The relationship between our bodies, the food we eat, and the way we feel is complicated. Everyone has their own relationship to food and eating. Eating well can mean something different to everyone.

To eat well you need sit down and think how food makes you feel? Food can make us feel guilty, stressed, or ashamed. It can also make us feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy.

Think about what kind of feelings best describe how food makes you feel.

The way food makes us feel often says a lot about how we feel about ourselves and our lives. If we feel stressed, food can make us feel less stressed. The way our bodies look, and feel can be stressful, and food might only make that stress worse.

Eating well can sometimes mean we have to feel good about ourselves and life first.

If food makes you feel stressed, or you’re uncomfortable about your relationship with food, talk to someone you trust. It could be a friend, family member, or a therapist. Talking about food might not be easy, so find someone you feel comfortable with.

As a start, you could tell them how food and eating makes you feel. Tell them why you think food makes you feel this way. You don’t have to share everything all at once. Just start small.

If you feel comfortable enough, discuss the things in your life and aspects of yourself that make you feel this way about food.

Remember, to eat well you have to feel comfortable with yourself and your life first. It might take a long time to feel comfortable. You can always seek professional help. There are therapists, counsellors and psychologists who can help you to feel comfortable again.

There is no shame in seeking support.