“Stress is at an all time high,” says Jessica Roy, who works as a dietitian for both in-patient and out-patient settings for private practice Waverly Oaks,  “And that’s relating to people's relationship with food. So they may be stress-eating.”

Among a global pandemic, economic woes, and political unrest in America, a little added stress is understandable.

But there are actions we can all take to keep our health in check, especially when more and more pe0ple may find themselves packing on the pounds.

"The primary issue (for many patients) is weight management. So I heard so many nutrition myths from that outpatient clinic, like you shouldn't eat bread, or you shouldn't eat plus 8pm. Or you shouldn't eat anything white. And thankfully, I have a lot of background in the science of nutrition. I want to dispel those nutrition myths for people."

How to stay sane (and healthy) in quarantine

You’re working from home. You have unbridled access to the kitchen.

Which means you’re feeling extra snacky these days.

It might feel good in the moment, but may be causing more stress.

So before you restrict your eating or dive into a bag of cheese puffs, consider this:

Seek activities that relieve stress.

"I want a client to enjoy a cupcake, because they want to enjoy the taste of a cupcake, not because they had a hard day or because COVID numbers are skyrocketing, or because they're tearing their hair out with homeschooling," says Jess, "Food is becoming a way to relax."  

“Let’s build skills … so you can relax and unwind in another way,” she says.

“One of my favorite things to do is go on a walk or hike.”

Taking up yoga with her seven year old son also helps her.

“Together we're learning a yoga breathing technique.” This combats the chaos surrounding the work-from-home lifestyle and eases anxiety.

Food can be comforting, but it shouldn’t be the only comfort.

When you’re feeling stressed and feel the fridge calling your name, take a a pause.

"Wait five minutes before deciding,” she says, “ask yourself, ‘Am I hungry? Am I thirsty, my tired, stressed out?’ Take five minutes, do something pleasurable or relaxing, to help you decide if you really need to reach for that snack. That five minutes gives the person that break to focus on what’s going on inside their body and block out some external pressures that may motivate a person to eat.”

How to help nutrition clients who don’t like being told what to do.

“I had more of an ill, elderly population at the clinic. And I found they didn't respond well to being told what to do,” Laughs Jessica, “They're very wise and knew what they wanted in life and we had a much better relationship if we came up with ideas together, and I could ask them “Which out of these three to five ideas is most realistic for you?”  or “Which option resonates the most with you?”

“My counseling style is I meet the person where they're at,” Jessica says.

This led her to working closely with her clients and design a plan that fits what they want and need.

“Meal Garden has all of that for me, at a click of a button.”

(Psst...if you want to try it yourself, it’s free to join!)

Find Jessica at www.facebook.com/jessicaroyhappyhealthyRD and www.waverleyoaks.com/dietitians/.

inspiration, Client Engagement

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