What does it mean to feel unsure about your eating habits?
As we grow up our bodies change, some things we like and some things we do not. Importantly, it is all normal and natural to change. When our bodies change, we can sometimes think that it is related to what we eat, and this can make us anxious about the foods we eat or cause us to eat more foods to try and look stronger.
It is crucial to remember that it is very easy to fall out with food. Sometimes we might have eaten something our body did not like and therefore, we now hate that food. Oppositely, when we feel sad we might want more comfort foods, such as chocolate, to make ourselves feel better. So, instead of letting associations control us, we should always aim to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle by incorporating good food, exercise and drinking plenty of water.
See this video on maintaining a balanced diet – Click here.
What can I do when I feel this way?
- Talk about it – If you are worried about what you eat or how you feel about food, then walk to someone. A friend, school staff or family member, it is highly likely that they have gone through the exact same thing.
- Ask to be a part of the shopping list – It can be really helpful to feel involved in what you eat, plus your family will appreciate the help, so why not plan the shopping and go along? This way you can research healthy meals, help to cook them and get to go and choose the best ingredients. For example, plan a fruit salad for a desert and go and pick the best fruit!
- Write about it – Writing can help you to express what you feel and then you can use the courage built from that to talk to someone else about it. A problem shared is always a problem halved.
- Avoid social media – When feeling odd about what we eat or how we look the worst idea is to go online and compare ourselves to others. At a time like this, it is a good chance for a social media break!
Who might be able to help?
Despite trying hard to do things yourself, we always need more help sometimes, remember that this is okay, that it is normal, and it is brave to admit as such. See below for some useful links to further support:
- Kooth offers confidential online support for young people aged 11 to 18 at Kooth.com
- Beat a helpline to discuss your issues with food, call 0808 801 0711, head to their website to chat with someone 1:1 online or email them on studentline@beateatingdisorders.org.uk .
- Young minds is a fantastic website full of useful information on a range of issues
- Togetherall is a community of members who talk openly about their worries, helping each other by sharing what is troubling them in a safe and anonymous environment with trained guides