Eating does not have to be about judging what's good and bad for you

Having been a gourmand all my life, I certainly have consumed my share of treats over the years.

As regular readers will know, I’m a big fan of dark chocolate, pastries, and ice cream. I have acquired a taste for doughnuts after more than 20 years with my hubbie, the Chef Instead.

We don’t feel guilty about all of the things we consume in our diet. I have always admired (famed chef) Julia Child’s philosophy, “everything in moderation…including moderation.”

I admit I have been blessed with a metabolism that helps me process said treats, and I know that offers me an advantage. But I also use the same philosophy in eating that I do with the rest of my life: Enjoy the moment, be present. Regrets only need happen if I don’t take an opportunity presented to me. Excess today is a wonderful reminder for moderation tomorrow. Don’t rob the person creating, or giving, something the joy of doing so. Sharing my enjoyment is part of my responsibility as an engaged person.

It seems that often in today’s world, we are drawn to the extremes. It seems to take more to get people’s attention, so perhaps that’s why it’s more popular to be shocking or overindulge. My challenge with doing that is I get worn out from the constant effort.

I see it as the same as someone with any interest. For example, a lover of live music doesn’t attend a huge concert most days of the week.

You might ask, “what’s your point? Are you endorsing and encouraging indulging? Or are you trying to get us to be healthier?” Well, I’m trying to show you that both are possible, if you don’t go over the edge.

I believe the secret to all this is in our attitude. Like with most things in the world, we can approach them taking sides, judging good and bad, right and wrong or we can look to understand the different angles or options and simply choose the one we like, without judging others.

If treats aren’t good or bad, but rather just another food to enjoy, then isn’t there less pressure to have one?

If we seek to enjoy food (or any other pursuit), then we might even knock down ideas of believing food is bad or should make us feel guilty. (That’s what I do when I go to new places and try new foods or dishes, I focus on the thrill of the adventure.)

If we are enjoying ourselves, then the stress associated with “breaking” a diet, eating “junk” food or “overdoing” it goes away. Who needs higher cortisol levels?

That may all sound like the justifications of a skinny gal who loves to eat. If you’re thinking that, I have good news. I’m following a philosophy that has been studied for years. You can read about it it in a British magazine called Heart Matters.

Intuitive eating, as it’s called, is about choosing what your body wants. We need to be reasonable, of course, and consider a generally healthy approach. But a non-restrictive approach to food generally helps people have a better relationship with what they eat.

People eating intuitively usually eat a wider variety of food and so they get a wider selection of nutrients. They tend to have better expectations for their goal size and weight, along with a more positive body image. Their focus is on how they feel, with better awareness of being hungry, satisfied and full, and a better connection to what foods help them feel their best for activities and life.

I know this approach is not for everyone but I thought it was worth discussing as an alternative to our tendency to focus on all or nothing. I really like “some”, or “sometimes” as an alternative.

I wish you bon appetit, however you are choosing your treats.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.