My theory on healthy eating and diet... Opinions?

Question

I was sat in bed this morning with my brew and a big selection box of biscuits and I realised something... I think people who diet look at their food very negatively!

I'm gonna go out on a limb and admit I'm naturally slim. Size 8-10, and I'm a pretty constant weight.

But I really think it's because I don't beat myself up about what I eat... Because then you create a forbidden fruit relationship with food, and you also feel bad abput yourself because you've done something "bad" (i.e. eaten foods you see as bad)

I'm waffling on now, so I'll get to the point. Try your best to eat within reason. If you have eaten salads all week and really fancy a big takeaway, have it... Enjoy it as the treat it is. Then move on... You're not gonna go back to square one because of one takeaway!

Accept you're human, accept you need to treat yourself once in a while, and know your limits!

Any opinions on this theory will be happily received! Happy eating folks!

Answer 1

You have a valid point. Naturally thin people tend to stay that way because they eat when and what they fancy and don't need to gorge through depriving themselves. A little of what you fancy is always good and will keep the cravings at bay - as long as it stops at a couple of biscuits and not the whole packet!!

Answer 2

I agree with you, too... to a point. I've been on both sides and it's not always a negative image of food. It's a control issue as well. Emotional eating is not about good food or bad food, it's about finding something in your life that you can control when everything else is falling apart. Yes it's dangerous and "stupid" to think you're actually punishing who you're really mad at by hurting yourself... I've binged on healthy food... just had a lot of it... in the end, all I did was get heavier... yeah... that showed them... LOL!!

Now, I'm a size 4 and I do look at food as my energy source and not a "method of dealing" with tough situations. (Though, I can't say I haven't indulged in a brownie or cookie here and there... but not the whole batch.) It's easier to just go for a long walk and let the anger subside or figure out my next step then to stuff my face...

I also think regardless of what you eat... that you do need to exercise... as the first responder said... eventually you'll be a 10/12 and not know how you got there... I can point to several former cheerleaders who are now my age and not the thinnest ones in the room any more... working out regularly and a healthy image of food have to both work together. Then you won't feel bad if you go out to dinner and get dessert during special occasions or just because it's a Friday... because you're burning it off and deserve every bite.

Answer 3

My thoughts:

The issue is not dieting, but having a reasonable, sensible eating habits.

1) Eat what you need, (not all you want)
2) Remember a next meal is in order just a few hours away, eat for that time gap, not as if you where never going to eat again.
3) Have good quality food: veggies, lean meat, poultry, fruit, whole grain products. Avoid or reduce fatty and sugary foods and drinks.

Occasional binges will not harm you. Nobody needs to be over restrictive with their diet, just sensible and allow time to get your body to what It naturally should be.

Of course: Keep active!

Answer 4

I agree with your point of view.
In addition I think it is very important to control the supply of food in the house.
Avoid the fattest alternatives. Do not have so much good food in your home that can be spontaneously eaten.
Then if you one day feel that you want something special, then go to the shop, by it and eat it with great pleasure. and so back to standard situation with healthy eating again.

Answer 5

sadly people have become very obsessed with their weight recently . this is of course fueled by the media and this loony goverment we have
healthy eating is about having a balanced diet
metabalism , race, age and gender have an impact on our weight
i see so many underweight women who can not conceive more than 7 out of 10 women at the fertility clinic are unable to have a baby because they are too thin , the media are not too kenn on publishing this
being underweight is becoming a big problem with more annorexic clinics opening up

Answer 6

I try to eat the smaller meals but I just always feel like im eating to much because im used to the 3 meals a day...I need help to do this!

Answer 7

I agree totally - but I have to tell you, (bet you are still young!) that as you grow older your body has a nasty sneaky habit of changing on you whilst you aren't looking and suddenly remaining at a size 10/12 becomes a darned sight harder!!