Food is so intertwined in everything we do and never is this more relevant than during the holiday season.
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The food and drink we consume not only sustains us and provides us with the energy and nutrients we need, but it’s an extension of our personal history, culture and beliefs, ethnic background, a connection with our family and so much more.
To assume we can follow meal plans designed for the masses, or a diet that you find for free on the internet or in a magazine, doesn’t take any of these important things into consideration.
It’s impossible to ignore any of these components because they make up a large part of who we are, how we act, and why we eat what we do.
If only it was as simple as calories in, calories out, things would be a lot easier and we wouldn’t be facing many of the chronic health problems that are so prevalent in our society.
Enjoying your food is essential and you should never feel guilty or ashamed about what you eat.
This just creates a negative relationship with food and negative emotions that can lead to disease and even destroy healthy gut bacteria.
If you eat things that you know aren’t doing your health any favours, acknowledge that fact and let any negative feelings go.
Trust that deep down, you know what your body needs and what nourishes you.
The more conscious you become about how the foods you eat are truly making you feel, the more you’ll be able to balance your desires and the foods that don’t serve you will naturally fall away.
The first step towards becoming more conscious of what we’re eating can be as simple as pausing to take a few slow, deep breaths before eating, saying grace, or if saying grace isn’t your thing, saying thanks to the farmers, grocers, truck drivers etc. that made eating that food possible.
This will switch your nervous system into ‘rest and digest’ mode which allows you to digest your food more effectively and proper digestion is the foundation of good health.
Honouring your family traditions at this time of year is particularly important, but remember to listen to your body and that you deserve to be well nourished and live in a body that works with you and not against you.
Find out more
- Belinda Byrnes is a qualified nutritionist and naturopath.
- Contact: bbyrnes@iinet.net.au, www.belindabyrnesnutrition.com for more health information.