The Truth About Live to Eat or Eat to Live

Long and Short Reviews organizes a weekly Wednesday blogging Challenge each year. Every Wednesday, bloggers participate by writing a post about that week’s topic. It is fun to go to each site and see all the different answers! You can find out more about the challenge and see the list of topics here. I am honored to participate each week! Check back here every Wednesday!

Today’s topic is – What I eat on an average day.

The Truth About Live to Eat or Eat to Live

I would be a liar if I said I was an eat-to-live person. I have not had a healthy relationship with food for most of my life. I am an emotional eater, I LOVE food, and cooking is a hobby. 

I am just really thinking about these things as of the first of this year and as I examine where I am and where I want to be. Since starting this blog, I have had a new look at life. I see other bloggers I admire and know I can reach those heights with hard work and dedication. 

That work is flowing into my personal life, also! I am sure some of my readers saw my crazy list of life-changing goals! I still plan them all! NOT at the same time! The post is Focus On My Personal Goals For 2023, in case you missed it! 

That post has a long list that ranges from business goals, family time, and everything in between! I followed it up with a series that was written primarily for myself! It was a four-week series on self-discipline, which I will need a lot of to complete those goals. 

I have rambled enough! This week’s topic is “What I eat on an average day.” I used to eat the same thing all the time, which was usually bad for me! 

This is my NEW menu:

Breakfast is one of the following:

• Old-fashioned oatmeal with fruit (usually fresh strawberries or blueberries) 
• Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie
• Eggs and toast 

Lunch is around noon every day. I choose between:

• Salad
• Tuna sandwich on a wrap
• grilled cheese on wheat 

I eat an afternoon snack, and I pick one:

• Banana 
• Red and green grapes mixed 
• Colby jack cheese and wheat crackers
• Strawberry and blueberries mixed 

Dinner is an adventure! These are some of the recipes that we have tried recently. 

• Asparagus and mushroom tacos
• Mushroom and Broccoli soup 
• Braised Chipotle Sweet Potatoes with brown rice
• Easy Mushroom Risotto and salad
• Stuffed Shells With Spinach, salad, and salmon bites 

I NEVER drank water, ever! I usually drink three bottles daily, which I know is not enough. I am addicted to Mnt Dew (whole sugar) and am trying to escape that slowly. This soda is where most of my weight issues are from, and potion size. 

A Healthy Relationship with Food

I have therapy once a week for various mental illnesses that I deal with. We have been discussing healthy eating also! It helps to talk about my feelings revolving around food. 

I have learned some essential steps toward a healthy relationship with food. The following are some things I have learned in therapy and from my research. 

Creating a healthy relationship with food involves developing a positive attitude towards food and learning to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Here are a few ways to help create a healthy relationship with food:

• Ditch the diet mentality: Instead of thinking of food as “good” or “bad,” try to focus on the nutritional value and how it makes you feel.

• Listen to your body: Learn to recognize when you’re starving and full. Eating when you’re not hungry or continuing to eat when you’re full can lead to overeating and a negative relationship with food.

• Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to your food’s taste, texture, and smell. Take your time and savor each bite. This can help you enjoy your food more and recognize when you’re full.

• Don’t restrict certain foods: Restricting certain foods can lead to a cycle of bingeing and guilt. Instead, allow yourself to have any food in moderation, and learn to control portion sizes.

• Be active: Regular physical activity can help you develop a positive relationship with your body. Feeling good about yourself makes you less likely to turn to food for comfort.

• Embrace variety: Eating various foods can help you enjoy meals and get all the necessary nutrients.

• Get Support: Sometimes, working with a registered dietitian or therapist can help you develop a healthy relationship with food. They can help you identify any underlying emotional or psychological issues impacting your relationship with food and develop strategies to address them.

Conclusion to The Truth About Live to Eat or Eat to Live

I have been focusing on my personal goals for 2023, which includes improving my mental and physical health. My weekly therapy sessions have helped me to understand the importance of developing a positive attitude towards food and learning to listen to my body’s hunger and fullness cues.

I have shared my daily food intake and some recipes I have been experimenting with to inspire others to improve their relationship with food. 

Remember, creating a healthy relationship with food is a process that may take some time. Be patient with yourself, celebrate the small successes along the way, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.

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