EAT LIKE YOU LOVE YOURSELF

CAN eating be a way of boosting self-esteem and reducing anxiety? Happily, the answer is yes. Because whenever you ‘eat like you love yourself ’, you’re sending a message to yourself about how much you value you.

While tucking into doughnuts in front of the TV might seem relaxing after a stressful day, afterwards it can feel like we’ve abused our poor bodies, rather than nurtured them. In contrast, eating well sends your subconscious a powerful message that ‘I am worthy’ — essential to tackle anxiety.

So, ask yourself: ‘How would I eat if I really loved myself?’ For me, it means making time, setting the table and preparing something from fresh ingredients that are bursting with colour, then giving myself the time to really taste and enjoy the food.

In the same vein, if you’re feeling anxious, multi-tasking as you eat will make matters worse. Eating while flicking through your phone or sat in front of the TV is not good for your state of mind — or digestion.

Mealtimes should be an opportunity to slow down. Buddhist monk and mindfulness master Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that ‘anxiety comes primarily from our inability to dwell in the present moment’.

Our first step to calmness should be reclaiming our mealtimes.