7 ways to have a healthy food relationship

20 April 2017 by
First published: 26 July 2016

Does the thought of eating healthily fill you with dread? Maybe you assume that following a healthy diet means having to stick to strict rules and never enjoying the food you eat. If that’s what you think, you couldn’t be more wrong. It is possible to change the way you eat easily, simply and happily. You can flip your whole life around with our helpful tips. Read how you can eat healthily and be happy with our 7 ways to have a healthy food relationship.

 

  1. Eat in moderation

 Eating in moderation means you won’t feel too full after meals and that you’ll have room for nutritious snacks in between meals to keep your blood sugar levels stable. It also means that you can treat yourself every now and then, as long it’s not in excess. You don’t have to deprive yourself of anything!

 

  1. Don’t skip breakfast

 Our parents weren’t kidding when they told us that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. The first meal you eat when you wake up can have a great impact on how the rest of your day pans out. Plus, if you skip breakfast, you’re more likely to reach for snacks like chocolate or crisps in between meals. A healthy breakfast can last you all the way until lunchtime and will give you the energy you need to take on the day.

 

  1. Plan your meal times

 Planning when you’re going to eat your breakfast, lunch and dinner is a fantastic way to maintain a healthy eating regime. When you know what time of the day you’re setting aside for your meals, then you’re less likely to binge on snacks when you’re feeling hungry. Instead, you may have a small snack to keep you going until the next meal of the day.

 

  1. Snack healthily

 People who say snacking isn’t good for you just aren’t doing it right. You’re human – you’re going to get hungry, but that doesn’t mean you have to satisfy your hunger with things like crisps or chocolate. There are so many other alternatives, such as fruit, nuts or even a healthy brand of popcorn. Healthier snacks are also full of nutrients that will sustain your energy, rather than unhealthy choices that will just give you a short burst of energy for the time being.

 

  1. Don’t eat out of boredom

 Eating when you’re bored is something that so many people do and is one of the key contributors to weight gain. You have to exercise willpower and really think about why you’re going into the fridge when you’re not actually hungry. Every time you decide to go for a snack, try and figure out whether it’s for hunger or boredom. If it’s the latter, you need to practise distracting yourself in other ways – do a puzzle, go for a walk… whatever you’d like!

 

  1. Enjoy eating

 You don’t have to choose between eating healthily and loving the food you eat. There are so many ways to mix up recipes and add a touch of flavour so that your food tastes incredible and is doing you the world of good at the same time. If you have no idea where to start, do some research – look up some recipes, ask around or buy some new books. There are so many ideas out there for amazing healthy recipes that you’re sure to love!

 

  1. Sort out your priorities

 You should definitely be aware of how to eat healthily, but that doesn’t mean that you have to let it rule the way you live your life. Having a healthy food relationship should fit in with the rest of your life, not take it over completely. If you need to let loose and have fun or have a cheat night, go for it! It’s all about moderation, awareness and happiness.