Last Updated on May 14, 2025 by Maite
Our relationship with food goes beyond what’s on our plate. It’s shaped by our experiences, thoughts, habits, and emotions, and it plays a vital role in our overall wellbeing. While eating is essential for physical nourishment, it’s equally important that our approach to food supports a balanced and positive lifestyle.
So how do you know if your relationship with food is a healthy one? Let’s explore some key signs, advice from well-known nutritionist and Healthy Foods Chef Zoe Bingley-Puliin, and insights into the current state of eating habits of Australians.
What Does a Healthy Relationship with Food Look Like?
Listening to Your Body
At the heart of a balanced relationship with food is the ability to tune into your body’s cues. Eating when you’re hungry and stopping when satisfied can support more balanced eating habits. It’s a skill that takes practice, but it can dramatically shift the way you engage with food.
Practicing Mindful Eating
Mindful eating means slowing down and paying attention to the eating experience, savouring textures, smells, and flavours without the distraction of screens or stress. This not only enhances enjoyment but can also help you feel more connected to your body’s needs.
Letting Go of Labels
We’ve all heard foods described as “good” or “bad,” but this type of thinking can create unnecessary guilt or restriction. A healthier mindset allows room for all foods, focusing instead on balance, variety, and enjoyment.
Flexibility Over Perfection
A healthy approach doesn’t require perfection. Life can be unpredictable, and your eating habits should be able to adapt. Whether it’s dining out, celebrating a special occasion, or simply being too tired to cook, flexibility helps reduce pressure and fosters a more sustainable way of eating.
What’s Really Going on With the Way We Eat?
Many Australians aspire to eat better, but the demands of daily life, including busy schedules often present significant challenges. This is reflected in the statistics from Obesity Evidence Hub, which found that 93.7% of Australian adults are not consuming the recommended daily intake of vegetables in 2022 – 2023.
So how can we make meaningful changes without adding pressure or guilt? That’s where professional guidance can make all the difference.
What’s Really Going on With the Way We Eat?
We asked Zoe Bingley-Pullin, Nutritionist, Healthy Foods Chef and Greencare Wellness Expert to share her thoughts on how people can reconnect with food in a positive and practical way.
Here’s what Zoe had to say:
What are your top tips for someone looking to eat more mindfully?
One of the most empowering things you can do is simply slow down. Mindful eating starts with awareness, tuning in to your body’s hunger cues, the taste and texture of your food, and how you feel throughout the meal. Try sitting at a table without distractions like your phone or TV, and give yourself permission to enjoy each bite. I also encourage people to approach food without judgement. It’s not about being “perfect,” it’s about being present.
How can people let go of guilt around food choices?
Guilt can often disconnect us from our bodies and create an unhealthy cycle with food. Instead of labelling foods as “good” or “bad,” I recommend focusing on how food makes you feel — energised, nourished, comforted. All foods can have a place in a balanced diet, especially when they’re eaten with intention. Letting go of guilt starts with self-compassion and recognising that food is just one part of a much bigger wellbeing picture.
What’s one thing you recommend doing before or during a meal to create a more positive eating experience?
Before you eat, take a few slow, deep breaths. It might sound simple but this helps shift your body into a more relaxed state, which supports digestion and calm. You might also like to take a moment to express gratitude, whether it’s for the food itself, the people you’re eating with, or the time you’ve taken for yourself. It’s a small ritual that can turn a routine meal into something more grounding and enjoyable.
Why is being kind to yourself important when it comes to nutrition?
Because real nourishment goes beyond nutrients. It includes how we think and feel about food and our bodies. Being kind to yourself means acknowledging that eating habits are shaped by so many factors like time, energy, culture, emotions, and that perfection isn’t the goal. When we let go of harsh self-talk, we create space for long-term, sustainable habits that feel good rather than forced.
When should someone consider reaching out for support with their eating habits?
If food feels overwhelming, stressful, or emotionally loaded, that’s a good time to reach out. You don’t need to have a specific “problem” to benefit from support. Sometimes you just need a safe, non-judgmental space to unpack what’s going on and reconnect with your body in a more positive way. Whether it’s for guidance, education, or accountability, working with a nutritionist can be a helpful step forward.
Ready to Rebuild Your Relationship With Food?
A healthy relationship with food isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning to listen to your body, easing the pressure around food choices, and finding what works for you.
If you’re ready to explore a more balanced and sustainable approach, Zoe Bingley-Pullin offers one-on-one consultations through the Greencare Wellness Experts platform, where Zoe provides guidance tailored to your lifestyle and nutrition goals.
You can also dive deeper into Zoe’s practical advice in her book, Eat Your Way to Healthy Hormones. A valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand the connection between food, hormones, and wellbeing.
Take the first step toward building a more balanced and mindful approach to food. Book a one-on-one consultation with Zoe today.
