We are what we eat.
Some of us spend way too much time thinking about food, to others it’s a source of fuel, a necessity only. Read on to find balance and a happy equilibrium when it comes to your relationship with food.
Food is an essential part of our lives, and a healthy relationship with it is crucial for our physical and mental well-being.
However, developing a healthy relationship with food can be challenging, especially with the abundance of diet culture and conflicting information about nutrition.
In this article, we will discuss how to develop a healthy relationship with food. You can also read more about nourishing a healthy relationship with food here.
7 tips on how to develop a healthy relationship with food.
1. Listen to Your Body
One of the essential steps towards building a healthy relationship with food is to listen to your body. Trust your body’s signals of hunger and fullness and eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. Pay attention to how different foods make you feel, physically and emotionally. A great tip is also to make sure you are drinking plenty of water, often we mistake thirst for hunger.
It’s also crucial to recognize that our body’s needs change daily, depending on factors such as activity level, stress, and hormones. So, don’t be afraid to adjust your food intake accordingly.
2. Avoid Restrictive Diets
Restrictive diets that eliminate entire food groups or limit calorie intake can lead to a negative relationship with food. Balance is key! These diets can be unsustainable, and once the diet ends, individuals often gain the weight back, or worse, develop bad eating habits. These habits can sometimes develop into problematic eating disorders which can often lead to unhealthy lifestyles and bodies.
Instead of following a restrictive diet, focus on incorporating a balanced variety of whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This approach can promote overall health and sustainably support weight management and improve general wellbeing and mood.
3. Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a practice that involves being present and intentional with your food, instead of mindlessly eating while distracted. OR raiding the fridge because you’re bored, or upset, or just broke up with your other significant other. To practice mindful eating, start by creating a peaceful eating environment without distractions such as television, phones, or books.
Take time to appreciate your food visually and through your sense of smell. Chew your food slowly and enjoy the flavours and textures. Pay attention to how your body feels before, during, and after eating. This practice can prevent overeating and promote satisfaction and enjoyment from food.
4. Change Your Mindset
A significant aspect of developing a healthy relationship with food is changing our mindset towards it. Instead of viewing food as the enemy or something to be avoided, try to view food as nourishment for your body and a source of pleasure.
Food can bring people together and is an essential part of cultural traditions, celebrations, and daily life. By changing our mindset, we can focus on enjoying food without guilt or shame associated with eating.
5. Honour Your Cravings
Cravings are a natural part of our relationship with food and are often our body’s way of communicating its needs. Instead of trying to ignore your cravings, try to honour them in moderation. Denying yourself your favourite foods can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and increase the likelihood of overeating or bingeing. Again, balance is key here.
One way to honour your cravings is to incorporate them into your balanced diet. For example, if you’re craving chocolate, try to choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa content for its antioxidant benefits instead of milk chocolate. Too much and too little of anything can have a negative affect on overall health and wellbeing.
6. Seek Professional Help When Needed
If you’re struggling with an unhealthy relationship with food or have developed concerning or unhealthy eating habits, seek professional help from a registered dietitian or therapist. They can help you address your relationship with food, provide guidance for developing a balanced diet, and offer support through your journey to recovery and allow you to build a healthy relationship with food.
Disordered eating can involve extreme behaviours such as binging, purging, or restricting food intake. These behaviours can have negative consequences on your physical and mental well-being, and it is essential to address them with professional help. Don’t let an unhealthy relationship with food prevent you from living your best life.
7. Celebrate Food Achievements
Finally, it’s essential to celebrate your food achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it’s trying a new food or recipe, honouring your cravings, or practicing mindful eating, these achievements can promote a healthy relationship with food.
Over time, these small changes can develop into long-term habits that support your physical and mental health. Celebrating these achievements can boost your confidence and increase your motivation to continue building a healthy relationship with food.
Remember, we are what we eat. Developing a healthy relationship with food involves listening to our bodies, avoiding restrictive diets, changing our mindset around food, honouring our cravings, seeking professional help when needed, and celebrating our food achievements. These steps can help promote a sustainable and positive relationship with food that supports our overall well-being.
If you are struggling with eating disorders or other issues, reach out to a friend, family member of medical professional for support.