Do you have a healthy relationship with food⁉️ 5 ways to develop a healthier relationship with food✅

5 ways to develop a healthier relationship with food

✔️While there’s nothing I love more than a guide or step-by-step outline for how to do something, there’s no manual for improving your relationship with food—partly because it looks completely different for each person. This is a gradual and slow process, but once you get started, I think you’ll find your relationship evolving.

Here are some tips and approaches that I’ve found helpful while working with clients over the years.

1.) Learn to listen to your body.

If you listen, the body will tell you when to eat or not eat. And distractions like being on phones or laptops when eating can tune out those signals. To get back in touch, begin to assess what your body is feeling when you sit down to a meal, have a craving, or fix a snack. What it’s telling you may not be aligning with what you’re doing.

2.) Stop labeling foods as “good” or “bad.”

Labeling foods as “good” or “bad” gives them power over us and causes us to judge ourselves when we eat the so-called "bad" foods. Plus, it’s human nature to want something you don’t think you can have, and that leads to cravings. When we use these labels, eating certain less healthy foods can also make you feel shame or guilt, like you’ve done something bad. Here’s the bottom line: Yes, quality varies greatly among food choices, but all foods can be part of a healthy diet🥕

3.) Prepare for stress.

Being mindful when choosing foods and eating requires effort, but it’s something that most can gradually train themselves to do. However, this can be significantly harder or even feel impossible when life gets stressful. Try to be cognizant of the effect that stress has on eating and food choices and plan ahead for those times to help guide food choices (like menu plans or a list of healthier takeout options). Also, make self-care, particularly sleep, a priority. A lack of sleep makes it harder to make healthy choices and listen to the body😴🛏

4.) Enjoy your food and plan meals.

PREPARATION IS KEY

Plan meals that include foods you like and include recipes you’re excited to try. Then, sit down, distraction-free, when you eat them and try to fully enjoy the tastes, flavors, colors, and textures. Having a plan for what you’re going to eat is particularly important for busy weeks or any time you might have too many distractions.

5.) Don’t punish yourself for foods you ate.

Did you overeat or indulge in something less than healthy❓ Many feel they need to then make reparations by significantly cutting back on food or calories, restricting certain foods, or exercising more. Not only is this unhealthy, it’s unnecessary. If you’re prone to feeling like this, try focusing on your diet from a week-long perspective (rather than a 24-hour period).

I hope these tips are helpful for you.

🔥My top tip for weight loss & long term results🔥

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