I had an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise, & I didn’t even know it

I thought I was so healthy. I got validation and praise from my peers and society that I was doing great with my perfect diet and exercise routines. I was striving to be perfect just like the influencers I saw on Instagram. I was keeping up with all of the latest wellness trends like intermittent fasting, fasted cardio, low carb, using MyFtinessPal, hitting a calorie deficit, training with HIIT five times per week. I cut out my beloved coffee to lower my cortisol levels. I felt out of control and guilt when eating out or in social settings. I was consumed by thoughts of food and exercise. I had an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise, & I didn’t even know it.

Knowledge is power. To heal from disordered eating, find food freedom and cultivate a healthy relationship with food and exercise, we need to be aware of how our behaviours are actually unhealthy.

Unhealthy food and exercise red flags:

• You feel shame or guilt when eating more than you think you “should”

• Certain foods are forbidden

• You might eat beyond your needs without realizing

• You rely on food rules or meal plans to inform what you eat

• You often eat in response to emotions

• You eat in secret or avoid eating around others

• Calories are the focus when making food choices

• Your exercise routine is highly dependent on your food choices or vice versa

(Rodriguez, 2022)

Begin to notice, with compassion and without judgement, if you have any red flags when it comes to your relationship with food and exercise. Remember, you are not to blame. Disordered eating patterns are multifactorial with childhood, family, societal, personal and other contextual issues that can contribute to these behaviours.

I invite you instead, to welcome in green flags, for a healthy relationship with food and exercise:

• You trust your body to tell you when to eat

• You trust your body to tell you when to stop eating

• You eat all foods without feelings of guilt/shame

• You confidently order what you want on a menu on social occasions

• You don’t label foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’

• You don’t obsess over a number on the scale

• You don’t let others’ opinions dictate what you eat or the need to justify your food choices

• Calories are not your focus when making food choices

(Rodriguez, 2022)

Be kind to yourself,

M x

References:

Ariana Rodriguez MSc, RD. Live more, obsess less: A guide to healing your relationship with food. Food Medic Webinar. 2022.