What is a healthy relationship with food?

A healthy relationship with food is a vague term, so what does it actually mean and why is it so important for our children to develop a positive relationship with food?

With so many food choices around us it is easy to become overwhelmed with options for ourselves and for our children. We can shop at the supermarket, eat in, eat out, order in, grab a snack out, the possibilities are endless so how do we make choices that support both our busy lifestyles, meet everyone’s food preferences and still enjoy family mealtimes? 

What is a healthy relationship with food;

• Tasting and enjoying a wide range of foods

• Having a healthy appetite

• Eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are full

• Choosing foods that are right for your body at the time you eat it

• Willingness to try new foods

• Noticing how foods make your body feel

• Enjoyment of eating with others

An unhealthy relationship with food can lead to disordered eating such as binge-eating, restricted eating or lack of interest in food altogether and regularly eating alone, whether you are an adult or child can impact mental and emotional health. 

So, find reasons to enjoy and celebrate food, create buffet meals where everyone can find foods that they like and make mealtimes a happy occasion. Positive family mealtimes form strong families and support long term healthy eating habits for life.