For as long as I can remember I’ve heard people talking about what NOT to eat. Never once, up until a few years back, did I hear what TO eat and why. The answer “because it will make you fat” is not good enough, it’s actually misleading. Growing up hearing this made my relationship with food problematic. Thankfully none of that’s a problem anymore! Read on for why it shouldn’t be for you either, in: My Wellness Journey So Far…
I don’t like to say that I “got” an eating disorder, as if it came in the post. I actually created it myself – by listening to, and believing everything I heard without questioning it, as well as consistently talking down at myself. My body and mind became like a prison to me for a long time and one of my therapists told me I would NEVER recover from it – “once you ‘get’ an eating disorder, you’ll have it for life, but you’ll learn how to live with it…” she said.
Well, I’m happy to let you know this is not true – today I’m free! Thanks to better knowledge and nutritious food, I no longer feel trapped in my body and I no longer suffer from depression and anxiety. Let me guide you through the three main steps that helped me along the path to where I am today.
1. Awareness
The first step is to acknowledge that you actually have a problematic relationship with food and to awaken the desire to change it. With this shift in mindset comes the realisation that YOU are in charge and YOU are the only one who can make these changes.
2. Talk to yourself (with love)
The second step is to start talking to yourself with love and compassion. We live in a society where it’s more socially accepted to hate ourselves, than to love and admire ourselves. That needs to change. Ask yourself who you surround yourself with? Are you surrounded by people who talk about themselves, about food and about body image in unhealthy ways? Take a look around and see how you can create the best environment for you to heal your mind from self-hate.
3. Separate FACTS from your opinions
The third step is to actively rid your mind of the wrong information you’ve been feeding it with and start searching for FACTS. When it comes to nutrition the main focus should be what TO eat. What is good for your brain and your body? What kind of food will optimise your well-being? By gently changing your focus, you’ll learn why and therein lies the key. This vital step includes getting to know your body too. Listen to it, it’s highly intelligent – it always knows the way.
