How to have a healthy relationship with food

There was a good article today in the Sindo about people's relationship  with food. The following is a synopsis :

1. Are you stressed ? One of the main reasons people overrated or undereat is due to stress. I can vouch for that ! If I am at home and the three kids are driving me a bit bonkers, and I can't get out for a run, I definitely do crave what's in the cookie jar ! When you are stressed you are not present, you just move from one thing to another in a sort of daze. You don't even realise what you are eating ! If this happens to you, once you know what pushes your buttons to make you stressed, you are in a better situation to manage it.

2. Processed Food. E.g. Cakes, biscuits, crisps, sweets.. These foods never satisfy your hunger. Once you start eating them, it is hard to stop. They have lots of sugar, salt, fat in them. Avoid these and substitute them for whole grains, lean proteins, veg and fruit.

3. Pack a Snack. Always have a healthy snack with you when out and about. E.g. Nuts, fruit, homemade flapjack, smoothie ... When you get a slump, typically mid afternoon, you will be prepared and won't munch on chocolate or crisps which as we know already, will definitely not fill you and only leave you wanting more.

4. Banish the bad stuff. Get rid of any temptation out of your house. Also watch your portions at dinner. Eat off a smaller plate. Have a palm sized piece of protein and a fist sized portion of starch, and as much veg as you like.

5. Be realistic. A lot of people have an all or nothing approach. Either you are on a diet and super healthy, or off a diet and super bad. Also, you are either training six days a week, or not at all. Do what's right for you but try and strike a balance !