A better food environment

Emily Scott is currently completing her last two months of a three year bachelor in Food and Nutrition at Deakin University. After finishing her study, Emily endeavours to complete her masters in dietetics. With a new found passion for social media, Emily thoroughly enjoys utilising the web to portray her love, knowledge and ideas about food to others. Emily is currently completing a year internship with dietitian Melanie McGrice and is the President of FANS (Food and Nutrition Students), a social committee at Deakin. 

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As I near the end of my food and nutrition degree, I have been thinking about what these two concepts mean to me. I’ve been asking myself those hard-hitting questions,such as Why did I choose to study nutrition? and What is it about food that has got me so hooked?

Well, it took numerous cups of tea and plenty of pondering but I think I’ve got it. The short answer to my question is that I love food, and more importantly eating! (Let’s not forget about eating)

Now call me crazy, but usually if you love something there should be no criticism, no hate, and certainly no guilt associated with it. So, why do so many of us feel all 3 so naturally with something that we enjoy so much? Why do we have this love-hate relationship with food?

Our relationship with food... for better or for worse

Researchsuggests it is our gender and other social and environmental factors that fuel our food insecurities. This influences our ability to make the right decisions when it comes to food. Society has painted a picture of the so-called ‘perfect’ body and many of us feel the need to strive to meet these unrealistic demands. This creates even more pressure to choose the ‘right’ diet to give us that body. Unfortunately, this often leads to placing labels on particular foods. By doing so, these negative associations will most likely place limits on our food choices, which can often lead to binging. Now in my eyes, this brings you right back to square one. Except, now you are more than likely placing a whole lot of negative feelings towards particular foods. Not to mention, harbouring a fair bit of guilt towards yourself, leaving you feeling unenthusiastic about eating in general. For many this is a vicious cycle. So to prevent this, guilt and hate need to be removed from the equation and replaced with acceptance and moderation.

A healthy diet is beneficial and necessary for an overall happy and prosperous life. This is a very well researched and understood point. My idea of a balanced, happy and healthy diet is one that includes those taboo foods every once in a while, and feeling OK in doing so. How many of us can eat that slice of chocolate cake and not feel guilty about it an hour later? 

Have your cake and eat it too

Here is the trick. Learn to enjoy the cake. Simply enjoy it in moderation, say once or twice a week. Create a healthy balance. How about planning to enjoy something? If you know you’ve got a special occasion coming up and they are going to serve your favourite macaroons, which you know you will have more than one (who can stop at one?), then plan for that. Eat healthy all day leading up to those macaroons and then eat them and enjoy them. 

Personally, I always try and have dessert. For me, it is my way of avoiding placing negative connotations on the word and what comes with it. I do this by thinking about what I have eaten during the day, and working out what I still need to eat to meet a healthy balanced diet. For example, at the end of the day I usually find I have not had my 2 1/2 serves of dairy. So I will have a tub of yoghurt or cheese & crackers to make up the difference. This is an example of what the majority of my desserts would be like, healthy and simple, but still dessert. At least once a week, I will make sure I remove my nutrition hat and have that TimTam or slice, because I want to and I enjoy it.

The point that I am trying to make is that having a biscuit with your tea after dinner once in a while isn’t a sin and should not have a derogatory label associated with it. I am not saying that we should all be having sweets and chocolate all day everyday, but instead accept that these are foods that can be a part of your diet, as long as they are included in a nutritious and healthy diet and lifestyle. You’ll see if you do this, you will not only avoid the nasty cyclic effect of restriction but you will also love your food, love yourself and love eating a lot more. Personally, I could not think of a more beautiful relationship.

Editor's note:

Thanks Emily, what an insightful post. I completely agree with you about having a treat every now and then and not feeling guilty about it. Food should be enjoyed, not loathed! I wrote my own personal story on this topic a couple of years back, you can read it here.

I'd love to hear from our readers as to how you incorporate healthy behaviours into your diet and how you ensure that you enjoy food to its full potential. Comment away!