The Importance of a Healthy Relationship with Food: Why We Shouldn’t Let Others’ Eating Habits Affect Ours

Food is more than just fuel for our bodies—it’s something that nourishes us, both physically and emotionally. But in today's world, food often comes with a lot of baggage. Whether it's diet culture, social media trends, or well-meaning comments from friends, it's easy to get caught up in other people's eating habits and feel pressured to change yours.

I recently had a conversation with a friend about food, and it got me thinking. We were out for lunch, and while we were chatting, I casually mentioned how I forgot to take out my ground turkey for dinner later. My friend, who has lost weight and only eats once a day, looked at me and said, "You just ate, and you're already thinking about food?" I laughed and said, "Yes, because I have a healthy relationship with food. I'm thinking about what I'm going to eat for dinner later because food is a normal part of my day, and it’s important to me."

Sidenote: I’m not trying to lose weight, so why would I restrict myself to eating once a day? My focus is on nourishing my body, fueling my workouts, and supporting my health. Eating regularly and in a way that feels good for me is what works best.

This simple exchange made me realize how much other people's habits can influence the way we think about food. While it’s great that my friend has found a routine that works for them, it doesn’t mean I need to adopt their way of eating to be successful. My relationship with food is different, and that's okay.

The Dangers of Listening to Others’ Eating Habits

One of the biggest struggles many people face when trying to maintain a healthy weight or reach their fitness goals is the temptation to adopt restrictive eating habits, often influenced by others. But here's the thing—eating too little or restricting your food intake can actually backfire. When we don't eat enough, our hormones get thrown out of balance, and our bodies may go into survival mode, which can cause us to hold on to fat, slow our metabolism, and sabotage our weight loss efforts.

It’s important to recognize that everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person might not work for you. Just because your friend eats once a day or follows a particular diet doesn’t mean it’s the right approach for your body or your goals. Restriction, especially when it comes to food, can create a negative relationship with eating, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, or even disordered eating habits.

Why Eating is Important for Your Hormones and Goals

Hormones are the body's messengers, and when they’re out of balance, they can affect everything from our energy levels to our ability to lose weight. Not eating enough can lead to hormonal imbalances, such as increased cortisol (the stress hormone), and can mess with insulin and thyroid hormones. These imbalances make it harder to burn fat and can even cause unwanted weight gain.

For example, if you’re constantly under-eating or skipping meals to follow someone else’s pattern, your body might hold on to more fat in response to the stress of deprivation. Plus, it can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, slower metabolism, and even issues with your menstrual cycle. The key to keeping your weight off and achieving long-term results is consistency and balance. Eating enough, nourishing your body with the right nutrients, and avoiding extremes can help you stay on track without damaging your metabolism.

Normalizing Healthy Eating Habits

It’s time we stop treating food like the enemy or something to feel guilty about. Eating is a natural, essential part of life, and having a healthy relationship with food means making choices that nourish your body and support your goals. This doesn’t mean you have to eat a certain way just because others do, or because someone else has a specific eating pattern that works for them.

Here are a few ways we can start normalizing a healthier relationship with food:

1. Listen to Your Body: Honor your hunger and fullness cues. If you're hungry, it's okay to eat. If you're not, it's okay to wait. Trust your body’s signals.

2. Eat Regular Meals: Avoid skipping meals or restricting yourself to one meal a day unless it truly works for you. Regular meals and snacks can keep your energy up, help balance hormones, and support your fitness goals.

3. Focus on Nutrients, Not Restrictions: Instead of focusing on eliminating certain foods, focus on adding nutrient-dense foods to your meals that make you feel good and fuel your body.

4. Stay Away from Comparison: What works for someone else might not work for you. Don’t compare your eating habits to others. Your body, your goals, your journey.

5. Give Yourself Grace: Food is meant to be enjoyed. Don’t let guilt or shame follow you after eating. Whether you indulge in a treat or make a healthier choice, it's okay. The goal is progress, not perfection.

Food is not something to fear, and having a healthy relationship with it is vital for your overall well-being. Instead of getting caught up in someone else’s eating habits, focus on what makes you feel your best. Trust yourself, nourish your body, and remember: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to eating. Normalize eating in a way that feels good for you and supports your goals—whether that's eating multiple meals a day or enjoying a balance of healthy, satisfying foods.

Let's all embrace a more positive, balanced approach to food and eating. It’s time to stop letting restrictive eating habits from others hold us back and start creating a healthy relationship with food that supports both our physical and mental well-being.