When Did We Forget To Eat To Be Nurtured?

Modern lifestyle; lack of time, active work life and the fact that eating is packaged as a recreational and cultural experience has led us to eat more and more quickly and the reason for our choices has changed significantly.

We hurry our breakfasts in the morning, turn to practical meals at the office at noon, and in the evening we either spend it with an easy meal at home or we feel the pain of not being able to spare time for social life at dinner. These meals, which are eaten late, are more than nutrition; it serves to socialize, relax and fill the void caused by stress during the day.

We no longer eat to be fed, on the one hand, because there is no other way to socialize, but on the other hand, to prove how cultured, modern, social, different and enviable we are.

How to regain the eating habit? You can try these 10 steps to balance your life and increase your awareness in your relationship with food:

1. Be aware of your weaknesses. A box of ice cream eaten alone in the evening, is it your weakest point? Cut down on buying ice cream and replace it with a better alternative to slow your pace. For example, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts or a slice of apple to be spread on almonds or peanut butter.
2. Keep a diary. What you eat during a week, how much you order from outside, how often you eat home cooked, vegetables, fruits, packaged products, etc. Examine what you consume. This list, which you will not show to anyone, will help you to know yourself and set goals.
3. Plan according to goals. How many times will you eat out? Plan what kind of practical but nutritious meals will be cooked at home, when, who will cook it, how to store it, in general. Cooking and freezing a lot can be a good solution. How many desserts and how many glasses of wine will make you feel good to consume per week, you decide and try to comply in general.
4. Pre-study for the right choice in the restaurant. Before you go to the restaurant, take a look at the menu online. Consider a few options that fit your decisions. You don't have to fit in, share or eat differently. If possible, preferably eat with people who care about their nutrition like you.
5. What are you craving? Before ordering or preparing a meal for yourself, stop for a few seconds and ask yourself, price, air, quirkiness, practicality aside, what does your stomach want right now? The answers will be clear in 1-2 months. The body knows best, consult it.
6. Understand and manage your stress level. It may not be possible to escape from stress. Recognize first, avoid what you can avoid, make time for activities that relax you or make you happy to balance others out. Take note of what you eat when you are stressed.
7. Eat mindfully. In addition to your ability to listen to your stomach, keep your focus on the food while you eat. Do not watch television, do not look at the computer. Don't forget to chew while chatting with friends.
8. Focus on fiber and nutrient-rich foods. Eat plenty of vegetables, salads and some fruit. You don't have to eat meat, chicken and fish at every meal. Pasta, pizza and pita are foods that have a high glycemic index and make you hungry quickly. You can balance your diet with the best home cooking.
9. Do not diet, do not count calories. Let your goal be to add healthier products to your life. Over time, more pests will make a forced exit. The more aware you are, the more control you have.
10. Allow yourself and forgive. Give yourself breaks (once a week for example) and eat whatever you want. The trick is not to regret after eating. But take a look, did you really enjoy it?

Photo Credit: Charles Deluvio

The views expressed in this article are written to shed light on alternative studies and to encourage conversation about these studies. Even if the articles contain the advice of physicians to some extent, they are for informational purposes only. This text; cannot replace professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.

About the author:

Aslı Germen - Holistic Nutrition Life Coach and Yoga Instructor

Aslı Germen, who has an expert certificate in the fields of holistic nutrition, health coaching and yoga instructor, is passionate about home cooking and nature.