Body Posture and Cravings

Disregulated eaters often find that tips and techniques in managing cravings are as useful as understanding what drives unwanted eating. We know that our mental attitude affects how we feel in our bodies and vice versa, but what about our posture?  Could that affect our emotions and actions around food? Turns out that it might. In “The right stance can be reassuring” (Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 6/11/13, Health and Fitness, p. 7E), Kate Murphy reports that “expansive postures release a flood of hormones that make you feel more positive and at ease. Striking a commanding pose can change how you perceive yourself….” She says that recent studies suggest that “posture may precipitate, rather than just reflect emotions. How you carry yourself can actually change your mood, which greatly affects how you approach situations and solve problems…” This makes sense. Think of what actors do to get into playing a part: they walk or stand like the person or character they’re portraying. Consider the approach of speakers when they’re about to give a presentation or speech: they stride purposefully onto the stage with shoulders back, spine straight, and heads held high.  Research done by Amy Cuddy, social psychologist and associate professor at Harvard Business School, shows that “assuming an expansive pose (think Wonder Woman with legs planted apart and hands on her hips) for two minutes will increase testosterone and lower cortisol in your b...
Source: Normal Eating - Category: Eating Disorders Authors: Source Type: blogs