3 Ways To Overcome Food Guilt - The Right way

3 Ways To Overcome Food Guilt - The Right way

This article was originally published on the Larissa Nicole Fitness blog. For more healthy recipes, nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyle tips just like these, click HERE!

Have you ever had that feeling of guilt after eating one too many cookies after dinner, for choosing the pasta instead of the salad, or for not saying "no" to dessert? ⁠

 Don't worry - we've ALL been there!

Food guilt is one of the HARDEST mental battles to beat...⁠ but it doesn't have to be that way.⁠

I'll admit, I STILL struggle with my fair share of food guilt when I let my emotions get the best of me, but what's truly helped me overcome most of the shame and guilt I have around food is based on 3 simple principles:⁠

1. DON'T LABEL FOODS AS "GOOD" OR "BAD".⁠

Although foods do have varying amounts of nutrients, try not to see foods as "good" or "bad" - because that just perpetuates the guilt… and the problem. ⁠Instead, choose foods based on what will provide you with the nutrients (or flavours!) you desire in that moment.⁠

2. BE INTENTIONAL WITH YOUR FOOD CHOICES⁠

When you are 100% fully in control and aware of your food choices - you’re not letting your emotions or cravings or your horrible experience at work influence that choice - there shouldn’t be any guilt involved. Whether your choice is a burger or a salad, you are still able to make that decision with a rational mind, factoring in whatever food will serve you best at that moment. (And sometimes, it IS the burger!)⁠

⁠3. DON'T USE GUILT-INDUCING LANGUAGE⁠

Start by removing the words "should" and "should not" from your vocabulary. (Ex. “I should eat more veggies.” or “I shouldn’t eat that pizza.”) The word SHOULD is guilt-inducing language that is self-sabotage at its finest. You are using guilt to try to change your behaviour, which never works.⁠

Instead, try saying “I CHOOSE to _____” or “____ is not a PRIORITY to me”. (Ex. “I choose to eat the burger.”⁠ or “Meal prepping is not a priority to me.")⁠

These are empowering phrases that put you in the driver's seat and give you back the control over your choices that you deserve - no guilt necessary.⁠

Tell me, which one of these tips will you try the next time you're feeling that food guilt creep up? Comment below!

With love and wellness,

LARISSA NICOLE

CPT, Transformation Coach

About the Author

Larissa is a Toronto-based Transformation & Wellness Coach, Recipe Developer, Blogger/Writer and soon-to-be Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) who believes in a balanced, sustainable approach to health & fitness – no diets, no “fit teas”, no short-term fixes.

Having lost over 60lbs and overcome traumas related to cardiovascular health, extreme bullying, and body dysmorphia over the course of her own fitness journey, she uses her transformation story as a way to teach women  struggling with their weight how to become a stronger, healthier & happier versions of themselves and that absolutely anything is possible with the right mindset.

To learn more about how she can help you reach your ultimate health & fitness goals, visit her site HERE!