How do you stop feeling guilty over food?

Do you experience guilt after eating something indulgent? Many people do – but we really shouldn’t!

So here are my top tips to help overcome that food guilt and help you enjoy food again:

Nutritionist Rachel Larkin once said that food guilt arises when we eat something that we know is less nutritional / healthy than other foods. But we have to remember that a healthy diet should be balanced! This includes eating foods from all food groups – carbohydrates, protein, fats!

Don’t cut any food groups out – eat everything in moderation. Telling yourself you CAN’T have something, means you’ll only want it more (Psychology 101!) and you’ll either feel unfulfilled not eating it, or end up eating more of it and bingeing! So if you fancy something sweet, eat it!

On this note – practise intuitive eating. Eat when you’re hungry. Eat what you fancy. You’ll feel physically fulfilled, and mentally happier being able to eat without restrictions.

Prepare your meals, snacks AND treats so they’re all on hand for when you’re hungry. I think a lot of food guilt arises when we eat something spontaneously that we weren’t planning to eat. So by preparing your food for the day, including those treats, you’re one step ahead of your hunger cues and cut out that spontaneous snacking.

Focus on the pleasure food brings you. Food is not simply just fuel. Yes we need it for our body to run, but eating is also a pleasurable (and even sociable) experience. Try to remember this the next time you feel those food guilt thoughts creeping in.

Obviously it’s not realistic to be able to eat sugary treats ALL the time (our teeth and tummy wouldn’t be happy with us). But if you have a sweet tooth like me, try and find treats you enjoy that are indulgent and nutritionally beneficial. For me, I love the Bounce Indulgent range. Packed with 9-10g of protein, a gooey centre and chocolate encasing, Bounce balls satisfy that sweet tooth AND help me hit my protein goal! They’re no trick, ALL treat – millionaire’s is my fave 😉

Remember – you’re so much more than your thoughts about food. Try these tips and let me know how you get on in the comments ❤️

Written by @exercisingwitheleanor