Did you know that what you eat can affect how you feel, both physically and emotionally? Even if you’re happy with your body size, nourishing yourself properly is important. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s top medical expert, has been exploring the topic of weight in his podcast, Chasing Life.
He discusses why it’s hard to lose weight, how new diet drugs work, and how menopause affects weight. Regardless of whether you follow a special diet or eat whatever you want, the fact remains that we all have to eat to survive. We typically eat up to five times a day. So remember, what you eat matters!
Dr. Linda Shiue, a doctor and chef, shared a story about her babysitter who was always dieting and eating tasteless food.
This made her sad all the time. Dr. Shiue wanted to do something different. She started teaching her patients at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco how to cook healthy food that also tasted good. She created a teaching kitchen called Thrive Kitchen. Her patients thought healthy food was boring and not tasty. But Dr. Shiue wanted to change that.
She wrote a book called “Spicebox Kitchen: Eat Well and Be Healthy with Globally Inspired, Vegetable-Forward Recipes” which has recipes that are healthy and tasty. She believes that healthy food can be flavorful, colorful and enjoyable.
1. Stop Judging Food as Good or Bad
To fully enjoy your meals, it’s important to stop thinking of food as either good or bad. This kind of judgment can make you feel ashamed or guilty, which isn’t helpful. Instead, try to see food more neutrally. It’s okay to treat yourself now and then. By changing how you think about certain foods, you can break free from strict dieting rules and have a more balanced approach to eating.
2. Avoid Strict Diets
Strict diets are hard to stick to in the long run and can leave you feeling deprived and frustrated. Instead of focusing on what you shouldn’t eat, try to add more foods that are good for you, like fruits, veggies, beans, and whole grains. By including these nutritious foods in your diet, you can improve your health without feeling like you’re missing out.
3. Listen to Your Body
One key to enjoying your meals is to pay attention to your body’s signals. Instead of eating out of habit or emotions, notice if you’re really hungry and how different foods make you feel. Eating mindfully can help you make better food choices and avoid overeating. By tuning in to what your body needs, you can eat in a way that’s good for your body and mind.
4. Celebrate Your Food Culture
Some people think that traditional or cultural foods are unhealthy and should be avoided. However, many traditional diets have healthy foods that should be appreciated. By embracing your food heritage and enjoying the flavors and ingredients of your culture, you can feel more connected to your roots and find joy in every meal.
5. Think Beyond Calories
Food is more than just a way to get energy; it’s also about connecting with yourself and others. By seeing food as a source of pleasure, connection, and nourishment, you can enjoy your meals more. Remember, food isn’t just about nutrients; it’s about celebrating life and the joy of eating.
In conclusion, enjoying your meals isn’t just about what you eat; it’s also about how you eat and how you think about food. You can savor your meals and nourish your body and soul by being more mindful and intuitive with your eating habits. So, take the time to enjoy your food, celebrate your food culture, and embrace the pleasure of eating without any guilt.
