3 Ways to Stop Feeling Guilty About Food

Labeling foods as "good" or "bad" sets people up for failure. Our brains are wired to crave restricted foods;  food provides comfort, and restriction triggers strong reactions. The more we categorize foods negatively, the more we crave them.I wanted to share three practical ways you can stop feeling guilty about food right now:

1. Stop dieting

Sure you want to lose weight and that’s cool and everything. Going about it from a restrictive standpoint only feeds into the guilt/restriction cycle. Focus on building healthy sustainable HABITS that you can maintain for the long run while still eating the foods you love and enjoy.

2. Recognize that food is just food: there are no “good” foods and “bad” foods. The problem with categorizing foods as good or bad is we’re really categorizing ourselves

This idea is ultimately setting people up for failure and disappointment down the line because the more we categorize foods as “bad,” the more we can’t stop thinking about them.

3. Honor your hunger

Even if that means you need to eat lunch at 11 a.m. or have a second or third helping. Eating until you feel satiated teaches your brain and body to trust each other, which will help you feel more relaxed and in charge of your eating.

Feeding your body what it wants & needs instead of restricting is shown to be associated with lower rates of disordered eating & depression, which is the exact reason why I coach my clients not only with their relationship with food but their LANGUAGE around food.

You’re not alone. If you need help with overcoming old patterns and ways of thinking about food that are no longer serving you, reach out to me to schedule your free strategy call. Let’s chat.