How to Have a Healthy Relationship With Food and Why It Matters

1. Include All Foods

Instead of labeling certain foods as off-limits or eliminating certain food groups, embrace ALL foods in your diet. Ironically, restricting certain foods or trying to keep them out of the house often intensifies cravings leading to overindulgence. Granting yourself permission to enjoy all foods can help you view them simply as nourishment.

2. Consistently Nourish Your Body

While nutrition needs vary from person to person, it’s crucial to provide your body with adequate food throughout the day. Skipping meals can result in heightened cravings, extreme hunger, feelings of being “out of control” around food, and even fatigue. Establishing regular mealtimes can also assist in better recognizing hunger and fullness cues.

3. Shift Language Around Food

If you tend to categorize food as “good” or “bad”, it’s time to shift this mindset to one that is more neutral. While some foods are more nutrient-dense than others, all foods offer something to the body, even if it’s primarily for pleasure or mental satisfaction. Replace self-criticism with a different perspective, such as “this food is satisfying and provides my body with the fuel it needs.”

4. Ditch Dieting

Most diet plans dictate what to eat, what to avoid, and often impose various rules and strict mealtimes. Reflect on how dieting has affected your relationship with food in the past. Has it truly helped or has it caused harm?

5. Work with an Intuitive Eating Dietitian

Navigating food and nutrition on your own can be complex, but collaborating with a qualified dietitian can be a game-changer. This can help you develop a personalized approach to nutrition, while guiding you to a healthy relationship with food. The Intuitive Eating book is also a great resource for learning how to have a better relationship with food.