What kind of relationship do you have?

Posted on December 9, 2011. Filed under: Nutrition | Tags: eating, food, health, nutrition, relationship |

The following are signs of a bad relationship:

Quitting activities that you enjoyed.
Feeling as though you’re being controlled.
Noting that there are more bad times than good ones in the relationship.
Feeling sad specifically when around your partner.
Constantly feeling disappointed.
Feel pressure to change who you are for the other person
Feel worried when you disagree with the other person
Feel pressure to quit activities you usually/used to enjoy

I ask you, how many people do you think have this type of relationship with either their trainer or with their food?

I once read a fitness writer state that people need to let go of the concept of having a relationship with their food. Though I feel I understand what the author meant, I feel such a statement is short-sighted.

We all have a relationship with our food.

Examine any culture, religious faith, nationality and you find some kind of ritual connected to some form of food. Be it Thanksgiving, communion, there is always a specific type of food attached.

The question then is not whether or not you have a relationship with your food, but whether you have a healthy relationship with your food.

Is your current diet/eating habits based on a relationship of long term love and devotion or a one-night stand? Was it love at first bite or did you have to work to appreciate the benefits?

This may sound crazy, but I challenge you to look not at yourself but at others as well. Are they looking for a crash diet or miracle of instant weight loss. Essentially the food equivalent of a Wham-Bam-Thank you Ma’am.

Or are they looking to make a connection. Develop a strong relationship that lasts. and vice versa on the opposite side of the coin. How does the food you eat make you feel?

Does it contribute to your long term health. support you, make you feel better about yourself, bring out the best in you. Or is it a cheap thrill that soon after your done eating makes you feel down in the dumps, worthless, even ill?

Are you able to control yourself when you eat your food, savor the moments and tastes? Or do you just shove it in as quick as possible and are out the door before you can even process what you just ate?

Look at the way food is advertised on TV or radio. I’m not talking about the typical flash or razzle-dazzle. Which food is advertising ‘instant gratification?’ Or just telling you what you want to hear?

Which food ad seems to “genuinely” care about your health and well being? Can you tell the difference?

I am at one with my protein shake

In a couple weeks I will be bringing my nuttier half back home to Alaska for the first time. As I look at our relationship I find myself looking at other relationships in my life. Interestingly a lot of my relationships are healthy, open and supportive, going both ways.

And I find those who go into an exercise program with positive ideas in mind, tend to get much more out of it. Almost to the degree that their true results don’t happen until that mindset switch occurs.

Not so much they have an perfect relationship so to speak. They have come to an understanding. Made peace with the relationship they need to have to be happy, despite what any one else says or thinks.

So next time you hear of someone failing repeatedly at their goals. Stop and ask yourself.

What kind of relationship do they have?

Keep Fitness Groovy,

Coach W