When we think about it, our relationship with food is just like all the other relationships in our life. If it ain’t working, we need to fix it. But similar to our romantic relationships, food can fool us.

There are lots of people out there who are attracted to foods that aren’t good for them. They know it, but they keep repeating the same mistake over and over expecting different results. But as my dad used to say, if it looks like a horse and it smells like a horse… it’s probably a horse 🙂 Food is exactly the same, if it looks unhealthy then it probably is unhealthy.

Choice

We get a choice in the relationships we build. Whether it’s food or human, we can choose a partner that loves our body, protects us from harm, makes us stronger, excites our senses, nurtures our body, mind and soul, and gives us the energy and support to live our happiest, most beautiful life.

Charge Your Senses

Our five senses are a great way to build a new relationship with our food. How it looks, smells and tastes, are really important because that’s what attracts us first. The sound of our food is also important, which is why French apples use ‘Le Crunch’ as their soundbyte. And then, of course, there is the texture of the food… and, emotionally, how it makes us feel.

Experts agree that the best way to get the nutrients we need is through food. A balanced diet is one containing plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, offers a mix of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that collectively meet the body’s needs.

Here are some great ways to develop a happy, healthy relationship between you and your food.

1.      Just as we enjoy the perfumes, aftershaves and smells in our human relationships, we should start to fall in love with the smells we create for dinner. Choose the smells and aromas that excite you…garlic, ginger, orange, whatever turns you on. Remember that you want to start falling in love with your food.

2.      When you go to the store, decide to shop differently. Remember, you’re building a new relationship, so choose wisely

3.      Don’t fall into the trap of accepting less than you deserve, instead, choose the best quality of food that you can afford

4.      Having a relationship with someone who comes with a lot of baggage can be difficult. The great thing about food is that it comes with all of the information written on the packaging (If only people came with that… how easy life would be 🙂

5.      Fill your plate with colour, some vine tomatoes can add a splash of red and some rocket leaves will add bright green along with a delicate peppery flavour.

6.      Try cooking your food a little differently, this is like date night in this new relationship… so do some prep and spice it up a little.

7.      Gratitude within any relationship is a way of staying positively focused. So, whoever, or whatever you believe in… Give thanks and think about all that brought this beautiful food to your plate.

8.      Always be aware that the food you are eating will become part of you. It will interact with your emotions, your energy levels and your sense of well-being and health. Every bite either nourishes your cells, organs, mind and body, or causes them distress.

9.      Taking time to enjoy your relationship is important.  So, make special time to enjoy rather than just sitting in front of the TV and ignoring every bite. When we ignore our food, we ignore our own needs.

10.  Chewing our food makes for better digestion and just like conversations, it’s better to break it down into bite-sized pieces.

11.  Caffeine is bit like an argument… not great for digestion. So if you have a cup of coffee its best to wait an hour before eating.

12.  This relationship is for life… literally. So dream about what the perfect relationship looks like, what it needs to deliver and start making plans. Because you deserve the best.