LLANDARCY BLOG - YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD!
As a nation that’s facing a so-called ‘obesity crisis’ whilst fad diets and ‘skinny teas’ are on the rise, how can we better manage our relationship with food?
Here are some of the things you should remember in order to promote a healthy relationship with food:
Foods aren’t inherently ‘good’ or ‘bad’
By labelling foods, and consequently giving them both negative and positive connotations - we develop the belief that a restrictive diet is superior to another for the wrong reasons. Everything, and yes
we mean everything, in moderation.
Introduce change in small increments
Remembering that you’re human, and that it takes time to adjust to change is important. Forming healthy habits is a long term process, for example; slowly cutting down on the amount of sugar that you have in your morning coffee, or perhaps drinking less fizzy drinks. As humans, we are creatures of habit, and if we change our routine too quickly we may get overwhelmed - introduce small changes slowly, until they become a part of your daily routine.
Finding your balance does not mean striving for perfection
When we attribute rules to what we ‘can’ and ‘can’t’ eat, we set ourselves up for inevitable failure. These unobtainable and rigid ‘rules’ in our diet can lead to an unhealthy obsession, and often means that we forget to enjoy what we’re eating. Flexibility means not having to be constantly obsessed with what you’re eating, remembering that it’s about creating a lifestyle that’s sustainable and enjoyable.
Stop comparing yourself
Can I tell you something? I hate avocados. What a relief that was. Just because Instagram is full of mango salads, chia seed bowls and avocado on toast - it doesn't mean that’s the type of diet that you will enjoy. Try out different meals, and find the ones that work with your lifestyle. Your needs, and wants from nutrition are different to that of those around you.
Article By Katie Lloyd from Llandarcy Magazine Winter Edition - Avaiable now from Llandarcy reception.