by Sofia Moreau

We all tend to lean towards certain food patterns. Food, along with being an essential bodily sustenance, has evolved as a complex social construct. From marking celebrations to expressing gratitude or attachment- it is increasingly serving larger functions. This weighty relationship between food and daily life makes it critical to foster healthier eating patterns.

The concept of dieting, although seemingly modern, started gaining prominence in the UK around 1863. The first documented diet recommended high intake of meat, vegetables, and fruit over carbohydrates, leading to dramatic weight loss. This gives us a glimpse of the dieting culture’s deep roots and extensive influence. If you’re one to label yourself ‘good’ or ‘bad’ concerning your food and exercise habits, you’ve seeped into the dieting culture. These labels make for a flawed concept as food choices mustn’t be equated with moral values.

Understanding Food Cravings and the Role of Mental Health

Feeling guilty after indulging in a savory piece of chocolate or skipping the gym when exhausted doesn’t necessarily make you ‘bad’. There is certainly room for improvement if you feel the need to ‘restrict’ food intake or ‘get back on track’ regularly. Instead, focusing on understanding your body’s hunger signals and maintaining a balanced mental state is key.

The signs of hunger are multifaceted and individual-specific. From stomach growls to headaches, irritability, or dizziness, hunger can manifest in numerous ways. Hence, it’s important to pay attention to these signs, observe any changes in your moods, and eat when your body signals — not as per external rules or distractions.

The Fallacy of Emotional Eating

Another food-related pitfall to avoid is emotional eating — consuming food to deal with feelings rather than hunger. Using food as a stress-response, a coping mechanism, or a means of comfort can lead to unfair guilt and deep-seated emotional issues. Substituting food with other rewarding activities like exercise, painting, or social engagements could help manage your emotions more healthily.

Break Away from Social Media-Impressed Eating Patterns

If you find yourself under peer pressure on social media to look, eat or wield lifestyle habits a certain way, it’s time for a social media detox. Focus on establishing a digitally healthy environment that supports body positivity and self-worth. Much like surrounding yourself with empathetic friends, you must extend this principle to your online life.

Say No to Restrictive Diets and Yes to Mindful Choices

Being overly restrictive with your food choices can turn into an obsession leading to frequent food thoughts, developing an unhealthy link between your mental and physical health. In many cases, these obsessive thoughts translate into cravings for high-calorie foods like cakes and chocolates. These foods provide instant energy, fulfilling what your body might lack.

Opting for ‘healthy alternatives’ when your body craves specific foods like pizza might seem like a smart choice but can backfire. Hybrids like wrap-style pizzas tend to satisfy the body’s needs less effectively, leading to overindulgence, unhealthy portions, and ultimately, guilt. To manage cravings better, honor your body’s requirements, and limit to portion size rather than restricting choices. Sometimes, the healthiest choice for the mind might be an ‘unhealthy’ choice for the body. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all diet. Accepting and understanding your body’s needs and cravings is paramount to developing an enduring, healthy relationship with food.

mental health, healthy eating habits, dieting culture, emotional eating, social media detox, eating patterns, hunger signs, food cravings, restrictive diets, healthy alternatives