“I Don’t Deserve Good Things”: Trauma’s Relationship with Food and Nutrition

Trauma can profoundly impact your relationship with food, leading to negative thoughts and behaviors that hinder your ability to experience pleasure in eating and prioritize quality nutrition.

Understanding Trauma's Impact:

Traumatic experiences can disrupt your sense of safety, self-worth, and control, often leading to emotional and psychological distress. This can manifest in various ways, including an altered relationship with food. Survivors of trauma may develop negative beliefs, such as feeling undeserving of pleasure or quality nutrition. These beliefs may be reinforced by self-imposed restrictions, disordered eating patterns, or an overall disinterest in food.

Promoting Food Pleasure:

Research suggests that embracing food pleasure can aid in healing trauma-related barriers. Encouraging individuals to engage in mindful eating practices can help them reconnect with their senses, enhancing the enjoyment of eating experiences. Mindful eating involves enjoying each bite, being present in the moment, and acknowledging the diverse flavors, textures, and aromas of food. By fostering a positive relationship with food, survivors of trauma can gradually redefine their beliefs about pleasure and self-deservedness.

Emphasizing Nutritional Quality:

Another common issue stemming from trauma is a neglect of nutritional needs, often leading to suboptimal food choices. It is important to plan time to cook or meal prep to ensure you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need and prevent deficiencies. Try to make preparation time fun. Turn on music and make something you think would be tasty.

The Role of Self-Compassion:

Trauma survivors may harbour deep-seated feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame, which can further impede their ability to prioritize their own well-being. Talk to a therapist or a registered dietitian about enhancing self-compassion in your life and working through negative thoughts patters. Working on detrimental thought patterns can help to shift your self-percpetion. By practicing self-kindness, recognizing common humanity, and cultivating mindfulness, survivors can gradually let go of self-destructive thoughts and embrace their right to experience pleasure and nourishment.

Remember, healing takes time, and every step towards nourishing both the mind and body is a significant milestone on the journey towards overall well-being.