Realistic ways to develop a positive attitude toward eating

Last updated on April 2nd, 2023 at 02:35 pm

Disclaimer:

I’m not an expert on diet or mental health. Just a human sharing her views on a path that’s common to all.

Every time the topic of food, diet, nutrition, feeding, etc., comes up, it’s a sensitive one.

Mostly, feeding relates to/influences our body size, maybe this is why it gets so much attention since there’s a fixation on how humans look. There is a lot of information when it comes to the right food for the right nutrition, but that’s for another day (or never!). With size, it means that if there is a highly coveted body size, we go back to our food timetable to see which food we can replace with another.

We cannot talk about our body size without talking about food. Many times, food is also seen as a means to an end, an inevitable routine, a source of indulgence, and an emotional crutch. Overall, our attitude towards feeding can be very negative. And I can relate to this. 

Unlearning negative thinking and relearning beneficial habits as it relates to feeding can be a lifetime journey, but it’s worth it. I certainly know that parting with the guilt post-indulgence is worth it. This process also requires a lot of discipline and willingness to tune in to your intuition. We’re referring to programming that existed long before you came into existence.

Seek knowledge:

I mean everything about food, nutrition, the body and how it works, food addiction, optimal health, etc. Keep an open mind and just learn. Not one book, not two books… not just some google searches, and then that’s it. Delve into this knowledge. Find out why you eat so much until your stomach hurts. 

*Inserts quote*: something about the teacher appearing when the student is ready.

Unlearn everything you’ve ever learnt about body image:

With knowledge comes a harsh truth, a slap in the face. Then maybe denial. But the application of knowledge means that you have to unlearn. This is how you create space for the new. Unlearn everything you’ve ever been told about body image and body positivity. “The right waist-to-hip ratio.” Discard. “Loving yourself in your size.” Bin it. Yes. 

We’re a sensitive bunch, but we can also handle the truth. Our truth. Just as much as we should dispel negativity, we should be careful not to fall into the trap of toxic positivity. Negative feelings exist for a reason. If no one ever told you what the ideal body is, what’s your own ideal body? Start from there.

Then,

Mark the steps to achieving the balance:

Once you seek knowledge, a lot of things and beliefs can come crashing down. Trauma can be unveiled. You can notice that when you’re stressed you crave a particular food that leaves you upset for days. Be open. But don’t forget to apply what you’ve learnt. You’re allowed to be a new person over and over again.

One truth is that if we never seek certain things, we would live life as others dictate that we should… doesn’t sound so fulfilling if you ask me.

Until later,