Redefining Your Relationship With Food

For the reader who is looking for direction to improve one’s quality of life without sacrificing enjoyable food choices, this article may offer tangible realistic options. For the reader that uses the phrases, “but, I don’t like…” or “but, I don’t want to…”, this article will add little to no value. The word COMPROMISE must be clearly accepted for lifelong changes to become a reality. The motivating factors that make compromise more appealing include:

1. improved physical abilities to perform desired tasks (ex. physical, recreational and social) that previously were unachievable

2. fewer sick days

3. fewer (if any) prescription medications

4. better clarity (less brain fog)

5. better overall health with reduced risks for life threatening maladies at an earlier age

Eating “clean” is NOT synonymous with tasteless boring foods. Conversely, balanced eating isn’t synonymous with unlimited fast food, processed food, and other “food like” substances. Redefining one’s relationship with food requires a new paradigm.

1. We can no longer “live to eat” AND be healthy UNLESS we have the time to research healthy delicious recipes and prepare them.

2. We have to realize that “eating out” must become a minority in our eating patterns. Packing home prepared meals for lunch and eating home prepared meals for dinner must become the new normal. Few people can eat out on a regular basis and maintain a healthy diet.

3. One method to reduce damaging effects from restaurant selections is viewing the restaurant’s menu online before driving to the restaurant. This helps reduce the emotional component and improves the typical choices. This also helps satisfy the need to eat out socially without compromising one’s health.

4. Grocery shopping must be based on a list prepared PRIOR to going grocery shopping. Grocery stores are designed to maximize the consumer’s spending per visit. A grocery list will give the consumer the edge by predetermining their food selection as well as controlling budgetary allowances.

5. When having a meal, EAT HEALTHY FIRST. This is one of the easiest and best solutions for people with eating issues. If a healthy high fiber meal is consumed FIRST, the quantity of junk eating that would follow would likely dramatically reduce. Since the consumer would be full they would be more inclined to eat less (less nutritious) food WITHOUT feelings of deprivation. Pushing unhealthy food away based on choice is a major stepping stone in battling weight issues. This also helps create a better sense of self control.

Food is essential for life; it isn’t essential for happiness. It certainly can be a component of happiness, but needs to primarily be viewed as information the body uses to function. As we replace the void that food temporarily fills with Substantive Living, our relationship with food dramatically alters.

By incorporating the suggestions in this article, many people have gained a new perspective on food and eating. These ideas have increased the rate of success for most people willing and wanting to live a healthier life. It is important to remember that SUCCESS can be measured by good health and a new positive outlook on life. Weight changes simply become the end result rather than the goal. It is NOT MEASURED by the following picture.

Tags: diet, emotions, happiness, health