You Shouldn't Feel Guilty for Eating Foods that Taste Good

I think that the majority of people have this idea in their heads that healthy food doesn't taste good and unhealthy food does taste good. This thought pattern leads us to believe that if a food tastes good, it automatically isn't good for us.Even if its vegan, gluten-free, "clean", paleo, etc. Even if it's some goodie filled fat balls (aka a bunch of nuts/seeds, dates, coconut oil, and nut butter...what's bad about that?)I have gotten better about enjoying the foods I am eating. Food should be pleasurable! Lately, I have realized that a lot of people feel guilt when associating pleasure with eating. (This one is for you, Gab–aka my best friend/best roommate/soul sista–I promise a GF bacon, egg, and kale sammie isn't something to feel guilty about!)

Eating should be about nourishing.

Whether that be nourishing your body or mind. Sometimes, for our sanity, a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie is what is going to be the healthiest option for us. There should be no guilt in that, your mind is just as important and your body.I think that we have this idea that things that we enjoy isn't good for us. Where did that come from? Since when should the societal norm be living a life filled with feeling mediocre, doing things we only think we should do rather than filling our lives with joy, pleasure, enjoyment, and things that we truly want to do.

Why is there this disconnect?

I have noticed that many people feel guilty about being selfish–maybe that is where all of this comes together. There is nothing wrong with being selfish and living the life that benefits you as a whole person. Being selfish might mean staying in instead of going out with your friends or it might mean rescheduling a date because you have been feeling anxious and stressed all week.I don't want to stray too far away from the idea of eating foods that we enjoy but I do think all of this is interconnected.

A Healthy Lifestyle Looks Different for Everyone

I have said this before and I will say it again–there is no fool-proof, sustainable "healthy" lifestyle. Everyone likes different foods, exercises, and needs different forms of self-care. Even I have this little part of my brain that automatically sees an unseasoned chicken breast, brown rice, and steamed broccoli as the epitome of a "healthy meal." In reality, that could not sound less appetizing to me.I would much rather have roasted broccoli and brussel sprouts, seared salmon, and roasted potatoes. No, not sweet potatoes but regular 'ole potatoes. That meal is just as healthy as the one I just described–if not, healthier for me because it is actually something I enjoy and want to eat. There should be no guilt associated for listening to our bodies and fully enjoying the foods we put into our bodies. When we associate food/eating (no matter what it may look like) with guilt it will lead to restrictive thoughts and that is how you complicated your relationship with food.

It's Not Easy

I'm not going to lie, this whole mentality of not associating food with guilt or with "good" or "bad" isn't easy. Especially in today's society. Especially with social media and the constant bombardment of the ideas that skinnier is better and "eating clean" 100% of the time is doable. It's takes time to block out these restrictive thought processes–I am still working on it.If there's one thing that I learned this year, it's that this whole living a healthy lifestyle thing is all about trial and error. It's about figuring out what works for you and that's not easy and it might change over time.Be easy on yourself and always be kind to yourself.All my love,Nikki