What is food guilt, how to deal with it?

Oh I didn’t mean to eat the last bite or I can’t eat anything else because I ate cake today. Do you make suggestions like you feel guilty about asking for pizza after fast food or when your friend orders a salad? Unfortunately feeling guilty about food very common in our society! Labeling products “good” or “bad” When we crave something “unhealthy” and eat it because of the limiting thoughts we form, we can feel guilty for hours, maybe even days. ‘food blanketThis situation, which is referred to in the literature as ‘, is quite common not only in our society, but throughout the world. In fact, almost a third of the food consumed by people in countries like America has been shown to cause food guilt. research there is even. So why do we feel guilty after eating certain foods, and how can we deal with that guilt?

Reasons for eating guilt?

Oh those social networks! Millions of content, unfortunately, the brains “should be weaker” process … If you try the pressure of the environment, then it is everywhere … Sometimes in the circle of close friends, sometimes in the family. Not to mention the “narrow patterns” imposed by the “so-called” fashion. Unfortunately, in the modern age, the most basic causes of food guilt are all around us. And:

• Food culture: The food culture that has become widespread in almost every society classifies certain foods as “good or bad”. Unfortunately, this classification makes people feel guilty instead of developing a healthy relationship with food. After eating “forbidden” foods, a person cannot feel good …
• Appearance alarm: The influence of social media, environmental pressures and “so-called” beauty standards cause a lot of anxiety, especially among young people, about their figure and appearance. These worries can also make them feel guilty about the food they have eaten.
• Lack of self-confidence and critical inner voice: Internal factors such as constant self-criticism, low self-esteem, or negative body image can increase people’s feelings of guilt about their eating habits.
• Social effects: Dietary norms prevalent in society can create the basis for feelings of guilt when eating certain foods. For example, generalizations such as “snacks are bad” or “sweets are unhealthy” can make people feel guilty about what they are eating. Or the belief that carbs are absolutely bad, or that sugar should be avoided.
• Anxiety control: Anxiety about controlling their eating habits can make people feel guilty about what they eat. This may be due, in particular, to restrictive approaches, such as following a certain diet or completely avoiding a certain food group.

Of course, on top of that, for some personal reason, people can feel guilty after eating certain foods. However, regardless of the underlying cause, food guilt is a negative condition that needs to be explored or the person will not have a healthy relationship with food. Research shows that people who experience guilt about eating are at higher risk for negative body image and eating disorders.

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Ways to deal with food guilt

So, is it possible to get rid of guilt for food and eat with pleasure and benefit? The answer is yes. Here are ways that can help:

1. Stay informed

What do you eat, How knowledgeable are you about the foods you snack on? Are you really hungry or do you want what you ate? Are you constantly putting something in your mouth without realizing it? If you’re not aware enough of what you’re eating, it’s helpful to take a look at your eating habits. So focus on when, how often, and how much you eat rather than what you eat. For this mindful eating You can improve your emotions, become aware of your feelings, and stop thinking about anything else while you eat.

2. Trust your body signals

Pay attention to your body’s signals of hunger and satiety. Your body tells you when it’s hungry and when it’s full. Following these signals is extremely important for regulating your eating habits and enjoying your food. By listening to your body’s needs, you can avoid feeling guilty about food, helping you develop healthier, more balanced relationships.

You might be wondering: Why is not eating what you want a bad idea?

3. Review your beliefs

What foods do you feel guilty about after eating? What is the reason for this? Why do you think food is “bad” or “unhealthy”? Is it your own opinion or a belief imposed on you by society? Revisit the “hard rules” you have set for yourself in your eating habits and/or how you label foods and recognize ingrained false beliefs.

4. Assess yourself with compassion

It is important to be understanding, patient, and compassionate with yourself when dealing with guilt. Instead of blaming and criticizing yourself more, try to develop an accepting, loving, and solution-oriented point of view. Try to support yourself with every food choice, when you become aware of what you are eating, what you are eating and how much, and when you realize what food you are turning to. self-compassion You can be sure that you will be more successful in your field.

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5. Focus on balanced nutrition, not good or bad

You can better know the needs of your body. Breaking free of self-imposed strict eating habits is an important step in overcoming food guilt. Instead of labeling foods as “good” or “bad”, eating a balanced whole food diet and providing variety is one of the best approaches you can take. A healthy eating plan can include a variety of foods from different food groups, and yes, it can include your “favorite snacks.”

Remember that dealing with food guilt can take a long time, and different methods can work for everyone. Be patient with yourself and be open to learning to find the strategies that best suit your needs.

Finally, remember that you are not alone. Keep in mind that you can always get support, and that professional help can guide you through the process and help you develop a healthier relationship with food. Expert help can be the best remedy for food guilt, which is long-term and severely impacting your daily life.

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