As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, I wanted to take a moment to discuss the concept of food restriction and how, ultimately, it usually backfires with participants that I work with. Food restriction can have different looks, but it involves either limiting the overall quantity of foods or eliminating certain foods or food groups.
Why? Because you have deemed them unhealthy and/or there is a degree of fear around that food. Common examples may be sweets or carbohydrates (without a medical diagnosis that requires you to reduce or eliminate your intake). The importance of having a healthy relationship with food — one where food is enjoyed but not obsessed over or equated in any fashion with self worth — is paramount.
Once an individual gets into the habit of labeling foods as good or bad, to the extent that one becomes completely off-limits, it usually increases the desire for that forbidden food. Eventually, once you are given the opportunity to eat it, you overdo it. Sound familiar? You may benefit from working with a Registered Dietitian to help you incorporate your favorite foods in a way that leaves you feeling your best both physically and mentally. Our team would love to work with you!
As the mom of three young kids, it is amazing for me to watch how we come into this world with very developed hunger and fullness cues. When a baby has had enough eating, they know! Over time and perhaps with exposure to diet culture, restrictive feeding habits of caregivers, and/or poor nutritional messages, those cues can become confused and highly complex, and many adults end up unable to connect with what it is their body wants and needs. We can also lose sight of what portion feels good.
So end the constant yo-yo dieting cycle with an intuitive, mindful approach to nutrition that is a long-term solution and not a short-term fix. Let a Wellview Registered Dietitian help you today!
Click HERE to learn more about the Wellview services available to you. We can’t wait to work with you!
– Keeley Mezzancello, MS, RD, LDN, CHWC
Health Advisor, Registered Dietitian | Email Keeley
