Establishing A Healthy Relationship with Food

Food is something we cannot live without. As much as we need air, we need food to survive. Over the years, new restaurants, new menus, new variations of food have popped up here and there and food has never been so within reach. In fact, we might even say that sometimes we are faced with excessive amounts of them without realising it, and just take in whatever is presented to us. 

And because of this, we might not realise how the choice and control of our consumption is not really in our hands anymore. So often do we spot a delicious, cheesy spaghetti, or a savoury piece of fried chicken, or even a decadent array of chocolatey desserts, whether in real life or on a screen, and immediately or indirectly start craving them. Then we seek out those foods, and the cycle continues. What we do not notice with that behaviour is how easily our relationship with food is influenced by visuals and by cravings. 

Consuming these unhealthy foods can take a toll on our health, both physically and mentally. We might gain weight, beat ourselves up for it, try to go on a strict diet, somewhat succeed, hit a plateau, feel helpless about the lack of results, go on a binge, gain some more weight, and yet another vicious cycle continues. 

“What then can I do? How do I gain back my control of my food and get back my life?”

Moderation is key. 

Is it easy?

Well, the answer is both yes and no. 

Easy, why? Because “everything” in moderation. Nothing is off-limits. In fact, it is deemed unhealthy to do so. A bit of this and a bit of that. So, from here, you’ll be able to consume good amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fats from a variety of sources.

And difficult, why? Because if you already have an unhealthy relationship with food, a proper portion might seem too much. If you were on an extreme diet before, you may be hesitant to accept more food for fear that you might gain weight. In this day and age, we are bombarded with pictures and videos where skinny body frame, “clean eating” and over-exercising are being over-glorified. So much so,  you may be thinking right now that food is the enemy, but they are not. Food is there to provide you energy and sustain you. Exercising to punish yourself for having that one muffin or one cake is not a healthy relationship with food.

It is a challenge, but if you’re able to overcome the struggle and learn to see food differently, it is life-changing.

How can I do that?

While there is no foolproof method, there are some ways to go about it. Here are 3 of them.

1. Once in a while

Balanced meals may seem boring, but did you know that having dessert every now and then in moderate amounts is completely fine? It is part of having a healthy relationship with food. Yes, having fruits as a snack choice is still a healthy way to curb your sugar cravings, but if you have one and you still want to enjoy a dessert with your friend once in a while, it’s completely fine! This way, you get to enjoy some sweets without going overboard, so it doesn’t create cravings or a sugar overload. What’s more, you can make your desserts more nutritious by adding fibre, adding protein if possible, opting for less sugary options, and generally just being aware and having portion control.

2. Be active

Now, you don’t need to be like weightlifting champions or bodybuilders to be considered active. Yes, going to the gym to exercise is great, but if you are not a gym junkie, find another activity that interests you to keep you going on a routine and not just on the day you enjoy desserts, for instance, swimming or jogging. If you’ve been leading a sedentary lifestyle, it is always good to start out small, so you don’t shock your body too much in the beginning, and work your way up. For instance, starting with just a 30-minute walk. Being active keeps your mind alert and your body ready.

3. Eat to nourish

Your body is precious and what you feed it is important. That is not to say that all you can eat are leafy greens, oh no. You should eat from all food groups because your body needs nutrients from all of them and there are some vitamins and minerals that the body cannot produce on its own, and instead get them from consumption. So balanced meals are great. Sure, you can have that piece of fried chicken, but pair it with a salad, more greens, and it becomes a more balanced meal.

And here at ReLacto, we have balanced meals – the best lactation meals. If you’re a mother and you’re wondering ‘where do I get lactation beverages and lactation food near me’, look no further.
Our comprehensive menu of lactation beverages and food will surprise you. All you have to do is check out our packages and you will find that not only are the meals and drinks healthy and balanced, but they’re also great for boosting breast milk supply – a win-win for both mummy and baby! Discover our full menu to learn more!