Why Food Rules Don’t Usually Work…

Hello Educators!

Welcome to the TeacherFit Newsletter, a weekly newsletter providing practical tips and actionable steps that help you lower stress, increase energy and be your best self in and out of the classroom!

We all want to make healthy choices, but sometimes the way we go about it can actually do more harm than good. Strict food rules can create an all-or-nothing mindset that’s hard to sustain and can lead to frustration and guilt. Let’s talk about why food rules don’t work and how you can find a healthier, more balanced approach.

The Perfectionist Mindset: All or Nothing

When we set rigid food rules, like “no sugar ever” or “only eat clean,” it’s easy to fall into an all-or-nothing mindset. This perfectionist approach makes us feel like we’ve failed if we slip up, even a little. The problem is, nobody can be perfect all the time! This mindset can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, which isn’t healthy for our minds or bodies.

Missing Out on Life: Sacrificing Time with Loved Ones

Another issue with strict food rules is that they can make us miss out on important moments with friends and family. Have you ever skipped a birthday party or felt anxious at a dinner with friends because you were worried about breaking your food rules? When our food choices start to isolate us or make us feel stressed in social situations, it may be time to reconsider those rules.

The Cycle of Extremes: Swinging from One Extreme to Another

One of the biggest challenges with food rules is that when we inevitably break them, it can lead to swinging from one extreme to another. You might go from avoiding all sweets to bingeing on them because you feel like you’ve already “messed up.” This cycle of restriction and overindulgence isn’t healthy or sustainable and can make it even harder to find balance in your eating habits.

A Healthier Approach: Choices Over Rules

Instead of rigid rules, consider viewing your food as a series of choices. Focus on making more nutritious choices most of the time, but allow yourself the flexibility to enjoy all kinds of foods without guilt. This mindset shift allows you to enjoy food without feeling deprived or overly restricted.

You don’t have to be perfect; just aim to make the best choices you can in each situation.

Guidelines, Not Rules: Be Patient with Yourself

Creating guidelines for yourself instead of strict rules can help you maintain balance. For example, aim to include more fruits and vegetables in your meals or try to eat mindfully, but don’t beat yourself up if you have a treat now and then.

One meal or one snack doesn’t define your health journey. It’s about progress, not perfection. Be patient with yourself and remember that long-term habits are built over time.

Call to Action

The next time you feel tempted to impose a strict rule on yourself, ask whether it’s helping you live a balanced and enjoyable life. How can you reframe your thinking to focus on making good choices rather than following rigid rules? Reply to this email with your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you and share tips on how we can all find a healthier balance.

Thanks for reading and talk with you next week,

Eric Nelson | Director of Member Success

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