How to change your relationship with food
When it comes to food, we all have a complicated relationship. For some of us, food is comfort. We turn to it when we’re happy, when we’re sad, when we’re stressed. It’s a way to celebrate, a way to soothe.
And for many of us, that complicated relationship is also a negative one. We use food as a way to punish ourselves, to cope with negative emotions. We deprive ourselves of the foods we love, or we binge on them and feel guilty afterwards.
If your relationship with food is something you’d like to change, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Be mindful of your eating
This is one of the most important steps in changing your relationship with food. When you eat, really pay attention to what you’re doing. Notice the taste, texture, and smell of your food. Savor each bite.
2. Don’t eat when you’re not hungry
This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. Only eat when your body is actually physically hungry, not when you’re bored, emotional, or thirsty.
3. Don’t punish yourself with food
If you slip up and indulge in a food you’re trying to cut back on, don’t punish yourself by skipping meals or going on an extreme diet. That will just make you feel worse and is more likely to lead to binge eating.
4. Find other ways to cope with emotions
If you’re using food to cope with emotions, it’s time to find some other outlet. Exercise, journaling, and talking to a friend are all healthy ways to deal with emotions.
5. Give yourself permission to eat
If you’re always depriving yourself of the foods you love, you’re never going to stick to your diet. Deprivation leads to binges, so give yourself permission to indulge in moderation.
6. Focus on quality, not quantity
When you do indulge, focus on quality over quantity. Choose foods that are nutrient-dense and satisfying, not empty calories.
7. listen to your body
Your body knows what it needs, so listen to it. If you’re truly hungry, eat. If you’re not, don’t force yourself.
8. Find a balance
It’s important to find a balance when it comes to food. Don’t be too restrictive, but don’t be too lenient either. Find a happy medium that you can stick to.
9. Don’t compare yourself to others
Everyone has a different relationship with food, so don’t compare yourself to others.Focus on your own journey and what works for you.
10. Seek professional help
If you’re struggling to change your relationship with food, seek professional help. A registered dietitian or therapist can help you develop a plan that works for you. Original Content
Finding other ways to cope with emotional distress
, such as talking to a friend or therapist, writing in a journal, or spending time outside
If you’re feeling emotionally distressed, there are a number of things you can do to cope. Talking to a friend or therapist can help you process your feelings and work through them. Writing in a journal can be a helpful way to get your thoughts and feelings out, and spending time outside can help you clear your head and relax. No matter what method you choose, remember that you are not alone and there are people who care about you and want to help.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about how to stop binge eating. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.