Leah Alster, a clinical dietitian at Meir Medical Center, explains that emotional eating is often a response to internal discomfort rather than actual hunger. She leads a workshop called 'Mind-Food-Ness' that integrates mindfulness with coping strategies to address changing relationships with food, particularly in stressful times. Alster notes that many people experience 'Food Noise', which includes constant thoughts about what is allowed or forbidden to eat, leading to disconnection from true hunger and fullness. She argues that strict food prohibitions can intensify cravings and urges. Instead, she advocates for mindful eating practices, encouraging individuals to pause and assess their motivations for eating—whether they stem from hunger, emotions, or habits. By fostering curiosity and flexibility around food choices, individuals can cultivate a healthier relationship with food. Mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises, can help restore awareness and choice in eating, transforming it from an automatic reaction into a conscious decision.