One of the most common diseases in the modern world is obesity. It is associated with serious health effects. Today, we know a lot about the biological issues associated with being overweight. However, little attention is focused on its psychological approach. This is where a new branch of science called psychodietetics comes to the rescue. It is an interdisciplinary science. It combines knowledge of nutrition with psychology.
What does psychodietetics do?
Psychodietetics studies and solves those problems of patients that relate to the nutritional and emotional spheres. They are strongly interconnected, because the mental state of a person can determine the way of eating and vice versa. What we eat has a surprising effect on our disposition.
What does working with a psychodietician look like?
Unlike a classic dietitian, a specialist in this field does not focus on combining calories in tables. For him, the patient’s relationship with the body and emotions is important. Working with such a specialist combines psychological support with knowledge in the field of nutrition. What is important here is not only what we eat, but the fact in what circumstances we reach for food.
Cooperation with a psychodietician is divided into stages. The first is a consultation lasting at least an hour. Then the specialist collects a detailed interview about the patient. There are questions about previous experiences with diets, what relationship we have with food, whether we eat stress, sadness, boredom. Our lifestyle is also important, as well as the quality and quantity of sleep, and the level of stress. The results of the research also play a key role. At the next meeting, a specific action plan is established. Goals are then set.
Cooperation does not consist in serving a ready-made menu. It is important to learn how to make appropriate dietary decisions sensibly based on signals from the body. The patient is often encouraged to conduct the so-called Nutrition diary. It is in it that she records both meals and the emotions accompanying food and the level of satiety. During this meeting, the client gains knowledge about the proper composition of meals in such a way that they do not feel like they are on a constant diet. Food is supposed to both feed and nourish us. The meeting also discusses mindful food consumption techniques. It is also established to work on accepting one’s body.
The next stages of cooperation with a psychodietician are control sessions. They usually take place every 2 weeks and last between 30 and 50 minutes. Meetings are used to control progress, and difficult situations for the patient are also discussed. And it also strengthens motivation in working on oneself. Cooperation with a specialist lasts from 3 to about 6 months. Such a long time allows for a permanent change in both eating habits and thinking about yourself and your body.
When is it worth using the help of a psychodietician?
It is worth going to this specialist if:
- We are overweight that we cannot cope with. Perhaps the problem lies in the psyche and food serves us to relieve tension and the desire to improve our well-being,
- We have made many unsuccessful attempts to lose weight. We may lack motivation or the goal is not adapted to our capabilities,
- due to high weight, our self-esteem is low,
- we feel that we have no control over what we eat,
- we struggle with eating disorders such as: bulimia, anorexia, orthorexia and others,
- We want to work on changing eating habits.