How is your relationship with food? What is a “good” relationship with food, and how do you even analyze it?
Food choices are something we deal with all day, every day. It’s a big part of our lives and can bring so much joy. But sometimes, our relationship with food can get a little rocky.
Burger or salad? Yogurt or cookies? Crackers or fruit?
If you feel a little overwhelmed by those choices, don’t worry; you're not alone. It’s never too late to work on your relationship with food and make positive changes. We have six awesome strategies to help you feel better and more confident about food choices so you can focus on more important things.
Why Should You Improve Your Relationship with Food?
First, why is your food relationship even important?
A healthy relationship with food means honoring your hunger and fullness cues, reducing stress around meals, and accepting past food choices. A “good” relationship with food will help you feel relaxed at social events, which means you enjoy being around friends and family without anxiety. (About food, anyway.) And most importantly, it can help make your diet sustainable.
When food becomes your friend rather than your enemy, nourishing your body without judgment or guilt is easier. Sounds pretty great, right?
The Role of Food in Life and Culture
Yes, our bodies rely on the nutrients from food for energy. But food is more than just fuel for our bodies; it’s a huge part of our culture and social lives.
Think about family gatherings, holidays, or even a fun night out with friends. Food is often the center of attention, making those moments special. But it’s also important to remember that food’s primary role is to nourish us, keeping our bodies and minds strong and healthy. The healthier you feel, the more you can enjoy spending time with loved ones.
6 Ways to Improve Your Relationship With Food
1. Ditch the Diet
First things first — stop restricting. Fad diets and restrictive eating plans might promise quick results, but they’re usually not sustainable. Plus, you’re more likely to feel deprived and frustrated. This can lead to more binge eating and continuing the yo-yo diet trend.
Instead, give yourself permission to eat what your body needs. Focus on long-term lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
2. Eat Mindfully
Are you used to wolfing down a meal while watching TV and not even tasting it? Try a more mindful eating approach. Mindful eating is about paying attention to your food, savoring every bite, and listening to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. Slow down, chew thoroughly, notice the flavor of your food, and eliminate distractions. You may find you enjoy your meals more and feel more satisfied.
3. Lose the Labels
Thanks to diet trends, you may be used to labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” But this can create a lot of unnecessary guilt with certain meals. Instead, welcome all foods as part of a balanced diet. It’s okay to enjoy a cookie or chips now and then without feeling like you need to “work it off” or cut back your next meal. The key is moderation and enjoying all the foods you like without guilt. This positive mental shift can make a big difference in your relationship with eating.
4. Focus on Health First
Making health your primary goal can significantly change how you approach food choices. Studies show that tying eating to an appearance or body goal may not have the long-term impact you hope for. However, focusing on improving health as a primary driver of change can make your nourishing habits more sustainable.
This means choosing foods that make you feel good and support your well-being. Different foods affect our energy levels, mood, and health. The same food, let’s say an apple, can affect two people in very different ways.
Understanding what supports your body and setting health goals based on how you want to feel can help improve your relationship with what you eat. Educate yourself about nutrition and make informed choices that support your health.
5. Cultivate a Nourishing Food Environment
Your environment can play a big role in your eating habits, including what foods are convenient and accessible. Create a nourishing environment at home by stocking foods that support your goals and making nutritious options available. Cultivate a positive eating space for mindful eating at home, free from distractions. This may mean clearing your kitchen table and setting it up for a fine dining experience or instituting a “no cell phone” policy at dinner.
Also, pay attention to your thoughts when you approach meals. How do you think and talk about food? And how do you talk about your own body when it comes to eating? Creating stress or tension around meals can do more harm than the food you’re eating. Accepting food without judging every square centimeter of nutrient content or calories allows your body to accept the intended nourishment. Share meals with loved ones to make eating a happy experience. And don’t be afraid to try new foods and recipes to keep meals exciting.
6. Seek Accountability and Support
A little support can go a long way, especially if you struggle with emotional eating. Accountability check-ins with a friend, family member or coach can help you manage emotional eating. Finding alternative ways to cope with emotions can be helpful, like exercise, fun hobbies, or talking to a friend. Professional help or support groups provide guidance and encouragement. Look for a support system that aligns with your values and goals.
Do You Need to Improve Your Relationship With Food?
Improving your relationship with food is all about making small, positive changes that help you feel better and more confident about your choices. Try out one of these six strategies: ditch the diet, eat mindfully, lose the labels, focus on health first, cultivate a nourishing food environment, and seek accountability and support. Start with one or two changes and see how they make you feel. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection.
If you need extra help, learn more about working with a WAG nutrition coach who will support and guide your health journey!
