Eating Well, Self-Care Go Hand in Hand
A healthy relationship with food is a solid foundation for mental wellness.
September 21, 2023 | Source: Chicago Sun Times | by Veronica Booth
Nutritious ingredients and regular meals are essential for physical health, but what and how someone eats can affect their mental health just as much.
A healthy relationship with food is a solid foundation for mental wellness.
According to Laurie Bell, a registered dietitian at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, “A healthy relationship with food involves accepting all different kinds of food to help feed and nourish your body while enjoying what you eat.”
People dealing with body dysmorphia and depression might punish themselves for enjoying an indulgent meal, forcing themselves, say, to eat celery exclusively in hopes of feeling better about themselves.
On the other hand, people might turn to delicious food as a source of comfort, gorging on buttery, sugary and fatty foods that give them immediate but temporary satisfaction.
Both extremes are harmful, and experts advise maintaining a well-balanced diet that prioritizes nutrition as well as pleasure.