Here at IDEAL we’re all for healthy eating, hitting the gym and living mindfully. However, we’re just as much about enjoying ourselves. Letting go. Giving in. Living and letting living. There’s so much out there in the media – social and mainstream – doing its best to make us feel bad about our food choices. But dividing diet into good or bad food categories – a monochrome, monotone approach – does no one any favours. Or flavours.
So with this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL reasons you should give into your food cravings (and enjoy every bite).
THE EXPERTS SAY SO
Scientists and nutritionists alike agree that it’s fine to cave in and satisfy your cravings. Self denial is best left to those who prefer the more extreme end of the spectrum, and it’s well known that if you class something as naughty – forbidden, even – then you’ll just end up wanting more of it. This can lead to overindulging and doing so in secret, which isn’t good for a healthy, sustainable diet. Better is to have an honest, open approach to your vices and cravings, bringing about a relationship with food which is easier to self regulate.
FOOD IS ABOUT ENJOYMENT
How many times have you heard the phrase ‘food is fuel’? You’ve probably also heard people say that it’s ‘one of life’s great pleasures’. While technically the first one is true, here at IDEAL we’re definitely down with the latter. Effort has gone into the planning, planting, growing, nurturing, sourcing, spending and cooking of that food, so the least we can do as consumers is treat it with some respect and the love it deserves. And what better way to show that respect by loving and luxuriating in a meal.
FOOD MAKES US HAPPY
If you deprive yourself of the foods that you really enjoy eating, you’re going to get sad. As the scientists say, ‘happiness is an inside job’; so what your put into your body directly affects your state of mind, mood and outlook. And while it’s of course true that overdoing the sugar and carbs brings about an immediate alleviation of low mood but can subsequently cause a lower one, no one should feel ashamed in a little chocolate or slice of pizza to lift the spirits.
So, if you want to book a next day cake delivery from New Cakes, which will greet you when you come back from work the following day, then do it. Should you wish to race a takeaway delivery all the home from your office, then that’s fine too! Do what makes you happy. Simples.
IT’S YOUR BODY
Man, haven’t we all just had enough of people lecturing us on what we’re allowed to do with our bodies and what we’re not? Hypocrisy stalks every corner, seemingly more flagrant and farcical with each passing day and law. Well, it’s your body, and you can do what you want with it. Eat well, and eat often, if you wish, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!