Z. Johnson
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed of achieving a successful weight loss without yo-yo effect? Do you often question yourself how to stay fit and healthy without feeling anxiety? I totally understand what these implications could mean for you. Many people constantly have these thoughts when trying to lose weight or getting better fitness results. As a nutritionist and health consultant, I get it. However, the process of staying in shape, being fit and happy should be naturally enjoyed. It should be something that makes you feel empowered, motivated, and satisfied. Well, let me tell you that if you are constantly feeling frustrated after trying so many weight loss methods or anxious because you are not gaining enough muscle, for example, then there could be some red flags. Maybe, you need to look into your eating habits, as you may not have a so healthy relationship with food.
There is so much marketing and publicity on social media around the treding “dieting trends”. You name it, your social media feed is loaded with “fitness gurus”, models, or celebs with perfectly shaped bodies. You see photos everywhere about the “clean eating” meals, cleanses, the perfect breakfasts, plates with little to almost no food, and the list goes on and on… Not to mention, the huge supplement industry. What’s going on here? Well, many people, just like you, are craving for information and tips on how to lose weight. The reality is, that not everybody sees these images the same way. Whatever is going through your mind could be an indicator if you have a healthy relationship with food.
Let’s get to the main point…
A healthy weight and wellness is a result of balance and moderation with both food and exercise. It’s about having the right mindset and learning how your body works. Achieving long term wellness results also relates to how you make smart food choices. As well, it has to do with how you see enjoying food variety without falling into obsessions. This involves having a healthy relationship with food. As a matter of fact, it has been proven that a good relationship with food can determine how effective weight loss and fitness results can be. Let me go through some of the facts of having a healthy relationship with food and how you should use this to your advantage, instead of sabotaging your process.
A healthy relationship with food involves you making smart choices
Of course! The number one fact you consider when improving your health is making better food choices. This means, eating more natural whole foods rather than processed, as well as foods that are nourishing to our bodies. When you focus on proper food intake, then your body naturally starts shifting it’s metabolism, for good. Therefore, the golden rule still applies of keeping good quality foods around for good at home. Bear in mind that you should be getting foods from all the food groups: protein foods (both animal and plant-based), fruits, veggies, whole grains, dairy products, healthy fats and sugars.
You don’t need to be constantly weighing yourself
The main problem when trying to lose weight is becoming a slave to the scale. There is no need to be weighing yourself constantly. This is especially true when you are starting this process. Your body is going through different changes, including hormones and your metabolism rate. Because of this, you should understand that your body weight can vary from day to day. Going on the scale more often than necessary can cause anxiety , getting your body in “stress mode” rather than “fat burning” mode. This will make you release more unwanted hormones that will sabotage your weight loss process and make you store fat instead.
Mindful eating makes wonders!
Yes! Certainly, there is nothing like sitting down and enjoying every single bite of foods that we eat. Mindful eating involves enjoying the moment we dedicate to eat food. Essentially, it about eating slowly, enjoying the taste, smell and texture of the food, without further distractions. Studies show that the more mindful we are when we eat, the more satisfied we become, therefore we promote a faster weight loss.
You learn to listen to your body and feed it accordingly
This is part of what mindful eating is. However, it goes a further way when you eat until you are full. You listen to your body, learning about the hunger signals and feed it until you are completely satisfied. Bingeing and overeating is much more than just an emotional thing. More often than not, we were taught to eat fast, in a rush, barely chewing the food. This is the main reasons why you may have sugar cravings, not allowing enough time for your body to digest your food properly. Did you know that eating only when you are hungry or when you are supposed to will help you lose weight faster? Keep it in mind.
Food is used to fuel your body, not to suppress emotions
We sometimes go through emotional eating. However, we should not let food rule our lives. The main focus is to eat food according to our body’s needs, not to calm feeling of anxiety or stress. Food should not be used as a mean to treat loneliness, frustrations or even depression. If you are going through any of these symptoms, then look for help! But never, ever, rely on food. Instead, focus your energy on other thoughts, and activities, such as staying active, exercising effectively, to boost your metabolism and brain function.
When you have a healthy relationship with food, you embrace treats
Life is about balance and enjoying varieties of foods in different ways. We should stop labeling foods as “cheat meals” as if they were bad for us. We all have a right to savour foods that are not part of our regular eating regimen, it’s part of being healthy too! Cheat sounds as if you are not supposed to eat those foods at all. In fact, putting your mind through that stress will only cause the effect of making you overindulge and then feel guilty about it later. Remember that moderation and balance are keys always.
There is no need to “make up” for an imperfect eating day
Again, in terms of having treats occasionally, you should not feel guilt or any pressure whatsoever. Once you learn how to eat right and make the proper food choices on a regular basis for your health goals, there is no need to worry about the so-called treats. Over exercising and dieting the next few days after having treats before will only make you feel confused, overwhelmed and bad about yourself. There is no need for that. Remember that feeling of guilt makes your body release hormones that trigger fat storage.
Your focus does not rely on foods
One of the most important aspects of having a healthy relationship with food is actually not focusing all your mind and energy on it. In fact, the less you think about food, the better it is for you to achieve effective weight loss and keep your body in fat burning mode. Our life has so many aspects and conditions to only be thinking about food all the time.
You don’t compare yourself to others
This is very important when it comes to having a healthy relationship with food. It has to do with body image as well. Comparing yourself with other people’s eating lifestyles will only cause confusion and overwhelm. Bear in mind that everyone has a different eating background, food tolerance and body in general. Focus on your own goals and what works for you.
You don’t feel anxiety and stress when having a healthy relationship with food
Having that freedom of mind when it comes to eating is what will help you feel better physically and emotionally. Not thinking about counting calories or obsessing over food will give you not only peace of mind, but also free your mind from stress. You can only achieve this when you learn how to properly choose the foods that are good for you according to your body goals and needs. Focus on developing healthy habits first, rather than on the numbers on the scale.
You don’t have a “dieting” mindset when having a healthy relationship with food
Having the mindset of doing “diet” can often lead your body into stress mode. Simply because you see diets as restrictions and avoiding most foods. Focus instead on developing a healthy balanced whole foods mindset. This means, that you will shift all your attention towards the nutrients and benefits you get from the foods you should eat regularly, rather than on restrictions or foods you should cut out.
Get proper guidance and assessment
Finally, focus on getting proper assessment on the types of foods you need. Also, ask about the proper eating lifestyle you should follow for your body goals and needs. Do not rely on the “diet trends” out there, you should always seek for individual assessment and direction if you are still struggling with your weight. Don’t hesitate anymore, it’s time to get your goals, wellness and the body you’ve always wanted without food obsessions! You will learn to develop a healthy relationship with food and to master your metabolism. If you are looking for a safe, realistic and effective way to kickoff your health results, head over here to start you own challenge!
The bottom line,
A mental shift towards better weight and wellness does not happen overnight. But, it’s a process that you should embrace gracefully. Mindful eating starts with baby steps. It is certainly the way to start steering your thinking about food in a more positive direction. Once you learn how to eat healthily on a regular basis, that fear and anxiety would be gone. It is all about achieving balance and learning how to maintain a healthy nutrition and lifestyle! Let me know your thoughts below, share this with your friends!
