This cutie is my nephew Kabir enjoying Indian sweets, all the way “saat samundar par “, in California.

His engrossed self in his favourite sweet is SOOO adorable.

Hey , did I just make that Kabirface while sipping my tea!

And thus this writeup …..

What kind of relationships do you have ??? 

Oh , I forgot to mention …. With food . Okay let me rewrite…..

What kind of relationship do you have with food ? 

You must be wondering, how can I have a relationship with food? 

And before you start thinking , Let me tell you it has nothing to do with what you eat. Yes your relationship with food really doesn’t have anything to do with what you’re actually eating! You may be eating pizza and ice cream very often and still have a healthy relationship with food, just like you have a good relationship with food when you eat salads and veggies all the time.

Because of the growing tech world or fitness and diet culture have we forgotten what a good relationship with food even looks like! 

Developing Food Relationships …

Ever since I’ve worked on Mindful Eating, I’ve noticed, the way I interact with food has changed. Thus there is a change in my attitude and my health. I am fitter, stronger, healthier and most importantly happier.

Here’s how… 

Yes, here’s what I do ….small mindful steps …… 

*I eat when I’m hungry. 

*I am eating more variety . I mean I am more flexible and ready to try new stuff.

*I experiment with different ingredients.

*Sometimes I don’t plan meals, dinners mostly …. I am open to instant ideas. 

*I do not stress about what to cook . 

*Most importantly ……I tell myself to Stop when I’m almost full.

*And I eat guilt free.

Here’s more fun stuff

In addition to the above, these silly but most effective practises have gotten me fabulous results in my overall health. 

*I talk to my food like literally talk ! 

*I thank the ingredients while cooking. 

*I thank the food before eating. 

*I thank my body , I talk to my body. 

*I enjoy the aromas, relish the different flavours in my mouth and giggle to the crackling sounds of some foods.

(*Make more Kabir faces  🙂 and sounds like yummmmm … ummm . Completely childlike ! )

Remember, I always say, – it’s a process! All changes don’t happen overnight. At times it may be a natural transition while other times it really needs conscious efforts.

Mindful eating means being more present during your meals. It is best to keep distractions like your phone TV or work away during meal times . Pay attention to every detail, observe and feel everything like colours, textures, tastes. Involve all your senses. Understand your hunger and fullness levels. Enjoy every bite and sip. Eat enough.

Again, listen to your body.

Stay away from labelling foods as good or bad because all types of food provide some kind of nourishment, if not to you , to someone else. Yes, foods fuel our bodies not only physically but sometimes emotionally too. Sometimes we need food to nourish our spirit. 

Listen to your body and understand its needs. 

Accept yourself and love yourself. 

Stay away from food shaming yourself or others.

Of Course take help if needed. Dieticians , doctors or other health consultants are always there for guidance . 

Be grateful .

Lets all develop a healthy and loving relationship with our food .