It is that time of year again, when I encourage you to pause and ask, “Is the way I am eating and thinking about food supporting me?
It is International No Diet Day on 6 May, and in this post I am offering 10 things to help you to create a new and positive relationship with food.
Image credit: Unsplash photos, Jamie Street
My suggestions for No Diet Day
#1 Step aside from all of the rules that you have created about food and eating. Each time a rule pops into your head, write it down. Don’t judge it and do not act on it.
#2 Eat when you are hungry. Allow your body to choose the best time for meals, not your watch.
#3 Plan a food celebration with your friends. Ask everyone to bring a plate of his or her favourite food.
#4 Go to a local farmers’ market or a fruit and vegetable store and buy something you have never eaten before. Prepare a meal or snack using this food.
#5 Plant some herbs in your garden or in a pot.
#6 Cook a new recipe. Plan ahead so you have the ingredients ready on the day.
#7 Write down three (non-food) things that bring peace to your day. And make a pledge with yourself to include at least one of these things every day.
#8 Take an adventure in nature and enjoy some forest bathing.
#9 Take notice of the sensory qualities of your food—colour, aroma, taste and texture. See if you can include all the flavours—sweet, salty, bitter, sour and pungent—as recommended in Eastern nutrition.
#10 At the end of the day read through your list of food and eating rules. Cross out the ones that no longer serve you—don’t work, restrict certain foods or make you feel guilty.
Of course we don’t have to wait until the 6th of May to enjoy nourishing foods and meals.
The real message of International No Diet Day is to enjoy a healthy relationship with yourself and food every day.
Would you like to remove the stress about what to eat?
Would you like to enjoy food?
Would you like to create a sustainable lifestyle that supports your mind and body?
Don’t keep struggling with food on your own.
📕 Take a look at our free resource, 5 Steps To A New Way of Eating.
☎️ Book in for a free 30-minute mindful eating strategy call. This call is designed for women who want to break free from dieting and set up a way of healthy eating that is enjoyable and they can stick to.