Do you group food under “healthy” or “unhealthy”? Do you ever feel obligated to “burn off” something you feel guilty about eating? Do you usually pick food based on their calorie content?
If you answered yes, then we suggest you rekindle your relationship with food. This will not only benefit your physical health but also contribute to your mental and emotional well-being.
You can do that through practicing mindful eating. Listen to your body cues and savour the flavour of what you are eating instead of being distracted by screens or work. Eat and chew slowly which will aid in digestion and help you realize when you’re full.
Move away from the fad restrictive diets which often lead to a vicious cycle of deprivation and binging. Focus on nourishing your body with a balanced diet that includes variety. And remember that there is no single magic food that will make or break your diet.
Learn to differentiate between physical hunger and emotional triggers. Before grabbing something to eat, ask yourself this “Am I actually hungry? Or am I just bored or stressed?” Eating as a response to an emotion is not the answer. Instead, you should identify the underlying issue and try to solve it when possible.
Banish the food guilt. Avoid attaching morality to food items. Labelling food as “good” or “bad” leads to a negative relationship with eating. Guilt will only add to your stress. Instead, allow yourself to enjoy a treat every now and then without beating yourself over it.
Practice mindful eating, embrace balance and variety, and tune into your body’s cues. This will create a positive and sustainable approach to healthy living and nourishing yourself. Always remember that food is meant to be enjoyed and used to fuel the body and mind.
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