While food is a big part of every culture and brings people together, growing up in the United States often means having a confusing relationship with food. You may feel guilty enjoying certain things, or you may find that you have difficulty eating a balanced diet that brings you happiness.
The truth is that health looks different for everyone. While there are some overall guidelines most people can follow to have a balanced diet, weight isn’t always reflective of someone’s health or activity levels. There are also some people who must be on very particular diets because of health conditions. It’s important for all people to work with their healthcare provider, and often working with mental health professionals can also assist in developing a good relationship with food.
While everyone’s relationship with food is personal, these tips ensure you will enjoy what you eat and have a more positive relationship with your dietary choices.
An Important Disclaimer
While having a good relationship with food is valuable for many people, the information and suggestions in this article aren’t medical or mental health advice. Many people also deal with complex situations such as eating disorders, and it’s essential to seek professional assistance when necessary.
Tip 1: Learn To Love Cooking
It can be difficult for many people to cook at home. Busy lifestyles make slowing down to cook a challenge, and not everyone enjoys the process. While always cooking at home isn’t an option for everyone, learning a few recipes can help you discover more about what you enjoy eating. It can help you appreciate the process of creating food and eating it, and you may even find yourself trying new dishes you wouldn’t have before.
If you’re trying to eat more at home, whether to save money or eat a more balanced diet, you can make this fun by purchasing new appliances, like a pizza oven. Or, you can gather together with loved ones for a communal experience.
Tip 2: Examine The Words You Use Regarding Food
When you think about it, the language and phrases that are commonly used in society about eating and food can be upsetting. You may have grown up in a family that talked a lot about people’s weight. Or, you might have gotten messages from the media about how some foods are inherently “bad.”
Instead of focusing on this language, which is often shame-filled, try to create more positive associations.
Tip 3: Be Cautious Of Social Media
While social media can be an excellent way to learn health information and connect with others, it can also be toxic. Some influencers and accounts reinforce a shame-filled approach to eating and health. Some content is very unhealthy and encourages restrictive eating behaviors. So, it’s crucial to analyze the social media content you’re getting surrounding diets and health.
Tip 4: Be Gentle With Yourself
If you’re trying to adjust your relationship with your body and food, you may feel bad if the process isn’t as quick as you wanted. However, this is just another type of shame that can creep up. It’s okay to have some negative feelings or even to feel shame from time to time. Just remember to be gentle with yourself and refer to resources from expert sources.
While everyone has their personal history related to food, many people want to have more positive feelings about what they eat and enjoy food more. The tips in this guide can assist you with this process but always refer to professionals for more assistance.
