It can be challenging to have a balanced relationship with food, as many messages in our society conflict regarding health.
While dieting used to be all the rage, more and more people are trying to have healthy relationships with food. This means eating in a well-balanced way without depriving oneself of the joy of food or life.
If you want to eat healthy, delicious food, you don’t have to deprive yourself or be miserable. Instead, you can follow these tips to improve your relationship with food and enjoy doing it.
Tip 1: Energize Your Day
Breakfast might not be your favorite meal of the day, but eating something to start your day is essential. This doesn’t mean you have to wake up at the crack of dawn to cook a huge meal, but getting something in your stomach before going to work or running errands is still a wise idea. You can always go simple with breakfast, such as an omelet or fresh fruit.
Tip 2: Prepare Your Own Food With Loved Ones
If you don’t love to cook, you don’t always have to make home-cooked meals. But, there is something gratifying about spending time with your friends and family by creating food together. You can host baking nights or BBQs with loved ones to learn more about cooking and make memories. And, if you want to eat healthier overall, it’s an excellent way to research new recipes or approaches, like making homemade pizza in a pizza oven.
Tip 3: Have Fun With Color
When the food we eat looks appealing, we are more likely to want to eat it. So, if you want to eat a more balanced diet, using color to make your food look more exciting can help. Instead of drab salads or unseasoned lean meat, consider buying or making interesting meals that incorporate herbs, spices, vegetables, and more. You can include some exciting garnishes or bright veggies on your plate. This makes food look like a work of art and keeps your appetite going.
Tip 4: Eat What You Love
Most people love a variety of foods. Yes, some of these might be unhealthy and not the only things you should eat, but this doesn’t mean you can never enjoy them. Food doesn’t always have to be healthy to be worthwhile.
On the other hand, you probably have healthier options you love, too. You can incorporate these more into your daily meals. It’s no use making or purchasing food that you won’t eat, so don’t go out and find recipes for “healthy” foods you’ll hate.
Instead, focus on what you actually like and go from there.
Tip 5: Find What Works For You
The truth is that everyone is different. Your daily life likely looks unique to even your close family and friends. You have your own taste in food, your own schedule, and your own feelings about cooking.
So, maybe you’d prefer foods that are healthy but still convenient. On the other hand, you might want to learn more about how to prepare your meals for the week ahead of time.
Improving your relationship with food is often a process, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Let yourself enjoy learning more about your body, food, and health.
