Food is not only the method by which we feed our bodies. It is central to our social activities and family time. Food may play a "comfort" role when we are depressed, angry, or lonely. In order to have a healthy relationship with food, it is important that you be aware of how your emotions affect your eating. Is the current relationship you have with food a healthy one?

To find out, keep a written list of what you eat, when and where you eat, and what your emotional state is. Do you eat when you're lonely, or perhaps when you are watching television or maybe because you have a friend to binge with? Identifying such behaviors is the first step toward making positive changes.

Once you have identified your relationship with food, you can evaluate what behaviors may be harmful to your health and begin to make small changes over time. Generally a change in behavior will become permanent if you practice it for 6 to 8 weeks.

Decide what will be the easiest to change. Maybe that should be first. What impact will changing this behavior have on others around you? Is there someone who can support you in this behavior change? You are the best judge of what changes are doable and livable for you. If you just can't live without chocolate and still be happy in life, then leave chocolate in your eating plan but eat smaller portions or eat it less frequently, then move on to other changes that will be easier for you to make.

If you find it difficult to change your relationship with food, ask for help. Registered dietitians and behavioral scientists can be strong partners in this effort. Remember, small changes over time can result in big changes toward a healthy life.

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