Beyond Calories: Understanding the Complexities of Our Relationship with Food
Although I always urge people not to over-complicate their health journey, there is such a thing as taking “keep it simple” too far. Some people will tell you that weight loss is a simple matter of "calories in vs calories out" and nothing more, but the reality is far more complex. Our relationship with food plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, and it goes beyond simple mathematics of calories in vs. calories out.
In this blog post, we will explore signs that may indicate a negative relationship with food, work to try to understand the underlying causes, and discuss what steps you can take to address and improve your relationship with food no matter where you’re at today.
Before we dive into the signs and causes, I want to encourage you to approach this topic with an open mind, free from judgment. Awareness is the first step towards positive change, so let's explore some common indicators that may suggest an unhealthy relationship with food. If any of these resonate with you, remember to leave judgment at the door and stay receptive to understanding yourself better.
One more thing to note: I am not a therapist or psychologist. This blog post is not intended to diagnose anyone with an eating disorder. Unfortunately, this topic is incredibly common, and I am only able to speak to my 14 years of experience working with countless clients who have struggled with their relationship with food. If you have specific concerns, please talk with your doctor and/or a licensed therapist.
Signs You May Have an Unhealthy Relationship with Food
1. Obsessive thoughts about food, weight, or body
If you find yourself constantly thinking about food, your weight, or your body, that can indicate an unhealthy obsession. There’s a difference between being mindful of what you eat and being obsessed with what you can or can’t have.
2. Hiding food or eating in secret
Feeling the need to conceal your eating habits suggests a complex relationship with food, even if you feel like you eat healthy most of the time.
3. Feeling guilty after eating
Experiencing guilt or shame after eating something you feel is “bad” is a big indicator of negative emotions attached to food. There is no such thing as “good” food or “bad” food, just food. Some of it has more nutrients than others, but there doesn’t need to be any shame surrounding your food!
4. Binge eating or feeling helpless to stop eating
Uncontrollable eating episodes or a loss of control around food can be signs of an unhealthy pattern or relationship with food. This might not be as obvious has having an eating disorder. Many people grew up in the “clean plate” club and feel pressured to eat everything on their plate whether they are full or not.
5. Anxiety surrounding food in social situations
If you feel anxious or stressed about food choices or eating in public, you may want to pay attention to what is driving that.
6. Constantly comparing your body to others
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Frequent comparisons of your body to others can contribute to an unhealthy self-image. It’s important to remember that everybody is on their own journey, and you do not need to measure up to anyone else!
Where Do These Behaviors Come From?
Understanding the origins of your behaviors is so important to be able to move forward in your own personal growth. There are plenty of factors that can influence your relationship with food, and they vary from person to person. Some common influences include:
- Societal and peer pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards.
- Perfectionism and having rigid beliefs about food and body.
- Low self-esteem, which can fuel negative thoughts and behaviors.
- Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression that trigger emotional eating or even disordered eating.
- Early childhood experiences, including negative comments, exposure to parental figures with eating disorders, or bullying.
- Diet culture and repeated cycles of dieting leading to weight fluctuation and negative food associations.
As I stated in the beginning, I am not a therapist, nor do I claim to be able to diagnose anything. I do believe that understanding some of these core issues is integral to achieving permanent transformation, which is why our Warrior Fit team includes a licensed therapist, and why we choose to focus so many of our modules on mindset. We also encourage each of our Warriors to find a therapist they trust to help them alongside this journey on the path to holistic health. Permanent transformation comes from the inside, and it is so much more complex and nuanced than a simple calorie equation!
This Is Me. What Do I Do About It?
Becoming aware of your negative relationship with food is a significant first step! The next step will vary for everybody based on their unique needs and history. However, one thing applies to everyone: reaching out and asking for help is vital. You don't have to face this journey alone! Seek support from professionals, therapists, or support groups to guide you toward a healthier relationship with food. If you’re not sure where to start, our coaches would be happy to talk to you and give you some next steps!
Remember, self-improvement is a journey, and it's important not to be too hard on yourself. We all have areas to work on – including me – and our relationship with food is no exception! By raising your awareness and seeking assistance, you can find a path forward that works for you. Take that first step, and remember, you are not alone. Join our community group and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
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