Feeling More Obsessed About Your Food?
During October, you may find yourself oh-so-much-more focused on your food, am I right?
I’m not surprised.
Pink ribbons everywhere. Breast cancer nutrition and health articles and news headlines. The walks, the runs, the raffles. . . all of that laser focus on breast cancer is hard to escape!
Because it’s so all-consuming, there’s a tendency for everything to feel heightened, including the foods you choose to put on your plate.
If you’ve recently finished treatment and were hoping for a little space from all things breast cancer, sadly, this isn’t the month that’s gonna happen.
I know you may need extra support with your food this month, so I want to offer something for you to consider.
Rather than obsess about all the pinkness and breast cancer mania, let’s explore some ways you can take charge (I include myself in this gentle reminder!), starting with your food.
Consider How You Think About Food
The way you think about food translates to how you view food; is food an enemy to be feared or an ally that aids in rebuilding and maintaining your health after treatment ends?
If you view food as an enemy, you’ll think all food is dangerous, that there are no “good” foods, and that food companies are out to poison you (yes, I’ve heard all of those things from Peaceful Plate clients).
Let’s dig into this thinking. . .
Food Is The Enemy
Not true.
Of course some foods are healthier for you than others, but I invite you to consider the idea that all food is neutral. When you think of food as neutral you eliminate the “danger” associated with eating food. For example, if you consider cheese neutral, craving a slice on your veggie burger won’t make cheese the villain that brings your cancer back, rather, you’ve intentionally chosen to enjoy it based on your food likes, dislikes and preferences. Liberating!
Eating Is Dangerous
Here’s what’s dangerous about food.
Making it the enemy.
It’s that type of thinking that encourages deprivation from limiting your diet to only a handful of foods, declining social invitations because you don’t trust the food (or yourself), losing too much weight, and not getting enough nutrients to support your health. It’s possible to eat a diet that’s balanced, varied and optimal in calories and nutrients without fearing every bite will kill you. Again, liberating!
All Food Companies Are Out To Poison You
Nope. Nope. Nope.
I sometimes hear this as a reference to ingredients food companies use; they’re not safe or good for us. To that I say, yes, the ingredients food companies use are “safe” to eat, and at the same time, it’s true that not all of those ingredients are “good” for you.
Learn to read food ingredient labels, become familiar with marketing terms and understand the hype behind food advertising and social media fear mongering. You’ll start food shopping with confidence and stop second-guessing every item you toss into your grocery cart. Btw, I teach this in my Peaceful Plate program!
A Balanced Way To Think About Food
I want you to think about food as an ally that aids in rebuilding and maintaining your health after treatment ends.
I want you to have a balanced, realistic perspective about food that allows you to eat with peace.
Here’s why that’s liberating.
Because when you’re in charge of your food and have realistic thoughts about what you’re putting on your plate, that serves you well. It allows you to thrive in your survivorship, eat with peace and feel good about your food during October and beyond; you deserve all of that and more.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your dietitian or doctor for guidance specific to your needs.