96. How Food Quality Affects Your Weight and Energy

Today’s episode of Balance With Sam is another snippet from a recent call with my amazing clients! We discuss eating over the holidays, the value of high quality foods and whether it’s better to just eat the food you’re craving (hello pizza!) or trying to make a healthier alternative. Top Takeaways If you're struggling with satisfaction around your meals, think about what foods you really loved growing up. Figure out what that food is and really eat them. Buy the highest quality ingredients and be mindful. Breathe while eating. Breathe before. Breathe during. Breathe after. You’ll notice you’ll only need one or two pieces as opposed to the ten you would’ve had (and still not have been satisfied!). Notice how the slowing down paired with the quality ends up actually giving you permission to eat the things you love, not go overboard and not overeat things that aren't really doing it for you. Start caring that everything you put in your mouth is the highest quality. If you're going to eat the donut, eat the high quality donut. If you're going to eat ice cream, eat high quality ice cream. Often if you find it difficult to buy the highest quality foods, it’s a pattern that shows up elsewhere in your life. For example, your wardrobe or where you go out to dinner.  If you buy the high quality versions, you won't have to buy it again because you’ll be satisfied. Eat what you love. As one of my mentors recently said, our relationship with food is often a lens into learning about yourself. It’s one of our greatest teachers. Often when we’re at social gatherings, we think to ourselves “What is wrong with me? Why am I thinking about food all the time?” It’s easy to get frustrated at yourself. If you notice that happening, take a step back and be grateful for that problem. Because without that problem, you wouldn't be seeking out help and support to figure out who you really are. It gives you the opportunity to turn inwards. That’s what all this work is. It’s your empowerment!