My Thoughts on Eating “Right”
So it is National Nutrition Month, sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and with that comes some sort of theme. This year’s theme is “Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right”. UGH.
I will be honest. I don’t think many people know about all this or have seen the campaign. I only remembered it was “that time of year” because, once upon a time as a student, I was forced to sit at booths at health fairs giving out handouts. And I thought it was off point then.
The graphics of the logo show spoons of grains, fruit, shrimp, and vegetables among a few other foods. And don’t get me wrong, part of attuned eating is gentle nutrition and as we eat food more from permission vs. being virtuous we find that we can be more drawn to foods that we are told are “healthy”.
The issue is the message that “eating right” only includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat proteins. It’s the same old message of “healthy eating” means eating low calorie foods. Which goes on to mean, low calorie eating is “eating right”. Really, for whom? And in what circumstances?
And in my opinion, this message is not really encouraging people to eat well. Just the visuals would make a person think that if they don’t eat what is depicted, they are not eating well. Which we all know can produce anxiety or shame with making food choices. And I don’t know anyone being peaceful with eating or body image who feels bad about what they eat.
Eating well means sometimes eating big meals or small meals. Sometimes it’s brown rice and beans or cheesy chicken enchilada. It means using our body’s feedback from the foods we eat to decide what enhances our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, whether it’s high fiber or high fat food.
“Eating right” comes from you knowing what is the best match for your current energy and satisfaction needs. Being attuned to hunger, fullness, satisfaction and appetite is your best bet to becoming your own nutrition expert.
What foods make you feel the most satisfied? The least and what signals did you get to know this and is it in all circumstances? Tell us below J
Hugs and Peaceful Eating,
Tracy
So it is National Nutrition Month, sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and with that comes some sort of theme. This year’s theme is “Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right”. UGH.
I will be honest. I don’t think many people know about all this or have seen the campaign. I only remembered it was “that time of year” because, once upon a time as a student, I was forced to sit at booths at health fairs giving out handouts. And I thought it was off point then.
The graphics of the logo show spoons of grains, fruit, shrimp, and vegetables among a few other foods. And don’t get me wrong, part of attuned eating is gentle nutrition and as we eat food more from permission vs. being virtuous we find that we can be more drawn to foods that we are told are “healthy”.
The issue is the message that “eating right” only includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat proteins. It’s the same old message of “healthy eating” means eating low calorie foods. Which goes on to mean, low calorie eating is “eating right”. Really, for whom? And in what circumstances?
And in my opinion, this message is not really encouraging people to eat well. Just the visuals would make a person think that if they don’t eat what is depicted, they are not eating well. Which we all know can produce anxiety or shame with making food choices. And I don’t know anyone being peaceful with eating or body image who feels bad about what they eat.
Eating well means sometimes eating big meals or small meals. Sometimes it’s brown rice and beans or cheesy chicken enchilada. It means using our body’s feedback from the foods we eat to decide what enhances our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, whether it’s high fiber or high fat food.
“Eating right” comes from you knowing what is the best match for your current energy and satisfaction needs. Being attuned to hunger, fullness, satisfaction and appetite is your best bet to becoming your own nutrition expert.
What foods make you feel the most satisfied? The least and what signals did you get to know this and is it in all circumstances? Tell us below J
Hugs and Peaceful Eating,
Tracy
PS– I want to thank you all, both old and new followers. I am honored that I can serve you with support to be attuned eaters and loving towards your body If you have any desires for this blog or offerings that would help you, please let me know.
THANK YOU for this. Just started working with Intuitive Eating in January, and I love this blog. So many positive messages and ideas to help me get through each day.
I am very glad that this blog is helpful and supporting your journey with Intuitive Eating! Keep us posted 🙂