Regardless of whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your significant other or flying solo, there is one relationship you’re likely committed to – the one with your food.
To celebrate Hallmark’s favourite day of the year, and to encourage food acceptance and body respect, we’re identifying four eating habits you should cut ties with this Valentine’s Day.
And don’t worry – it’s not you, it’s them. We promise.
An All-or-Nothing Approach
Are you hard on yourself for eating extra calories, like a slice of cheesecake every once in a while? If that sounds like your mindset, the first bit of relationship advice you should follow is a thought breakup.
No one’s perfect, and that’s especially true when it comes to eating. Everyone cheats. Everyone indulges. Being too uptight, or designating a small group of ‘acceptable’ foods can have physical effects like nutrient deficiencies, or emotional consequences like disordered eating.
Extremes
An eating plan that’s predicated on a single food type, a single colour, or is effective at a single period of the day is…well, extreme.
That goes for certain diets, too; many meal plans revolve around minimal calories, prohibitive costs, or simply impossible expectations. Target moderate & sustainable eating habits instead.
Related: How to Set Good Habits for Fussy Eating Kids
Nutrient Exclusions
Don’t make your plate into some sort of yacht club, where only certain members are allowed access – it should be more like an inclusive community center, where all nutrients feel at home.
Alright, corny imagery, but remember that no one food can provide EVERYTHING your body needs to function and maintain body balance. There’s a reason why the term ‘variety’ plays a significant role in the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
For example, if you can’t stomach animal protein, opt for a plant-based substitute. Avoiding fat to lose weight may have you losing more than you bargained for – in this case, losing the vibrancy of your skin & hair. Axing carbohydrate-rich foods can affect both your mood, and your breath.
Basically, excluding nutrients could reduce your chances for love. You know, with people.
Fad Dieting
We have nothing against fashion fads – if you want to rock a frullet (think mullet, but worse), all the power to you.
Food fads, however, aren’t so acceptable.
Related: What’s the Secret to a Successful Diet?
Detoxes, cleanses, ketogenic diets, mono diets (eating one food type), gluten-free diets for weight-loss and fasts, is food’s answer to the one-night stand: the momentary high quickly deteriorates into regret.
If a diet seems too good to be true, it likely is; cut your losses, walk away, and don’t ever let them see you cry.
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