The psychology of food and eating

Sometimes it feels as though we have become so far removed from the true essence of why we eat and how to enjoy food. As adults food is often experienced as a chore, a way to control our weight (thanks diet industry!) and a fight to battle out with our kiddies. Yes these are our current and possibly everyday experiences with food, but let’s go back to basics for a moment.

We need to eat to nourish our bodies, to keep healthy, maintain boosted immune systems and to acquire energy. The psychology of eating is in fact a beautiful experience. Nourishing our bodies because of the positive association between food and our bodies, the pleasurable experience of enjoying food. Appreciating and paying attention to how it looks and tastes. Removing thoughts and feelings associated with negatively analysing the food or our bodies.
Food is very often the setting where wonderful social interactions take place. Eating together as a family, meals with friends or celebratory special events.

If on occasion we can be in the moment by experiencing food and the pleasure of eating in light of these basics, we have the power to revolutionise our relationship with food. This allows for a more positive experience for ourselves and in turn our children’s relationship with food. One of the greatest ways children learn is through observing our own behaviours.