Most people struggle with food and dieting. For some, that could mean having an eating disorder. For others, it could involve having a diet that’s filled with sugary and salty foods. Below in this article, we will cover the 5 Ways to Build a Healthy Relationship with Food.
Food addiction and yo-yo dieting are two other ways of having an unhealthy relationship with food. Eddins counseling can help you come to terms with your disordered eating habits. Here are some other tips for practicing eating habits and for avoiding relying on food to become your friend. Â
1. Be Mindful When Eating
Remember to sit down and mindfully chew your food. Take deep breaths in between bites. Try not to eat everything at once.Â
Do not just eat your food. Smell it. Observe it. Use all your five senses to heighten the experience. This not only makes eating more pleasant, but it also alerts your brain when you are full. Â
2. Keep a Food Journal
A food journal is an ideal way to document and review what you eat on a regular basis. Do not just write down what you ate, though. Document what you felt when you ate it. Writing down your emotions helps you uncover unhealthy eating habits and notice any patterns. You can even use your food journal in your Eddins counseling sessions.Â
For example, you might notice that you reach for that bag of chips whenever you are feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed out. Instead of craving something salty, practice deep breathing exercises, or go for a walk. Sometimes removing yourself from the situation can make the cravings disappear.
Or, you could remove the temptation altogether. If you have a temptation that is in your home, you are going to cave in at some point. Remove any or all temptations from your food pantry and refrigerator.Â
3. Do Not Beat Yourself UpÂ
Do not punish yourself for caving in to your temptations. Your body listens to this negative self-talk, which can lead to even more unhealthy habits. Stress can be a silent killer and leads to serious health problems such as heart disease and obesity.Â
4. Make Healthier Choices
You should try to set yourself up for success right from the grocery store. That means making healthier choices such as fresh foods and whole foods. You already know that eating clean and non-processed food is better for you.Â
Stand in the middle of the fruits and vegetable aisle. You will immediately feel better. Even if you eat sweets and processed foods every so often, it is about making healthy choices.Â
You should also avoid the snack aisle. The last thing you need is to load your cart with candies, chocolate, cookies, crackers, and other processed foods. Stay somewhere near the perimeter of the store where the dairy products, fresh produce, and lean meats are located.Â
5. Attend a Cooking Class
Instead of relying on your microwave, take the time to learn how to cook. Watch online videos or purchase a few cookbooks. Create a list of healthy ingredients and spices to keep on hand for each of your meals. A cooking class can act as an ideal way to learn healthy eating habits.
Cooking is easier than you think. Anyone can grill chicken or steam vegetables. Cooking will allow you to appreciate food more on a deeper level. It also makes you more mindful of the eating habits that you learned during Eddins counseling. Â
Each of these tips can help you feel better about your relationship with food. You will feel better about yourself and your diet as a result.Â