4 Food Myths To Question Through Reasoning
The purpose of this article is to promote conscious eating. By examining common food myths, healthy eating is more likely. Question the beliefs you have about food to make sure they are working for you.
Myth 1: Eat a little of everything, just in moderation.
The moderation myth originated to loosen up restrictive food plans. A rigid diet is not sustainable so flexibility was thought to be useful. It is, but not if it turns into overeating.
“Eating everything in moderation” is not a complete strategy. We need to be discerning. Some foods simply aren’t good for us therefore it makes sense to avoid them. Greatly reducing processed sugar, dairy, meat, alcohol and wheat products, is recommended.
Eating a little of several unhealthy foods is not a winning strategy. Choosing foods that are whole, light and vitamin-packed is more advantageous.
Myth 2: Eat 5 days healthy and 2 days splurging.
We will rename this, the Bipolar diet! Doing well Monday – Friday, only to undo good work on the weekend. It is not beneficial to put the body through polar extremes (overly restrictive and then overly indulgent). Balance and consistency are more beneficial.
What purpose is there for 2 days of splurging? A feeling of freedom perhaps? Like the moderation myth, the purpose, is to enjoy flexibility. An rare splurge will likely not cause problems. A splurge every weekend will probably result in weight gain.
If diets feel too restricting, it is time to re-examine your food plan. Find one you can stick to 7 days a week. You can create a healthy relationship with food. Find a healthy balance that genuinely satisfies.
Myth 3: Don’t waste food because there are people starving.
This thought usually originates form parental figures at dinner time. “Finish your plate, there are poor people starving in the world.” There are and it’s horrible. The myth here, is that overfilling ourselves helps starving people.
If you eat extra portions because others are starving, how does you putting on weight, help the starving? Better to be grateful, serve smaller portions, avoid illness, look after yourself and save leftovers for another time. Guilt-based eating is worth stopping for good.
Overdoing it, due to guilt creates a link between food and shame. A belief exists that we are ‘bad’ for throwing out food. This could be at home or in a restaurant environment. Overeating is occurring as a cure for guilt. It is not healthy to finish a plate when we are already over-full.
Affirmation: “I am good and I eat good foods.”
Myth 4. Some foods are comfort foods.
Actually, they’re not… I’ve proven this beyond doubt in my book, Freedom From Addiction.
Any food used in excess for comfort, also causes an equal amount of discomfort over time.
Here is a short list of examples:
• Discomfort with reflux
• Heartburn
• Inflammation
• Regret
• Digestion problems
• Aches and pains
• Weight gain
• Diabetes
• Frustration
• Beat yourself up for food choices
I’ve had nearly all those symptoms myself. They are designed to break attachment to the addiction. Symptoms are feedback, that some food choices are not working. Is a healthy balance the answer for me? What does my body need in the present moment?
We’ve dethroned 4 big food myths today however there are more out there. Re-read the article if you so desire and write down any beliefs you want to change. You can form a new relationship with food, that is positive and realistic.
Jeremy Walker’s background is in Hypnotherapy. He created the WARP (Walker Addiction Removal Process) and is located in Brisbane QLD. Confidential appointments are available for quitting smoking, weight loss and anxiety related issues. Jeremy enjoys nothing more than seeing others make a positive shift!
What’s next? Do you have a less than ideal relationship with food? Get a free 30 minute session and we’ll create a plan for you to achieve YOUR ideal weight.