Relationships are funny things.

They can be confusing, frustrating, hurtful and toxic. There can be big highs, followed by crushing lows. Sometimes, just when you think you’ve figured it all out, everything goes sideways and you’re right back where you started.

The whole thing can feel exhausting and seriously drive you crazy.

But, when done right, relationships can also be nurturing, fulfilling, inspiring, and delightful. They can fill you up and make you feel like the very best version of yourself!

The truth is that, when it comes to you and food, it’s a whole lot more complicated that just eat this, and don’t eat that.

You and food are in a relationship; you have been for a very long time. And, as much as you might wish that you could just stop eating all together, absorb nutrients through air, and never have to think about what to make for dinner again, food is always going to be a big part of your life. Moreover, if done right, you and food can have a healthy, happy relationship that actually leaves you feeling supported, confident and at ease.

So, just what kind of relationship are you currently in with food? Here’s a little Cosmo-style quiz you can take to find out:

1. When you’re thinking about what to eat for lunch or dinner, you feel:

A: Stressed, anxious and overwhelmed

B: Calm, confident and at ease

2. When you’re eating, you are typically:

A: Multi-tasking by scrolling through your phone, working, driving, reading or rushing around.

B: Eating slowly and mindfully present for every bite.

3. You stop eating because:

A: You’re stuffed, you run out of time, or all the food on the plate is gone.

B: You were tuned into your body and you felt comfortably satisfied (even if you only ate half of the meal).

4. Generally speaking, your approach to eating looks like:

A: When you’re on a program or diet, you do really well, but when you fall off the wagon it’s pretty much total chaos.

B: You make properly nourishing your body, mind and soul a very high priority in your life, no matter what’s going on around you.

5. At night you usually:

A: Use sweet and/or salty junk food and some kind of screen (TV, laptop, phone) to zone out because you’re exhausted and, “you deserve it.”

B: Relax and wind down with a warm mug of tea or small, nutritious snack, and an activity such as reading, yoga or doing something creative, that makes you feel happy and connected back into the deepest, truest version of yourself.

6. When you go out with friends or family, or are travelling:

A: You are easily tempted by junk food and typically eat way too much of everything.

B: You have a deep, clear connection to the person you want to become, and the life you want to create that is not easily swayed by outside pressures or influences. You can enjoy the people you’re with and the fun experience you’re having, while enjoying a healthy portion of the foods you love.

7. Overall, you would describe your relationship with food as:

A: Exhausting, frustrating, and disheartening

B: Peaceful, calm, and happy

 

If you answered A to several (or all) of these questions, then you and food could be in trouble. I know that you feel like you love food, and when things are going well, food makes you so happy (you’ve had a lot of good times together), but it might be time to actively start working on improving the health of your relationship.

And what’s the basis of any healthy relationship? Respect, patience, appreciation, and communication. The exact same elements that form the foundation of a healthy romantic relationship, are the ones that will begin to create a healthy relationship between you and food.

So, let’s start injecting a little more love back into your relationship with food, shall we?

How do we do that? Well, changing the constant, looping, negative thoughts that we have about our relationship with food, our bodies, and what we’re capable of is the first step. And, to help you do that, I’m launching the “Eat with Love” Movement!

If you decide to join us, then, starting on February 14 (Happy Valentine’s Day), you’ll receive in your email inbox a simple healthy eating affirmation every day for 30 days.

Affirmations are a powerful tool to begin reprogramming the way your brain actually thinks about food. And changing the thoughts you think every day is the first step in creating a healthier, happier relationship for the two of you!

Sign up here (it’s totally free). And share this post with friends who you think might be in the same kind of dysfunctional relationship with food and might also want to be part of the Eat with Love movement!