All things food...

 A few months ago… I was someone who used to be scared of food. Looking at social media blogs about food, I was convinced that even a single morsel of food, is going to damage my body. Hence, as a result, I refrained from eating and experienced an unhealthy weight loss. These fad diets really convince you to eat right. But what exactly does that mean? As a victim of these fad diets, I would like to share a couple of points regarding food. Now, this blog is not convincing you to not follow the diets, instead this blog is written from my personal experience. By no means, I want to influence your relationship with food. This is intended to share my experiences and what I learned from them. I am no expert on this topic. 

The most important point is that please do not be scared of food. It is meant to replenish energy reserves in your body. With that being said, it is important to feed your body the right food to support daily functions. However, some diets mention carbohydrates as the main villain of humankind. Nevertheless, complex carbohydrates are important, like very important. There are numerous health benefits of complex carbohydrates like improve healthy gut bacteria levels, help with mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, and providing energy (“What”). Yes, it is correct to avoid simple carbohydrates found in processed foods like donuts and bagels, however, complex carbohydrates found in plants are very important. 

Another crucial point is that listen to your body. If your body tells you to eat pasta, then probably it needs it. Intuitive eating is an approach that helps you to eat what your body needs at that moment. With that being said, please do not overindulge in something that may not be good for your body. When you crave something, ask yourself, “Do you need this?” “Does your body need it or is it just a mental state?” Because sometimes when you are stressed you want to eat something with sugar or popularly known as “comfort food.” It is important to filter out the stress eating from the actual needs of the body. And trust me your body requires only nutritious food. You do not have to follow any fad diets that make you want to eat less. If you listen to your body, you will eat healthy and nutritious food. Additionally, you will feel healthy and the best version of yourself. 

So next time when you come across any fad diets, ask yourself, “Will my body be happy if I follow this diet?” If your answer is yes, then go ahead follow it. It is probably something that your body wants. However, if your answer is no, then it is best to avoid it. 

I hope that this blog helps you to improve your relationship with food. Moreover, I encourage you to appreciate your food and be grateful for having it. Bon apetit! 

Works cited

“What Are Carbohydrates and Why We Need Them in Our Diet | Behavioral Nutrition.” Behavioral Nutrition, Behavioral Nutrition, 25 Feb. 2020, behavioralnutrition.org/healthy-eating-with-carbohydrates/#:~:text=Complex%20carbohydrates%20can%20increase%20healthy%20gut%20bacteria&text=Gut%20bacteria%20is%20associated%20with%20mood%20and%20mental%20disorders&text=Carbohydrates%20are%20essential%20for%20the,cortisol%20levels%2C%20the%20stress%20hormone. Accessed 3 Aug. 2021.