Deepak Chopra’s New Book Examines Connection Between Mind and Body.

That’s exactly what alternative medicine expert Deepak Chopra talks about in his newest project.

When it comes to food, he believes many Americans still aren’t making the connection between mind and body.

Chopra’s book is titled “What Are You Hungry For?” He calls it a different approach to dieting that “would be joyful, that would be easy, effortless and not involved counting calories.”

It’s less about the food and more about unconscious behavior. That hurried, fast food lunch while thinking about work, eating in the car on the way home, not getting enough sleep and then doing the same thing the next day.

Dr. Chopra says many people don’t know how badly those habits disrupt hormones that regulate all aspects of our lives.

Then there’s what we eat.

“French fries, hamburgers, coke emphasizing sweet, sugar, salt and fat,” said Chopra.

That creates more hormonal imbalance, which fuels cravings for fatty, salty and sweet foods. It can also make for unbalanced moods.

“People eat when they’re bored. Feeding some emotional hunger. Attention, affection, appreciation,” said Chopra.

He suggests the solution begins with taking a breath and raising awareness.

“Before I put food in my mouth, I look at this: Am I physically hungry?” said Chopra.

He added that slowing down means taking time to appreciate the pleasurable moments in life, food related or not.