Nutrition

COMPASSIONATE NUTRITION

Our Future Normal campaign zooms in on the compassion that underpins our lifestyle. The practice of excluding animal products from our diets is an obvious form of compassionate eating. However, there are a variety of ways we can nurture kindness towards ourselves and others when we view nutrition through the lens of compassion.

Weight discrimination and stigma

The negative impact of these issues in our society cannot be underestimated. We can all help to address weight discrimination and stigma by seeking to respect and value all bodies regardless of size.

Regarding obesity, the British Dietetic Association encourages the media and other organisations to embrace the following approaches when communicating about this topic: • Recognise that obesity is a complex chronic health condition influenced by multiple individual and external factors • Avoid combative language, e.g. ‘the war on obesity’ • Use positive imagery and first-person terminology, e.g. ‘we’.

These guidelines are food for thought. Everyone can benefit from taking steps towards better health from a place of acceptance and positivity.

Food relationships

Keep in mind that many of us have complex relationships with food and our bodies. For example, commenting on people’s portion sizes or weight loss or gain may have a negative impact on their self-compassion.

Language plays an important role in our relationship with food. It’s helpful to steer clear of using labels like ‘bad’ to describe foods that we are encouraged to limit, such as takeaways and confectionery. Instead, you can use factual descriptors such as ‘high-salt’ and ‘highly processed’.

Nourishing kindness

When we make dietary changes for better health, it’s sometimes difficult to stay positive through the ups and downs. Reflecting on how you are taking care of yourself and others through nourishing choices may be helpful. Seeking out opportunities for positive food experiences can make a big difference too. Cooking and enjoying a tasty, nutritious meal with someone can give both of you a mental and physical boost. You may also find it rewarding to have a go at growing your own food, even if it’s something as simple as windowsill herbs. Mindful eating is a valuable skill too, and involves practicing increased awareness of your senses, thoughts and feelings during and after you eat. Here are some useful techniques: • Tune into your body’s signals throughout the day, so that you are less likely to experience extreme hunger or extreme fullness • Create a relaxing environment for eating • Take more time to chew, savour your food and pause • Recognise any links between your mood and food without judgement.

Take-away tips

• Use positive and factual language when discussing topics relating to food and weight • Develop the skill of mindful eating to increase your awareness and enjoyment • Seek out positive food experiences, such as growing your own food and cooking and eating with someone else.

Tips about getting the most out of your vegan diet are available at vegansociety.com/nutrition.

Heather Russell, Dietitian