BY COACH NADIA POPOVA
Being a personal trainer, I have guided many individuals on their path toward better health and fitness. Over time, I’ve realized that one of the essential factors affecting overall well-being is our relationship with food. It’s not just fuel for our bodies. Food is a part of the culture; it plays a crucial role in social interactions, emotions, and self-esteem. Thus, developing a healthy relationship with food is essential for achieving consistent fitness and overall well-being results.
In this blog post, I want to share some tips on how to cultivate a positive and balanced approach to eating. Understanding the Purpose of Food With the abundance of tasty food on every corner, it can be difficult to remember that, primarily, food is fuel for our bodies rather than a reward, a coping mechanism, a treat, etc. Its main purpose is to give us energy and essential nutrients to keep our bodies healthy and functional.
Reframing your perspective on food can drastically change what, how much, and when you eat. Avoid Restrictive Diets Extreme diets and restrictive eating patterns that can harm physical and mental health. While they may lead to short-term weight loss, they are often unsustainable in the long run. Instead, strive for a balanced approach that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods in appropriate portions.
Practice Mindful Eating
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of the moment you are now living. Hence, mindful eating means being fully present during your meals, not eating before screens, or rushing through your meals. Eat at a normal pace to be able to enjoy food and can tell when you are not hungry anymore not to overeat.
Let go of the Guilt
We all have days when we indulge in our favorite treats or enjoy a dinner out with friends. It’s important to ditch any guilt associated with occasional indulgences. Guilt can make you hate yourself and punish yourself with restrictive diets, which often bounce back with overeating and even more guilt. Remember, the key to healthy eating is moderation, and one “off” meal won’t derail your progress. Say “No” to Emotional Eating Emotional eating is using food to cope with the negative emotions you experience. But since it’s not the primary purpose of food, you need to identify triggers that lead to emotional eating and find alternative coping mechanisms. For example, you can instead engage in activities you enjoy, such as exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
Educating Yourself
Healthy nutrition can be a difficult subject, but taking the time to educate yourself about different food groups, nutrients, and their roles in the body can be really helpful. For the best results, you can also use the help of a certified nutritionist or personal trainer who can help you develop a diet for your specific fitness goals. Embrace Flexibility Sometimes, life can be unpredictable, and so are our eating patterns. Instead of aiming for perfection and guilt-tripping yourself when you can’t reach it, embrace flexibility in your diet. Aim for a healthy diet daily but don’t spare yourself from enjoying social gatherings, family events, and special occasions. One or two “off-plan” meals won’t undermine your overall progress.
Planning ahead:
Planning meals and snacks ahead can prevent impulsive and unhealthy food choices. When you’re prepared, you’re less likely to grab convenient but less healthy options. Meal prepping and having healthy snacks readily available will help you stay on track throughout the week. Developing a healthy relationship with food is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to learn. By understanding the purpose of food, practicing mindful eating, avoiding guilt, and embracing flexibility, you can build a sustainable and balanced approach to nutrition. Remember, it’s not just about what you eat but how you eat and how you feel about your choices that matter most on the path to optimal health and wellness.
Do you feel like using the help of a specialist? Consider “Send Me A Trainer,” led by Nadia Popova. The team of certified personal trainers will gladly help you reach your fitness and nutrition goals through professional guidance, motivation, and increased accountability.
Best in Health,
Team SMAT
760-880-9904
