Food is always a part of our life experience. In my home country of Sweden, we socialize a lot around food. In the world of fitness, proper nutrition is vital for making progress and increasing energy levels. As a child, food is a necessity for growth and development, and as we get older, we become more aware of our diet’s impact on our longevity. So why then do we get lost in the middle?
In between infancy and old age, we develop a tortured relationship with food. Most people I know, including me, have issues surrounding food. From deciphering food labels to eating out to making healthy food choices, what we put in our mouths can be the most difficult decision we make each day.
Week 2 assignment: Learn to love food
That brings me to this week’s assignment. I invite you to create healthier eating patterns, which can help you celebrate food and eating (again), by rethinking some of your concepts surrounding food. There is no reason why we cannot enjoy our food experiences, after all, it is what keeps us alive and healthy, and gives us energy and even joy at times. For this week, try focusing on these three concepts and see if they help you fall in love with food (in a healthy, joyous way).
1. Try to let go of any negative feelings you have about food. Think about food in this way: “The food I put in my body is healing my body and giving me energy. And it tastes good, too!”
2. Wean yourself from processed foods. Try to stick to whole foods that are closer to what Mother Earth provides to us.
3. Enjoy! Make your meal last for at least 20 minutes, and allow yourself to really taste the food. Notice the texture. Chew slowly and thoroughly. Stop eating when you feel satisfied but not full. Can you feel where that is?
I wholeheartedly understand how difficult this can be. I, too, get lost in a controlling web, and sometimes it is hard to find the joy in the things we have to do every day. Take your diary (if you haven’t bought one yet, I recommend it, it is going to be your guide book to yourself when it is done!) and write down these three concepts. Practice them this week, share them with your loved ones and discuss with me or your friends. Slowly integrating them into your life will make them attainable. Most of all, approach everything with an open heart and remember, you are on your way to a better, healthier and more joyous you!
Please let me know how it goes and Live Life Loud!
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