The bodybuilding community and fitness industry has been known to create and promote extremely rigid lifestyle guidelines to achieve “fitness” and aesthetic goals. While these may work for short periods of time, they can lead to a very dangerous relationship with both food and exercise.

What does a good relationship with food look like? 

A good relationship with food involves understanding its values and embracing the social and bonding aspects of eating.  It's about being present with the food and enjoying the flavors and experiences with the people around you.  Developing a good relationship with food is crucial, especially during the holidays, to avoid going off the rails with restrictive eating followed by excessive indulgence.  It's important to understand the physiological and digestive aspects of food, as well as how emotions can influence our eating habits.  Mindful eating tips, such as eating protein and vegetables first for satiety, can also help.  Additionally, leading up to special occasions, it can be beneficial to focus on easy-to-digest foods and consider strategies like reverse dieting to align with your goals.

What is a good relationship with exercise?

A good relationship with exercise goes beyond just using it as a tool to build muscle or burn fat.  It involves understanding and appreciating the multiple benefits that exercise provides.  Exercise is not only about physical transformation, but also about improving mental health, reducing stress, enhancing mobility, and promoting overall well-being.  Developing a healthy relationship with exercise means viewing it as a way to feel good and improve your health, especially during challenging times or after a traumatic experience.  By approaching exercise with the intention of becoming healthier and feeling better, you are more likely to use it appropriately and achieve long-term results in terms of muscle building, fat loss, and overall appearance.  Remember, exercise is a multi-use tool with immense value, so embrace its true potential and let it guide you towards a healthier and happier lifestyle.