There is an infamous saying that states “eat to live, don’t live to eat.” So, are you eating to live? Many of us at one point or another have struggled with food consumption. You may still be currently dealing with this and that is okay, as long as you’re working towards balance.

Eating to live is a way to show appreciation to the body by feeding it whole, natural, live foods. Our relationship with food begins from the time we are young and start to adapt habits learned from what we are taught and what is around us. This relationship can and does change over time and has a direct connection to our physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health. Insert another infamous saying; you are what you eat.

It’s clear that many are disconnected from themselves by the choices they make when it comes to the food they eat. The disconection is in the fact that people continue to fuel their bodies with things that the body doesn’t like, cannot tolerate and are straight up harmful. It is important that we unlearn and relearn what our bodies need to be alive.

We ask questions when we don’t know something, the same should apply when it comes to food. Why do you eat the things you eat? What are the ingredients in what you’re consuming? What are its effects on the body? All of these questions need to come to mind when you are focusing on balance. The key thing is that you have to be willing to find the answers. You must do your research.

Again, many of us have been conditioned to have certain eating habits based on what we were exposed to in our environment. Some cultural foods could be good while others not so much. So instead of brushing off what you aren’t comfortably aware of, welcome the learning experience and consider it a sign.

Related: Ways to Start a Plant Based Lifestyle While Still Eating Meat

Listen to your body. Seriously, our bodies tell us when something is wrong. Many issues that seem to be common stem from diet. I know you’ve heard before that: meat, dairy, sugar and alcohol are not good for you. Either way I’m mentioning it now so here’s another reminder. These things literally lead to diseases and death. Our bodies will show and tell us when we need to fix something. You have to be concerned enough to figure out how to make the corrections.

It’s time to get uncomfortable and start understanding our food and our bodies. Just because foods and franchises are advertised to us doesn’t mean that they have to be for us. We can talk all about the food industry’s marketing schemes but I will save my comments. Do your research. The main thing is to realize that we are responsible for how we treat ourselves. Surely you don’t want to regret not taking proper care of your temple.

Stop being afraid of what others will say and their reaction to you making changes to your diet. People will always have something to say, even when it comes to what you are putting into your body. Also, it’s okay to check yourself. I know some people say to eat whatever you want, especially now with the pandemic and social distancing restrictions. I understand the thought behind telling people to eat what they want but I don’t agree.

Eat what your body needs and the wants can follow in moderation. Yes, you can just eat what you want, but should you? Should you continue to eat when your body is telling you that it’s full? Telling people to just eat what they want is intended to be a caring gesture but there could be a deeper issue within that person. You know yourself better than anyone so if you find yourself making unnecessary and unhealthy choices, check yourself. There has to be some level of discipline when it comes to food and drink consumption.

There are emotions involved in the eating process. What works for some will not work for others. Emotional eating is real and by simply encouraging someone to eat what they want could prevent them from facing much deeper problems. Mindful eating is not the same for us all. Do what is best for you.

Are you ready to eat to live? To truly make a change with anything you must be ready; your relationship with food is not the exception. Mindful eating is a way to eat with a purpose. All food is not good food. It’s time that people wake up and realize that we are what we eat. There are so many things that can be prevented by just simply having a healthy diet. Once you make the changes you won’t regret it and your body will be happy.

Please feel free to share with us any comments, questions or concerns that you have about your own food relationship.