Reconnecting with Food: Your Guide to Mindful Eating

August 26th, 2023

Since I turned 18, diving into the world of food has posed a significant struggle from my perspective. This challenge stems from my firm belief that a large portion of the food available in grocery stores is alarmingly unhealthy and potentially cancer-inducing. The realization that many of the foods ingrained in our diets are banned in other countries due to their detrimental effects, contributing to various illnesses, adds to my unease. I find it difficult to trust the safety and nourishment provided by the food choices we come across. The concept of achieving a state of entirely clean eating feels unattainable due to my lack of faith in most food options. As someone who tends to be quite concerned about health, I feel that considering the declining food quality nowadays, it might be wise to adopt a more intuitive and mindful approach to eating. As we witness the noticeable drop in the quality of our food, it's becoming more and more evident that we should make the longevity of our health and our general well-being a top concern. Our bodies serve as vessels for experiencing life's journey, and maintaining optimal health plays a pivotal role in fully embracing and savoring that journey.

Understanding Intuitive Eating

Intuitive eating isn't just another diet; it's a Mindset Shift that promotes a balanced and harmonious relationship with food. At its core, intuitive eating encourages us to tune into our body's natural cues and eat based on hunger, fullness, and satisfaction. Rather than relying on external rules, calorie counts, or strict meal plans, intuitive eating empowers us to become attuned to our body's signals, maintaining a sustainable and joyful way of eating.

Reject the Diet Mentality: Intuitive eating begins by moving away from the mentality of following diets. Trying to restrict your eating causes more stress, whereas adopting the belief that you can include all types of food in a balanced and healthy way is the better approach, as long as you do it thoughtfully.

Honor Your Hunger: Recognize your body's hunger signals and respond to them appropriately. Fuel your body when it needs nourishment to maintain steady energy levels. Stop waiting to eat or snack on something!

Make Peace with Food: Allow yourself the freedom to savor various foods without feeling guilty. When you don't label any foods as forbidden, making decisions becomes simpler. If you struggle with self-control, consider incorporating discipline.

Challenge the Food Police: I am such a food police hahahaha but try silencing the inner critic that labels foods as "good" or "bad." Focus on how foods make you feel rather than attaching moral judgments. Avoid going overboard, maintaining balance is crucial, just like the concept of yin and yang. Excessive indulgence in negative things can lead to depletion or negative outcomes.

Discover Satisfaction: Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and enjoyment that food brings. Seek satisfaction in your meals to prevent feelings of deprivation. Start trying new foods!

Feel Your Fullness: Tune in while eating and recognize when you're comfortably full. Over time, this will help you naturally regulate portion sizes. Remember, over eating is not the proper way to consume food and comes with its own consequences!

Cope with Emotions Without Food: Find alternative ways to manage stress, boredom, and other emotions that don't involve using food as a crutch.

Respect Your Body: Embrace your body's unique shape and size. Self-acceptance is crucial for having a positive relationship with food. Learn to love yourself at every age and phase!!

Exercise – Feel the Difference: Shift your focus from exercising solely for weight loss to moving your body in ways that make you feel good and energized. When you engage in activities that make you sweat and keep your body in motion, you're benefiting both your physical and mental health. However, refraining from exercise or physical activity can have repercussions on your body that will impact you later.

Embracing Intuitive Eating

In a world full of food rules, intuitive eating has been my lifeline. Trusting my body's cues, I've rekindled a positive relationship with food. It's not just about nutrients, but about how food makes you feel. By ditching diets and embracing satisfaction, I've found a way to enjoy food without guilt. Intuitive eating isn't a quick fix; it's a journey of self-discovery and self-care. Each of us maintains a unique and evolving connection with food, but it's important to remember that you can steer yourself towards a positive and wholesome relationship with food. It doesn't have to become excessive or lead to negative outcomes. In the journey towards a healthier relationship with food, remember that small, mindful choices can lead to amazing transformations. By having a balanced approach and being attuned to your body's needs, you pave the way for lasting well-being and a more harmonious connection with the nourishment you enjoy.