask yourself if your diet is too restrictive or missing key nutrients. It’s also possible that your hormones, like leptin and ghrelin which control hunger and fullness, may be out of balance. Even mineral intake can influence these signals. The first step to addressing this is simple: fuel well and fuel regularly. Listen to your body, notice when the “see food” feeling happens, and experiment with your eating habits to see what helps.
When I worked in an office and still struggled with food issues, I dreaded walking past the pantry with free snacks. Every meal or passing by a kitchen doesn’t need to feel like a battle of willpower. Life should be easier. As I remind my clients, nobody wins for struggling the most. Use the tools in your arsenal to simplify things. Sometimes a late-night “see food” moment can be avoided by a protein-packed breakfast that keeps your body satisfied and your mind calm.
Achieving your health goals doesn’t mean fighting yourself every day. If your routine feels like a constant willpower showdown, it’s worth taking a step back to notice what’s happening. Pay attention to your habits, fuel your body with protein and balanced meals, and approach your choices with mindful eating. You’ve got this!