Do you think this burger looks delicious, but consider it “bad” for you? Will you feel guilty if you eat it?
Eating is connected to a powerful psychology within us and it is so important to be mindful of the relationship we have with food. There is an overwhelming amount of information out there regarding diets and it is common to see foods labeled as either bad or good. Viewing what we eat that can way can become problematic.
There is also no shortage of ideal body images throughout social media channels, television, film, and periodicals. Those images do have an impact on how we see ourselves and judge our bodies. Against these images, do you think you have a good body or a bad body?
Shame and self-criticism is not where healthy dieting begins. Changing your diet, if desired, is about love for yourself and an interest in becoming more healthy by improving eating habits.
What’s Really Wrong with Trendy Diets?
My coaching experience shows that small changes create long term success, but I see that’s not a popular methodology among most trendy diets that often go to extremes. The reason I have never been comfortable with many popular diets over the years is due to the fact that they create deprivation from certain foods.
For people who may be struggling with an eating disorder or have a borderline condition, many popular diets can worsen or trigger the problem. Strictly limiting certain foods creates labels that they are “bad.” When someone dieting slips up and eats “bad” food, there’s guilt, then maybe that’s followed with ice cream to seek comfort. This isn’t a healthy dynamic to have with food, and there’s a nasty cycle waiting to unfold here. Also, deprivation from particular foods can lead to binging on those foods after a period of dieting. This is why many dieters regain the weight they lost and maybe add more than before.
Honestly, for changes in diet to become successful and not psychologically problematic, guilt needs to be removed from the process. Foods do not need to be categorized as good or bad. Yes, there are super nutritious foods and not so nutritious foods. Both can be consumed within a healthy diet. The greatest skill to learn is moderation.
If you feel a lot of confusion with your diet and struggle emotionally with food, it is going to be so helpful to talk with a certified dietician or a therapist.
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Photo of hamburger by Amirali Mirhashemian on Unsplash
