Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Many individuals struggle to find peace with food and body, especially during the holiday season. Rather than looking forward to the connection and pleasure ignited from enjoying food with loved ones, many people feel stressed and anxious toward these occasions.
Deeply embedded beliefs about food and body override the delightful experience that food is meant to provide. Nagging food rules and fixation on body image can distract from the purpose of the holidays.
These circumstances are challenging for any individual at any age. However, arriving at peace with food and body, even during the holidays, is attainable. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude toward food and the eating experience is incredibly rewarding, and now is the perfect time to start practicing.
Gratitude for food must begin by acknowledging that regular access to food is a privilege. According to Feeding America, there are 373,850 people in Utah struggling with hunger. That means 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 7 children don’t have regular access to food. It’s hard to imagine in our food-abundant world that food scarcity exists on this level, but noticing it can put things into perspective.
Disordered food thoughts concocted by diet culture distract us from recognizing that consistently being able to eat in response to hunger is a gift. Instead of enjoying things like mashed potatoes or rolls with honey butter, we fear what these foods might do to our bodies. A gentle reminder of privilege can help shift your mindset toward an appreciation for all foods rather than fear.
Identifying the purposes of various foods is another way to cultivate gratitude for all food. Instead of labeling certain foods as "fattening," "bad," or "too carb-heavy," focus on the positives. For example, some people may claim that pie is a food they should stay away from. Instead, focus on the delicious aroma, texture and flavor of pie. Taking time to notice how the buttery, flaky crust combines with the tangy, sweetness of the filling can provide satisfying experiences with "forbidden" foods. All foods, no matter the nutritional value, serve a purpose by providing energy, offering nutrients or simply tasting good.
Related story:
Overwhelming thoughts about food can have a profound impact on overall health
When we think about nourishing our bodies through food, many different ideas come to mind. Our motives for choosing or avoiding certain foods can begin with a desire to lose weight or alter body composition.Fearing food can result in restriction, which often leads to an out-of-control eating experience entangled with guilt. When we switch our mindset to a neutral or positive outlook toward food we begin to see how various foods serve us. Another way to do this is to reflect on specific memories around that food. Perhaps a memory arises of baking with a relative. Taking time to notice the feelings that evolve around that specific food memory is beneficial.
We can also verbally express gratitude for specific foods. Gratitude is an emotion that we can control. And while gratitude is a feeling, thankfulness is an act and is associated with words, gestures, and actions.
Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.
–Zig Ziglar
Research shows that expressing gratitude through thankfulness is healing, enlightening and makes us feel happy. There’s no doubt that taking this approach with food can do the same.
One thing that can be therapeutic is to write a letter to a specific food. This allows for processing how that food has helped rather than caused harm. Appreciation can also be expressed by writing in a journal, sharing thoughts around the table, baking food for loved ones, and volunteering at a local food bank.
Zig Ziglar said, "Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions." Through gratitude toward food there will be heightened awareness and deeper connections, and feelings of fear and negativity around eating experiences will be replaced with peaceful, satisfying memories.
Editor’s Note: Anything in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition; Any opinions, statements, services, offers, or other information or content expressed or made available are those of the respective author(s) or distributor(s) and not of KSL. KSL does not endorse nor is it responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, information, or statement made in this article. KSL expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of this article.
#bio_disclaimer
