Having a healthy and positive connection with the food you eat isn’t as clear-cut as it may seem. For some people, this may be a struggle that could lead to more harmful and debilitating problems in the future. Because of this, it’s important to catch the early warning signs that may signal an unhealthy, and therefore unsustainable, relationship with food.
Here are five common signs to look out for that signal a negative relationship with food:
1. You feel guilty after eating
While it’s normal for many people to have feelings of regret after overindulging on their favorite foods, the same feelings, when taken to the extreme, can be very harmful to a person’s overall health. They may experience an overwhelming sense of anger towards themselves or become fearful of possibly gaining weight.
2. You cope with stress through eating
Some people have a habit of binging on treats during times of distress, and this may be a symptom of unhealthy eating habits. Although it’s a coping mechanism that is common for most people, it can be problematic since stress is a daily occurrence in modern society. The problem can also become cyclical, in that the more stressed a person is, the more they eat. Then, the more they eat, the more stressed they become, and the cycle continues.
3. You switch from diet to diet
With so many different diets now becoming widespread and normal, this may be one of the less obvious indications that a person has unsustainable eating habits. When a person jumps from one diet to another, however, this may be a clear signal that they need better guidance. This is especially true for extreme dieters who restrict entire food groups and maintain dangerously low-calorie intakes. This not only puts them at a greater risk of eating more later on, but it can also lead to health problems down the line.
4. You hide what you eat
If a person has a tendency to stash their food away or prefers to eat in total seclusion, it may be a sign that they have an unhealthy outlook on their eating habits. These habits usually stem from feelings of guilt and shame that are triggered by external factors––most commonly another person––that makes them feel like they are being judged for what and how much they eat.
5. You are preoccupied with eating
It’s quite normal for people to plan their meals ahead of time, but when it becomes an obsession that gets in the way of their other responsibilities, it might be a sign that that person needs to rethink their approach to eating. Additionally, if their constant food cravings result from psychological factors, and not actual physical feelings of hunger, then the problem becomes worse as their appetites can never be fully satisfied.
Wrapping up
Remember that your eating habits play a huge role in various aspects of your daily life, which is why it’s important to develop a relationship to food that you can sustain in the long run. There are indeed many benefits to doing so, but just like any good habit, it takes patience, consistency, and a little help from people who have your best interests in mind.
If you or a loved one displays any of the indications listed above, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a professional for some expert guidance. If you’d like to speak to a professional, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.