Food guilt is a real problem when you want to enjoy a balanced diet and stay in shape. As soon as we let ourselves go even slightly, some of us spiral out of control because we feel as though we’ve failed. The truth is that we should all get to enjoy the best food experiences while keeping fit.

Instead of telling ourselves about what eating SHOULD look like, we should all be able to enjoy ourselves while staying disciplined. Here are a few ways of thinking about certain foods in the right way:
Discipline Is Easier When Nothing Is Forbidden
This might feel somewhat counterintuitive, but putting a forbidden tag on something can make it more desirable. You know you’re not supposed to have something, so you want it even more. Certain foods can become so much more satisfying when you actually know they are relatively bad for you. It’s common for people to be put off by certain snacks when they are told they are healthy, for instance. By removing the forbidden idea, you could find yourself chasing other meals that would perhaps serve you better. You won’t be thinking about the particular snack or meal, and certain ideas will not plague your brain.
Body Composition Isn’t Built On One Meal
When people get out of shape, it’s not because they had a week or so of bad eating and little exercise. It’s because they got into this habit for around six months to a year. Body composition is built in the long-term. It’s very easy for people to feel as though they have put on plenty of weight after a day or two of excessive eating. This is not the case, and it’s simply just playing tricks on the person. So, you can stuff your face with plenty of pizza and chocolate one day, and hardly anything will happen to your health, fitness, and physique in the grand scheme. Once you understand this, it becomes a lot easier to enjoy what you eat. Just be careful not to make it a regular thing that lasts for years!
Portion Awareness Through Actual Enjoyment
You are more present when you eat food that you actually enjoy. You begin to notice flavours and textures instead of rushing. When you enjoy certain meals, smaller amounts feel enough because you are not constantly looking to fill an extra void. Choose mindful eating as it leads to natural stopping points without even a single thought about calorie counting or rigid portions.
Feeling Good Creates Healthy Habits
Nobody wants to feel guilty about their eating habits. Guilt drains our motivation, and even a simple act like eating can feel like failure. You may then become less likely to move around or stay hydrated. By removing shame from eating, you can keep the momentum you have built intact. Trusting yourself in this way will build more confidence and help support habits that keep you strong for many years. The majority of this is mental, of course, so make sure you are continually looking after your brain.





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