Challenging our Perceptions of Food: A Benefits-Centric Approach to Eating

With the New Year already roaring along, now is as good a time as ever to talk about our relationship with food. For the longest time, society has framed food in a binary fashion – some foods are labeled as 'good' because they're nutritious, while others are deemed 'bad' because they're often associated with higher calories, sugar, or fats. This black-and-white thinking can create unnecessary guilt, shame, and stress around eating, leading to an unhealthy relationship with food – but what if we change our approach and focus on the positive benefits that food brings to our bodies? Instead of focusing on the categorization of food as 'good' or 'bad,' let's shift our mindset to a benefits-centric approach. Every morsel we consume has something positive to offer our bodies. Whether it's providing essential nutrients, boosting our energy, supporting our immune system, or simply bringing us joy, food serves numerous purposes beyond its mere categorization.

Here's How You Can Embrace Benefits-Centric Thinking:

Nutrient Awareness: Pay attention to the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants present in various foods. For instance, that bowl of colorful veggies isn't just 'good,' it's bursting with vitamins that support your overall health. 

Mindful Eating: Tune into your body's needs and signals. Working to be intentional and aware of how different foods make you feel can help change our mindset and motivations surrounding our eating habits. Noticing when your body feels energized and sustained, and when you feel sluggish or uneasy, can help you identify the meals that benefit you most.

Diversity Matters: Embracing a variety of foods in your diet brings with it a variety of unique benefits. From the omega-3 fatty acids in fish to the calcium in dairy, diversifying your meals ensures you're receiving a wide range of nutrients that help each of your body systems function at their best.

Pleasure in Eating: Allow yourself to enjoy food without guilt. That piece of chocolate isn't just 'bad' because it's sweet; it can uplift your mood and bring a moment of joy.

Reject Food Guilt: Looking inward to determine where your guilt surrounding food stems from can be a huge step toward rejecting it. Do you feel you need to be at a certain weight? There are far more indicators of health than weight alone. Do you feel you haven’t ‘earned’ certain foods through exercise? Food is fuel and you have earned it simply by being alive. Sure, these rationalizations are easier heard than believed, but recognizing and contradicting your own negative thoughts connected to your eating habits are the first steps toward freeing yourself from them.

By adopting a benefits-centric approach to food, we can create a healthier and more positive relationship with what we eat. It's about nourishing our bodies, appreciating the diverse benefits of different foods, and enjoying the pleasure that eating can bring.

Remember, food isn't just about 'good' or 'bad.' It's about fueling ourselves in ways that sustain and support our bodies. Let's celebrate the vibrant array of benefits that food provides and savor every bite with gratitude for its nourishing qualities.

Cheers,

Hillary Maier & the Nurture Family