Nutrition & Embodiment – Building a Healthy Relationship with Food

Our relationship with food can be an influential part of our embodiment practice. When we prepare or get ready to enjoy a meal, we may be thinking about a mix of things – the steps needed to prepare it, whether or not we have the ingredients, how long it will take, etc. Yet, what if each meal was more of a unique experience instead? Consider how it would feel if we allowed ourselves to truly become immersed in all of the sensory experiences involved with each meal.

Diet culture can affect the relationship that we create with food. For some, a mealtime can be a difficult moment that brings with it hesitancy, uncertainty, or shame. Perhaps there is confusion about what is best to eat for our bodies based on conflicting information and guidance. Maybe boredom has taken over if eating has started to feel like a chore with no perceived benefits. Approaching food from a perspective of wellness and health can help us to reshape our perspective and develop a more intuitive connection while enjoying our meals more frequently. Here are some tips that can help us develop a healthy relationship with food.

TIPS FOR BUILDING A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD

Make mealtimes an experience. Avoid eating while stressed, rushing, driving, multitasking, etc. When we carve out time to eat, this gives us the space to savor the flavors and truly enjoy the meal. It’s also a reminder that we deserve a mindful moment to appreciate our food and nourish ourselves.

Admire your plate. Before diving in, take time to acknowledge your food. Notice the colors, textures, smells, and temperatures. You can also use this time to appreciate the food preparation process – whether it was by you or someone else. Soak in the finished product before it begins to leave your plate.

Be aware of your hunger cues. As you’re consuming your meals, notice when you begin to feel satisfied. Instead of eating until you’re full, allow yourself to slow down between bites, and assess how much your body needs. On the other hand, remind yourself to take in the nourishment your body needs to prevent a tendency to overly restrict.

…nourishing yourself with healthy and tasty food is something your body deserves….

Turn off screens. Removing distractions while eating can help us to be more aware of the food we’re taking in. This act of existing more in the present can also prevent us from overeating, creating a more pleasant experience overall.

Affirm yourself. When it’s time to enjoy your food, make an effort to prevent shame and embarrassment from sitting at the table with you. You’re allowed to enjoy your food fully and wholly and nourishing yourself with healthy and tasty food is something your body deserves.

Creating a healthy relationship with food is a personal experience that can vary for many reasons. No matter what that looks like to you, there is always room to reframe how you experience nutrition. Share in the comments below how these steps help to improve your wellness journey!