FOOD FOR THOUGHT

So much information, so many opinions, and so much confusion. Every time we turn on the radio or the TV, open a newspaper or magazine there is another article or ad telling us of the latest miracle cure that will lead us to good health and weight loss. Who and what do we believe?

The truth is that there can be healthy aspects to most diets. But, and it is a big but, it has to be right for you. Can you see yourself eating this way for the rest of your life without feeling like you are missing out? That's the problem with most eating regimes – you have to cut out particular foods or food groups. It's usual to feel restricted eating this way. A question I often ask is: Would you want your children eating like this?

It can feel really good to begin with. You are in control, you feel healthier, you may or may not have lost some weight. After a while you may start craving those forbidden foods, it’s starting to feel like hard work. You’re not getting the results you did when you started. In fact, you’re feeling a little disheartened and those restricted foods start creeping back in, some chocolate, surely a few carbs won’t make that much difference. You can always do better tomorrow.

And when it doesn’t work. Whose fault is it? How do you feel? Like you’ve let yourself down? A failure even? Guilty for eating foods you weren’t supposed to? Self-esteem lower than when you started because you didn’t have the self-control and willpower to be a success?

This is a normal reaction to restriction. Just like when someone says don't think of the pink elephant. I know you're thinking of a pink elephant right now. We usually end up wanting those foods even more. Restricted foods can take on a different status. 

How do you eat those restricted foods? Guiltily? Quickly to get rid of them so you don’t need to think about them anymore? Or before someone sees you? Don’t allow them in the house. Can’t trust yourself to have them in the cupboard without eating it all? 

All food has value. It may be nutritionally, emotionally, socially or it just plain tastes good. All food can be an enjoyable part of eating well. 

Healthy eating is: 

Knowing what you feel like eating and responding to that.

Taking pleasure in your food.

Knowing when you are hungry, knowing when you are full and responding to that.

Making yourself important enough to plan and prepare the meals and food you want.

Making time to eat.

Enjoying a wide variety of foods.

Eating without rules.

Trusting yourself.

Different for different people.

Healthy eating is a lot of things but it isn’t dieting and restriction.

For more nutritional advice, book a consultation with our dietitian Rochelle here