How you think about food and its role in your life greatly affects your eating habits. If you feel like you need help seeing food in a better light, we’ve got you covered.

We’re all a little guilty of using food as an escape or source of fulfilment, whether it’s guilt eating, bingeing, satisfying that craving or mindless snacking. How you think about food and its role in your life greatly affects your eating habits. If you feel like you need some help seeing food in a better light, we’ve got you covered. 

1. Food is nourishment  

If your mindset is to quickly ‘fix’ your diet, you may be setting yourself up for failure. We’re often too wrapped up in the idea that eating healthily means you’re depriving yourself of flavour and joy, and that it requires heaps of effort. Sometimes we turn to food as a reward, especially if we’ve been working hard or following a strict diet of do’s and don’ts.

You want to shift your focus from seeing food as something that could be ‘good’ or ‘bad’ to something that simply nourishes and fuels your body. When you start to accept that your body’s needs and preferences are different from others, you can make better choices about what you eat. 

2.Nothing is forbidden  

Wholesome eating is sometimes labelled ‘boring’ and ‘restrictive’, but this could be because we’ve constructed an idea that some foods and food groups are to be avoided (carbs, dairy etc). This mindset can lead you to believe that cravings are shameful and will lead to poor food choices. By banning certain foods, you may have adverse effects. Educate yourself about the nutritional content of food, so that you can keep your diet in balance.

Processed foods are not as healthy as whole and fresh, but that doesn’t mean that they are the root of all evil. Permit yourself to eat them occasionally – it’s not as scandalous as you think it is. 

3. Be your own best friend  

Stress can be a sneaky thing. It can make us doubt everything we know, delve into the past and forget any positive feelings we may have about ourselves. As a result, eating can be a way to cope. That doesn’t make it a bad thing! A lot about eating is emotional, especially when we’re enjoying our favourite food or a meal we haven’t had in a while. However, we do need to adopt other coping mechanisms so that food doesn’t become our only crutch.

Take things slow and steady and show yourself grace and compassion. You’re not a failure if you ‘fall off the wagon’, nor should you procrastinate implementing healthy change. You can change the conversation in your head to be one of self-acceptance, cultivating a positive mindset that values the potential of your long-lasting health and well-being. 

4. Eat with purpose  

It’s simple: which foods does your body like or dislike? This is not limited to fast food or processed food – your body may not want some healthy foods. If you eat one boiled egg and find your toilet is ‘out of order’, then perhaps another source of protein will work better. A process of trial and error will help you to figure out which foods make your body feel strong and energised. Furthermore, mindful eating (being fully present with all your senses while enjoying a meal) helps to increase your gratitude for food and improve your overall eating experience. It also helps you to make choices that will be satisfying and nourishing, creating a judgement-free eating experience. 

5. It’s a lifestyle, not a diet  

It’s good to have healthy eating goals but don’t get caught up in achieving them immediately. This can be overwhelming and end in disappointment when you don’t reach every milestone. Slowly implement changes so that you can form long-term healthy habits. If you want to cut down on sugar, wean yourself off sugary treats incrementally. Similarly, you don’t have to follow a strict meal plan for the entire week – it’s okay to just focus on good breakfasts, for example, to start with, or simply what your next meal will be. 

Text: Saadiqah Schroeder.
Photo: Gallo/Getty Images