Jackky Bhagnani recently shared his heart out alongside his wife, Rakul Preet Singh, on Farah Khan's YouTube cooking show. The actor-producer shared that as fitness buffs, they bond over physical fitness but also healthy food, while adding that they also love to eat - without guilt. "We do psychosomatic eating. When we are really hungry, we go on apps and check out food," Bhagnani, 40, said. "This happens at 11 pm," Rakul, 34, chipped in. "Because we eat dinner at 7-8 pm. So, some days, you have cravings. We see stuff and feel that we have eaten. We love food, too," Singh continued. Taking a cue from the couple's candid confession, let's understand all about this hack to avoid late-night snacking. Psychosomatic eating refers to the phenomenon where emotional and psychological factors influence eating behaviour, often leading individuals to seek comfort or satisfaction through food in response to stress, anxiety, or other emotional states. "This type of eating highlights the intricate connection between mind and body, where psychological states can manifest as physical desires for certain foods, often high in sugar or fat," said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai. Understanding psychosomatic eating can also help in moderating cravings. "Instead of immediately reaching for food, individuals can engage in mindfulness practices or cognitive behavioural strategies to identify the underlying emotions driving their cravings. This approach allows for healthier coping mechanisms, such as journaling, meditative breathing, or engaging in a hobby, or just looking at some videos or food options, thus reducing reliance on food as a coping strategy," shared Dr Agarwal. However, the effectiveness of these methods may vary among individuals; some may find significant relief and better control over their cravings after employing these strategies, while others may need additional support, such as counselling or therapy, shared Dr Agarwal. "It’s important to note the distinction between physical hunger and emotional cravings. Being aware of this difference can help individuals make more conscious food choices and foster a healthier relationship with food. Consulting with healthcare professionals can also provide valuable insights tailored to one’s unique psychological and nutritional needs," said Dr Agarwal. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
