How often have you heard yourself or others say “I ate good all week…” or “I know this food is bad, but…”? Have you ever considered how labeling foods good or bad can impact your relationship with food?
Alone, foods have no morality. There are no “good” or “bad” foods. Of course, some foods are more nutritious than others, but that does not mean they are morally different. Labeling foods as bad, makes us believe we made a bad choice, creating feelings of guilt or shame. We may say “I am bad for eating that piece of cake” or “I was bad and ate whatever I wanted on vacation”. The perception of guilt or shame tends to harbor negative feelings. Unfortunately, in an attempt to make ourselves feel better, we reach for comfort foods that are often high in sugar, salt, and fat.
Consider changing your vocabulary to avoid these feelings. When choosing foods to eat, instead of contemplating if this is a good or bad food, use smart phrases to help redefine your view of a food.
- Is this food nutritious for my body?
- Will this food help me reach my goals?
- Does this food fit into my diet plan?
- How will I feel after eating this food?
