Enrich's Guide to...Eating for Fun

December is a time to celebrate, spend time with friends and family, and wind down the year. An important part of a healthy diet that is sometimes left out of the conversation is the ability to truly be in the moment and enjoy food, without feelings of guilt. A true healthy diet is one that is flexible and enjoyable, knowing that food is more than just fuel. Food helps us bond and share experiences, as well as bringing comfort and stirring nostalgia. Developing a healthy and enjoyable relationship with food is vital in our wellbeing journey, so join us to explore some tips for eating mindfully in the holiday season, in a way that makes us feel satisfied and joyful in the food we choose.

Redefine what ‘healthy eating’ means.

A healthy diet not only nourishes our bodies, but our minds as well. If our food choices are based on rigid rules, telling us that certain foods are good and others are bad, it can lead to feelings of fear, guilt or shame around our choices. We eat for many reasons, not just for our physical health, and that is perfectly okay. A truly healthy diet is one that is peaceful, nourishing and enjoyable.

Remember that one meal or even one week of meals will not dramatically change your health.

Our overall dietary pattern has much more of an influence on our health than a short-term period. If the majority of our food is based on fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, proteins and healthy fats, we have built a solid foundation of health.

Don’t fall into an ‘all or nothing’ mindset.

When our way of eating is flexible and incorporates all foods, we can relieve ourselves of the pressure to eat perfectly. There is no way to fail at healthy eating, we can just reconnect with ourselves and move on.

Remember that food is more than fuel, it is connection and joy and celebration.

Particularly at this time of year, we are meeting with people we love and celebrating over food and drink. This is an important ritual and allows us to feel connected to the people around us. We are creating precious memories, which should not be overshadowed by guilt about our food choices.

Embrace curiosity and be kind, not judgemental.

When we slow down and connect to how our bodies feel, it can really help to develop this flexible relationship with food. Instead of beating ourselves up for eating certain foods, get curious about how they make us feel. Building our connection to feelings of hunger, fullness and pleasure can make our food relationship much more enjoyable.

Don’t forget the basics.

Get enough sleep, drink some water, spend time with loved ones and practise mindful breathing techniques in moments of stress. These small actions might not seem like much, but they really add up and help us to feel grounded in busy times.