My Opinion on Food Behaviour

[Food behaviour/addiction, from my understanding, is an academically debated concept. Some minds believe it is a real thing, and others debate the quality and quantity of research available. I would recommend doing your own research on the topic, and make your opinion based on your research, at your own discretion. Below, is mine :)]

I mentioned this in my last written article, where I said I was cutting dairy from my diet. I do miss dairy, but I am able to withstand my urges because I am conscious that although it is addictive, it is my decision what I choose to eat or not eat.

In my opinion, I feel food behaviour is something that we are challenged with daily.

Here are three things to consider on the topic of food behaviour:

1.     How we rationalize what we eat.

We justify everything we do, definitely. Eating is no exception. Had a bad day? Better grab a big spoon to tackle Ben&Jerry’s from the tub. Another co-workers birthday? Better take two slices of cake, as not to be rude. Subway’s on sale? Better make it a foot-long because it is low fat.

The thing is, bad days are common, everyone has a birthday, and Subway is always going to have a sub of the day. While I am not suggesting we be perfect, because I have a big spoon too (coconut frozen dessert, for those of you who read last week), I am suggesting we become aware. Is it occasional, or is it everyday? Is it affecting our fitness goals? Can we choose not too? Are we sabotaging ourselves, long-term?

2.     How it makes us feel during and afterwards.

Sugar tastes amazing. Absolutely. So does dairy, salty chips, poutine, pizza, and unlimited bread sticks at the olive garden. What does not feel great, is being bloated, having a poor quality sleep, uncomfortable trips to the washroom, gaining unwanted weight, and even lowering testosterone in some cases. Those are some things that may happen if eating particular foods, or food groups, that we personally cannot eat or may affect us more long-term for what we want. Being aware of how we feel during, and afterwards, can help us make better decisions. It always surprises me when someone who knows what a food will do to them, eats it, and then complains about the aftermath. That would be like someone chugging 25 shots of tequila in 5 minutes, and then being surprised when they awoke in a hospital bed. Is it even a surprise?

3.     Are we in control?

If you are shaking your head about this idea, and think food addiction is a joke, or some fugazzi I made up, that is okay. Here is a test for you though, cut out all the goodies you eat, everything that is tasty, all sauces, all extras, for a month. I say month, because two weeks is just too quick. Go to a bare bones diet, essentially meat, nuts, and vegetables. No cheat days, 30 days. Consider it some sort of fitness lent challenge. Be conscious of when and if your body starts telling you to eat off diet, or you start smelling and thinking about certain foods. Mentally, you may even start rationalizing why you can eat it, or maybe just a bite, or maybe you can just cheat because why not, why are you listening to something someone challenged you about on the Internet?

That is a form of food addiction.

When you accomplish all 30 days, you will feel successful, probably a few pounds lighter, and in control. You may even decide to keep going, because you have changed your eating habits and like the results.

At the end of the day, what we put in our mouths is our business. While I am not saying perfection is the goal, awareness and moderation are realistic, controllable, and successful realities. As long as it is a choice, we are conscious.