Let’s face it, with fast food being so readily available and people feeling so time poor, the mere idea of slowing down and having a different relationship with food can be a challenge!

However, if you really want to quit stress and increase a greater sense of wellbeing, giving yourself permission to have a very different relationship with food is a great place start. Historically food has been shared as a part of our daily routines, communal events and celebrations. In fact, there can still be something sacred when we ‘break bread’, i.e. share food with those we love.

Reflect

Here are some reflective questions to get you started:

• Are you an ‘eat on the run’ kind of person?
• Are you more inclined to think about food when someone else mentions it or is it often on your mind?
• Do you like to plan meals ahead of time?
• Do you like variety or prefer to stick to the same kind of food?
• How do you eat your food?
• Sitting down, driving, walking, talking?
• When do you eat?
• Do you have a regular eating time for 3 meals or day?
• Do you eat 3 meals a day?
• Do you know where your food comes from?

Make a Change

Learning how to have a different relationship with food requires you to think differently. If your diet is largely consistent of processed foods and you’re eating unconsciously it’s highly likely that you’ve not tuned in to food as fuel.

Ask yourself, would you ever put dirty fuel, oil or water in your car? You know your body is your vehicle and the type of fuel you put into it affects performance, as does the way you even think about food.

So, it’s time to give yourself permission to think very differently about the importance of food and your relationship with it. If you’re in a love/hate relationship with food, there is no better time than now to change that!

Are you ready to start that journey? It’s ok if you feel a little unsure or maybe even anxious. Change can do that – the important thing is that you give yourself permission to embark on this journey of quitting stress on every level.

And to do the very best you can each and every day.