What does having a ‘good relationship with food’ mean? 4 ways to know if you’ve got one

By Clare Collins, Tracy Burrows, University of Newcastle

Travelling on a train recently you couldn’t help but overhear two women deep in conversation about a mutual obsession with food, including emotional triggers that pushed them towards chocolate and pizza.

They shared feeling guilty about a perceived lack of willpower around food and regularly rummaging through the fridge looking for tasty treats to help soothe emotions. Both lamented not being able to stop and think before eating.

Their discussion was a long way from talking about physiological requirements for food to fuel your body and meet essential nutrient needs. Instead, it was highly emotive.

It got me thinking about the meaning of a healthy relationship with food, how a person’s eating behaviours develop, and how a “good” relationship can be nurtured. Here’s what a “healthy” food relationship can look like.

What does a ‘good relationship with food’ mean?

You can check whether your relationship with food is “healthy” by seeing how many items on this list you tick “yes” to. Are you:

1. in tune with your body cues, meaning you’re aware when you are hungry, when you’re not, and when you’re feeling full?

2. eating appropriate amounts and variety of foods across all food groups, at regular intervals so your nutrient, health and wellbeing needs are met?

3. comfortable eating with others and also eating alone?

4. able to enjoy food, without feelings of guilt or it dominating your life?

If you didn’t get many ticks, you might need to work on improving your relationship with food.

Why does a good relationship with food matter?

A lot of “no” responses indicate you may be using food as a coping mechanism in response to negative emotions. The problem is this triggers the brain’s reward centre, meaning although you feel better, this behaviour becomes reinforced, so you are more likely to keep eating in response to negative emotions.

Read Full Story https://theconversation.com/what-does-having-a-good-relationship-with-food-mean-4-ways-to-know-if-youve-got-one-202622