In our journey towards a healthier lifestyle, many of us see one of the biggest obstacles as our love of nice food. We often find ourselves torn between indulging in our favourite treats and staying on track with our health goals. But what if we could have the best of both worlds? In this video and blog post, we’ll explore how to navigate our relationship with food, redefine what “nice food” means to us, and ultimately find a balanced and fulfilling approach to eating.

Exploring the Concept of Nice Food: When we think of nice food, various delicious treats and dishes come to mind. For me, if I’m honest, it would be a decadent Lindt ball, mouth-watering sweet chili crisps, or a slice of moist carrot cake. But I also really enjoy more wholesome options like falafels and hummus or a nourishing Buddha bowl at a local cafe. The definition of nice food is subjective and personal. It’s essential to acknowledge our preferences and celebrate the diverse range of flavours and experiences food offers us.

Challenging Food Categorisation: Do we label food as good or bad, healthy or unhealthy? Such categorisation can create a restrictive mindset, leading to feelings of guilt and deprivation. Instead, let’s embrace the idea that all foods can be enjoyed in moderation. Food is meant to be savoured, and pleasure is one of the reasons we eat. Imagine a world where we only had one food option—how dull would that be? But God didn’t make us that way, we were designed to enjoy a whole range of foods. And embracing variety and enjoyment in our eating habits can liberate us from strict categorisations.

Breaking Free from Routine: Are you stuck in a culinary rut, relying on the same predictable meals day after day? Monotonous eating patterns can leave our taste buds longing for excitement, leading us to seek satisfaction elsewhere. By introducing new recipes, experimenting with different ingredients, herbs, and spices, we can awaken our palates and revitalise our daily meals. The key is to give our taste buds the variety they crave, making it less likely for cravings to steer us off course.

Understanding Hyper Palatable Foods: Manufacturers design certain foods to be hyper palatable, combining sugar, starch, salt, and fat to create irresistible flavours that keep us coming back for more. However, when we categorise these foods as off-limits or forbidden, we tend to crave them even more. Instead, we can incorporate our favourite indulgences into our day-to-day eating in moderation. By diversifying our meals and discovering new flavour combinations, we may find that our perception of “nice food” expands, making hyper palatable options less appealing.

Finding Freedom in Choice: Imagine observing someone who maintains a healthy diet while being completely free in their eating choices. How would they approach social gatherings or vacations? They would enjoy what they fancied in the moment and move on without dwelling on it. The crucial factor lies in how they bounce back from indulgence, making conscious adaptations without being consumed by guilt or unhealthy habits. It’s essential to remember that food choices do not define us morally; they are simply choices made at a given time.

Embracing Balance and Freedom: We can relish a wide array of nice foods, both natural and man-made, without compromising our balance and freedom in eating. Whether it’s savouring a refreshing smoothie or treating ourselves to our favourite dessert, it’s about choosing consciously and honouring our desires. However, it’s equally important to recognize when external factors, such as cravings or emotional eating, influence our choices. By addressing these patterns and seeking support, we can develop a healthier relationship with food and achieve lasting freedom.

Finding a balance between indulging in nice food and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is possible. By embracing variety, exploring new flavours, and understanding our cravings, we can create a sustainable and enjoyable approach to eating. Food should be a source of pleasure and nourishment, not a cause for guilt or restriction. So, let’s break free from categorisations, honour our preferences, and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with food.

If you’re ready to gain freedom in your relationship with food, consider joining our Healthy, Whole, and Free course. We’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you break free from unhealthy habits and create a lifelong transformation without resorting to dieting. You can find out more and sign up here.

Take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.