What does having a “good relationship” with food mean? Nutrition experts say you can get an idea of whether your relationship with food is “healthy” by seeing how many of these you can say “yes” to. Are you:
- In tune with your body cues, so you’re aware when you’re hungry, when you’re not and when you feel full?
- Eating appropriate amounts of food and a variety of foods in all food groups, so your nutrient, health and well-being needs are being met?
- Comfortable eating with others as well as eating along?
- Able to enjoy food without feeling guilty or it controlling your life?
If you answer no to a lot of those, you may need to work on improving your relationship with food. It could be that you use food as a coping mechanism to deal with negative emotions. Fortunately, there are things we can do to develop a healthy relationship with food, including:
- Keep a “food mood” diary - Write down when and where you eat and drink, who you’re with, what you’re doing and how it makes you feel. This helps you become more aware of emotions like stress and anxiety and feelings that can influence eating and drinking.
- Reflect on what you write - Pay close attention to the “why” you’re eating when you eat. If it’s because of a low mood or other emotions, come up with activities to do instead of eating, like going for a walk, reaching out to a friend or listening to music.
- Practice mindful eating - This involves slowing down so you’re very aware of what’s going on in your body and mind while you eat and drink. With mindful eating, you pay attention to whether you’re really hungry, or emotions are triggering it.
- Learn about your nutrient needs - Understanding the specific vitamins and minerals your body needs, instead of just thinking of food as “good” or “bad” can help you let go of the guilt.
- Focus on getting enjoyment from food - You can cut back on mindless eating by paying attention to the pleasure you get from preparing and sharing food with others. Focusing on the sensory aspects of food and the way it makes you feel can help with emotional eating as well.
Source: The Conversation
Photo: Getty Images