FOOD+NUTRITION Blair Mize, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN, CEDRD-S
HOW TO HAVE A
Healthy Relationship WITH FOOD Healthy relationships bring out the best in us and help us feel good about ourselves. The same is true of our relationship with food and our bodies. A healthy relationship doesn’t equal a perfect relationship, but these seven contrasting characteristics may help you recognize the need to shift toward healthier behaviors.
Unhealthy: FEAR
Unhealthy: DISCONNECTED
Your relationship with food is a never-ending roller coaster. You nervously anticipate eating, and the anxiety continues throughout and/or after each meal. Eating certain amounts or types of foods feels unsafe. The thought of trying new foods is overwhelming.
You’re unaware or accustomed to ignoring or overriding your body’s hunger and fullness cues. You continue to eat foods that make you feel poorly and have totally lost sight of your preferences. You isolate yourself from others when eating.
Healthy: FULFILLING In a healthy relationship, food is functional and fun. Eating is a relaxing, freeing experience where you are able to be yourself and remain true to your preferences. You enjoy eating and fueling consistently with satisfying meals and snacks that brings out the best in you.
Healthy: CONNECTED You’re working with your body, not against it by honoring hunger and fullness signals. Mealtimes offer time to regroup and reconnect with yourself and provide opportunities to connect and build relationships with family and friends.
Unhealthy: RIGIDITY Unhealthy: ABSORBED Thoughts about food and your body claim a large percentage of your mental space each day. You’re obsessed with counting and tracking your nutrition, workouts, and measurements. Life centers around eating and exercise.
Healthy: AUTONOMY Once you’ve eaten enough of your meals and snacks, you’re able to move on until you get hungry again. Food stops occupying your thoughts and you have space to be yourself and engage in work, hobbies, and relationships with others.
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When it comes to food, it’s all about willpower and self-control. You monitor every morsel that comes into your home or touches your plate. If you didn’t make it yourself, it doesn’t fit your plan, or it isn’t the correct time, you won’t eat it.
Healthy: FLEXIBILITY You’re able to be spontaneous with eating and adapt with ease when schedules and plans change. You freely eat and enjoy a variety of foods, so you’re able to meet your nutritional needs without a major dilemma.
Blair Mize, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN, CEDRD-S is co-owner of Memphis Nutrition Group, a nutrition and lifestyle counseling practice offering in-person and virtual nutrition therapy specializing in a non-diet, weight-neutral approach. The Registered Dietitians at Memphis Nutrition Group help individuals reconnect with their bodies, find confidence and clarity in their everyday choices, and create a peaceful, balanced approach to food that tastes good and feels even better. Contact Memphis Nutrition Group at 901.343.6146 or visit MemphisNutritionGroup.com for more information.
