Last week, headlines like "Food addiction: fat may rewire brain like hard drugs" popped up in the news.
New research showing that over-eating and fat consumption may be driven by the same neurobiological mechanism in the brain as drug addiction.
The words "new research..." used to send people scrabbling to figure out what to eat, how to eat, when to eat, and how to exercise.
In recent years, it seems more people roll their eyes when the "latest research" is announced.
How often do you hear: "I'm just going to eat what I want, it's too confusing," or "I'm so tired of all this dieting stuff," and "I hate exercise!"
Perhaps many of us are suffering from battle fatigue.
If you have lost and gained the same 15 or 50 pounds over the years, why wouldn't you feel defeated? Many people struggle with food and body issues every day. So, how did we get here?
Possibly, after 40 years of health research and the influence of the diet and fitness industry, we have become dependent on information from the experts, instead of trusting in ourselves.
Add to this, images in the media of glamourized, sexualized, thin and youthful models and role models.
It is no wonder that our relationship to food and our bodies has become a challenge for some and all out war for others.
To help us fight the war to improve ourselves, are countless "lifestyle experts."
Food channels, fitness websites, health magazines bombarded us with advice on "how to." Despite all the information many people continue to struggle with eating and their body.
Perhaps constantly being told what we should do leaves many people feeling guilty, rebellious or disempowered. How often do you eat what you "should" then "treat" yourself later, only to feel guilty?
Even the idea that a particular food is good or bad" has become the norm in North American culture. Yes, this is a complex social issue with many factors to address.
However, on an individual level we can choose a more sustainable and kinder way of thinking about food and our bodies.
Here are some ideas to making peace with yourself.
1) Enjoy what you eat. Eat what you enjoy.
Some people believe that with no diet restricting them, they will just stuff themselves and won't know when to stop. Well that isn't enjoying your food. It's not enjoyable to feel stuffed.
2) Be conscious of why you are eating. Food is only the answer to stomach hunger, not boredom, anger or loneliness.
3) If you know you have issues with your body, do some personal work to understand yourself better.
Be kind and stop comparing your body to those around you. Body size and contentment do not go hand in hand.
Move in a way you enjoy, whether that is dancing or swimming.
Commit to the journey of not spending your life energy on what you weigh and what you eat.
There are more worthy wars to be fought in the world.
