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We need food to survive. However, food is so much more than fuel. Food is the sustenance that connects us and makes us thrive as human beings.
Food is more than fuel because:
- It helps us experience pleasure
- It gives us a way to explore the world around us
- It connects us to the people around us
- It allows us to experience creativity
Viewing food as fuel and nothing more deprives us of all of the miraculous health, social, and psychological benefits that food has to offer.
This article will explore where the idea of food as fuel comes from, why this statement is accurate but limiting, and how to embrace all of the positive benefits that food has to offer you.
Is Food Just Fuel Nothing More
Food is fuel. There is no doubt about that. Food generates the energy that’s necessary to get you out of bed and to the office.
Food is also the fuel that wins the competitive athlete the gold medal. Without food, literally NOTHING in the human experience would be possible.
However, diet culture has told us that the only purpose of food is to act as fuel.
The idea behind food being nothing more than fuel suggests:
- You should only eat enough food to survive
- Food should never be eaten purely for pleasure
- You should only eat the types of food necessary to survive
- The food you eat should make you the smallest possible size
The idea that food is fuel and nothing more suggests that you should always be living in a scarcity mindset around food.
The problem with “the food is only fuel” thinking is actually a form of food restriction, which could leave you feeling guilty about what you eat or out of control with food.
What Does The Phrase Food Is More Than Fuel Mean
Food is more than fuel embraces the idea that food is responsible for much more than just survival.
Humans were not put on this earth to “just survive” and nothing more. Food is more than fuel embraces an abundance mindset when it comes to fueling our bodies and experiencing pleasure with food.
Food is more than fuel means:
- You can eat food simply for pleasure and not feel guilty
- You can enjoy food with family and friends
- You have permission to eat even if you’re not hungry
- It’s okay to experience different levels of fullness
- You don’t need to exercise off what you eat
- You can eat food you are craving
Food as more than fuel means that you get to have foods that make your body feel good and make your mind feel good.
8 Reasons Food Is More Than Fuel
Food Is Nurture
From the moment you are born, food is not only what makes your body thrive but also how you connect with the people who love you.
Food is one of the first experiences you will ever have in this world.
From your first moments on earth you know:
- Food is a form of comfort in bonding with caregivers
- Food meets both you physical and emotional needs
- You are connected to your environment through food (breast or bottle)
Food is Autonomy
Learning which foods you enjoy is one of your first experiences in self governing and independence.
The foods you enjoy and the decisions you make about what you want to eat are uniquely you!
Think about it, deciding what you do and do not like to eat is one of the first ways that you establish yourself as a separate and independent person from your caregivers. Food can be a core characteristic of what makes you unique!
- The food you put in your body is uniquely experienced by you
- The way you experience tastes and flavors is unique to you
- How you prepare and experience food is a unique representation of your culture and values
Food is Culture
Food can tell you a lot about:
- The way families share time together
- Customs and traditions
- Faith and religion
- Social dynamics of a group of people
All of these ways that food serves as culture, more than just fuel, are a core part of a person’s identity.
Food Relieves Stress
Did you know that food releases dopamine and other feel good chemicals in your brain? Good mental health is essential for just about everything you’re doing in life. It’s okay to eat just because it makes you feel good!
- Food can help uplift your mood when you’re feeling sad
- Food can help with managing anxiety and depression
- Eating with others can reduce stress and anxiety
Food Is Connection
One of the key ways we connect with other people is through food. The relationships that are established through food include family, friends, romantic, and professional relationships.
The food as fuel mentality ignores that strong and essential bonds are often formed with food at the forefront.
Food is used to connect:
- In workplaces
- In schools
- At holidays
- With families in and outside of the home
- In Romantic Partnerships
Even the act of storing, planning, and preparing food can be a vital way to connect with the people you love around you.
Food is Self Care
We often think of self care as making sure you get to the dentist or doctor. You might also think of self care as getting a message to help your mental wellbeing.
Food is also a form of self care.
You are engaging in self care with food by:
- Preparing foods you enjoy in advance so they’re ready when you want them
- Purchasing foods you like that make you feel good
- Having a variety of foods on hand so your body and mind can feel their best
- Building relationships by meal prepping and sharing meals with others
- Intuitively eating and enjoying what you put on your plate
Food stimulates economic growth
Have you ever thought about how human touch points a piece of broccoli had to go through before it reaches your plate?
Every item of food has a story. One single item of food can often serve as the economic wellbeing for many people!
Food stimulates economic growth through:
- The Farmer
- The Harvester
- The Food Transporter
- The Supplier
- The Restaurant Owner
Even if you choose to grow your own food, think about all of the time, money, and energy you spent to nourish the seeds into something that would eventually nourish your body.
Food is more than fuel, it is also a story. A single piece of food can be the story of many people’s livelihoods.
Food is medicine
Food is more than fuel. Food is more than pleasure. Food can also be medicine.
Food becomes medicine when:
- You’re recovering from an eating disorder
- You have an injury or illness your body needs food to recover from
- You’re lacking certain nutrients
How To Enjoy Food As Fuel And Much More
Some tools that can help you enjoy food as more than fuel include:
- Stop calorie counting
- Let go of any fear of weight gain
- Practice food neutrality
- Heal your body image
- Respect your body’s needs and desires with food
- Smash the scale
- Stop dieting
- Help, I Feel Like I Don’t Deserve To Eat - September 7, 2024
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- Intuitive Eating For Eating Disorders: What You Should Know - September 3, 2024