How to change a destructive relationship to food into a healthy one

It seems our culture is dependent on dieting and weight to bring us happiness. We’re told to eat this or avoid that to lose weight just about every other day. Even as healthcare providers, it’s hard to keep up with all of the new research. The surplus of information has been successful at one thing: further disconnecting us from our bodies. When it comes to dieting, one size does not fit all. What may work for one might be destructive for another so it’s counterproductive to assume the trend diets will work for the general population.

However, there is one powerful approach that has proven to outsmart any diet: being curious – not judgmental – about your food and lifestyle choices.

Being curious about our choices allows us to explore our relationship with food and our bodies in a non-judgemental way which takes the fear, anger and anxiety out of the equation. If you reach for a handful of M&M’s, instead of getting down on yourself start to get curious about that choice. Why am I reaching for them? Is it a physical craving or an emotional one? How intense is the craving? Am I even conscious of it?

Once you remove the emotional element you’re able to physically feel the influence your choice has on your body and therefore are more equipped to make smarter and healthier choices. For example, if you’re sensitive to ice cream, you may finally notice your stomach is in knots after a bowl or if you’re sensitive to gluten and eat bread, your joints may swell up and be in pain as a results.

Ultimately, this approach encourages a more practical and less emotional relationship to food. You’re listening to your body and giving it the food it’s needing, which is surprisingly easy to read when you’re willing to listen.

You may be throwing up your hands and thinking, “but I want to lose weight or achieve X goal. How can I achieve this without dieting?” Our team at Dr. Erika Horowitz will teach you how and you’ll be able to apply the tools learned to any aspect of your life: food, social, work, stress, recovery and overall wellness.

What are you waiting for?