Maybe this is a brand new concept for you. Or maybe building a healthy relationship with food is something you’ve been thinking about for a while now. We all have a different story, but most of us have at some point in our life, been impacted by society’s expectations around food and body image, and by the pressures of a billion dollar diet industry.

If you’ve ever considered working on changing your relationship with food iftmay have been for a number of reasons. Are you sick of feeling guilty after eating certain foods? Do you struggle to include foods that you love? Maybe you’re stuck in a cycle of dieting. Regardless of the reason, have you ever thought about how your relationship with food will impact your children or future children?

The truth is that building a healthy relationship with food can positively impact the whole family. Our little ones learn through modelling – from the words we use and our behaviours around food. Read on to learn what you can do to start building a healthy relationship with food.

When Should I Start Building a Healthy Relationship with Food?

It is never too early or too late to starting working on your relationship with food. Whether you’re planning to have a family in the future, near or far, or if you already have a family, now is the time.

How Can I Start Improving My Relationship with Food?

The language we use when we talk about food is a great place to start. The more we say something – whether out loud, or internally, the sooner we learn to truly believe it. Try some of these word swaps when you’re talking about food:

Avoid:

• • Referring to food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’
  • Using words such as ‘junk’ or ‘treats’
  • Labelling food as either ‘healthy’ or ‘unhealthy’

Instead try:

• • Referring to food in ways that if offers us energy, strength, comfort, warmth, etc.
  • Using your senses to talk about food, including how it tastes, how it feels, the texture it offers, etc.
  • Using the words ‘meals’ and ‘snacks’ and including all types of foods in both categories

Where Can I Go From Here?

Building a healthy relationship with food does not happen overnight. Healing this relationship, learning to use different language, accepting all foods – it takes time and effort, which often requires support and guidance.

If you’re looking to heal, strengthen and build a healthy relationship with food click here to determine which of our supports and services might fit you best.

Final Notes from The Nest

Building a healthy relationship with food for yourself can be the beginning of offering the same to your children. Children will model your words and behaviours, and will learn how to feel about food early on. Working with a Registered Dietitian is a great way to work through a damaged relationship with food, and to come out with a better connection to all types of foods.