Seven Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship with Food

Fueling our bodies as the miraculous vessels that they are is paramount to overall health. But, when the food and food practices become a consuming concern or ritual, we may have a bigger picture to unpack. Read on for more...

TW: Disordered Eating/Dieting/Relationships with Food

So much of our general health as human beings begins in the gut; meaning, in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, balance hormones, and beyond; we have to pay attention to our eating habits which transcend simply what we continuously or habitually eat or do not eat. We have to take a long, hard look at our relationships with food to determine whether or not we're giving our bodies what they need to be their healthiest.

Here are some signs that may indicate an unhealthy connection with what we eat:

Obsession with Dieting: Constantly thinking about restrictive diets, calorie counting, and weight loss can consume your thoughts, leading to an unhealthy focus on food rather than nourishment.

Emotional Eating: Using food as a coping mechanism to deal with emotions such as stress, sadness, or boredom. Turning to food instead of addressing underlying emotional issues can lead to an unhealthy cycle.

Extreme Food Avoidance: Severely limiting or avoiding entire food groups without medical necessity can result in nutritional deficiencies and imbalances that impact overall health.

Compulsive Eating or Binging: Frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food rapidly, often feeling out of control during these episodes. This behavior can lead to guilt, shame, and physical discomfort.

Negative Body Image: Constantly criticizing and devaluing your body based on its size or shape, often comparing yourself to unrealistic standards. This mindset can fuel self-destructive behaviors towards food.

Isolation or Social Avoidance: Withdrawing from social gatherings or events that involve food due to fear, guilt, or anxiety around eating can signify an unhealthy relationship with food.

Excessive Exercise: Engaging in excessive exercise as a way to "burn off" calories consumed or to punish oneself for eating certain foods. This mindset can strain the body and mind, leading to burnout and injury.

Remember, nourishing your body should be a positive and enjoyable experience. If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek support from a healthcare professional. Always consult your primary care physician before changing your healthcare routine. If you have questions about this or about your healthcare from a naturopathic approach, please reach out to contact@drerikahorowitz.com to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to assisting you!

Be well!

Dr. Horowitz and Team