My Love-Hate Relationship with Food

Relationship with food

Words by Serene Chai, photos by ladyironchef.

I confess that I am constantly thinking about food. It’s the first (“What should I have for breakfast?) and last (“Should I have some snacks before I hit the sack?”) thought on my mind everyday. My relationship with food is complicated with many issues that involve plenty of decision-making, and I am sure that I am not alone in nursing this food fever.

Below I have included three reasons on how, and why you should end your love-hate relationship with food.

My obsession with food fluctuates with my mood.

Research has shown that people embark on a binge-eating spree when they’re feeling anxious, stressed or down in the dumps. Likewise, I am guilty as charged. I guess that’s how the term “comfort food” evolved. Food is meant to be comforting and mood-lifting. Health gurus might frown upon unhealthy snacking but I beg to differ because I believe that caving in to comfort food temptations will go a long way.

Why do you allow yourself to have food issues weighing heavily on your mind, which in turn affects your mood, productivity or attention span at work or in school? It is perfectly fine to succumb to food temptations if you bear in mind to eat in moderation. Don’t beat yourself up when you fail to resist sinful food. Instead, focus on savouring that morsel of heaven in your mouth. Don’t let that wonderful moment be ruined by guilt. I staunchly believe that post-indulging guilt can be easily eradicated with exercise.

My obsession with food receives motivation from new food trends.

As a self-professed social media addict, I am reminded of food and alerted of new food trends on a daily basis. My virtual friends love to share photos of their favourite food, ranging from hawker gems and homemade goodness to gourmet meals. I blame it on the snap-and-chow fad that has taken my generation – and my fellow Singaporeans – by storm.

Somehow, visual feasting has its way of triggering my food cravings. However, I am more than grateful to be a part of this trend because it serves as a reminder that there is more to life than counting calories or keeping a food journal. It is reassuring to know that I am not alone when it comes to my food obsessions.

Chocolate desserts

My obsession with food defines who I am.

There is never a right or wrong occasion to eat. You eat because you need to satisfy your hunger, or simply because you want to. If you can differentiate between your needs and wants when it comes to food cravings, it will definitely benefit your waistline. However, why fret over small issues like over-consuming on calories? That is not to say that it is fine to indulge and completely ignore your calories intake. It may come across as ironic to many, but my food indulgences encourage me to work up a sweat outdoors. Snacking serves as a self-reminder that I’ve “sinned” and ought to make up for it with exercise or a healthier meal.

Remember, your relationship with food doesn’t have to be nerve-wrecking or stress-inducing. As much as food can lift your spirits, it can ruin your mood too. The power of decision-making and happiness (stemming from comfort food) lie in your hands.

In short, life is too short to be stressing over trivial food issues. As such, I hereby resolve to waste less time and brain cells on deciding whether or not to go ahead and pamper my taste buds.

The next time you have to battle with your heart and mind over a fat slice of chocolate cake, bear in mind that your happiness comes first.

Food always wins.