How to avoid the tendency of Almond’s mother in 5 steps

Since learning about the almond mom category, I am increasingly aware of my relationship with food. I have started thinking about food, not in terms of how much calories it has, but about how much energy I will give to me and how it feels like my body feels. I noticed how much I was worried about eating too much.

With my daughter home from her first year of college, I was careful about how I talked about food too. Learning how to avoid the tendency of Almond’s mother in me is a lot of work.

Okay – maybe it’s not difficult. Changes in behavior that actually do not require much effort. This just rearranges your mindset that can be difficult.

Creating a healthier environment for your children, even adults, starting with attention and intention. This is the way you can avoid falling into these patterns.

Avoid the trend of Mrs. Almond in 5 steps

1. A positive relationship model with food

Show your children that food is fuel and pleasure, not something to be feared. Avoid labeling food as “good” or “bad.”

I have found that adopting this approach to food does not occur overnight. I started slowly, just by paying attention to how different the food made me feel. I noticed that high chips and yogurt-just really spent my energy. Too much peanut jam makes me feel sick. But apples and oranges satisfy my desires. And fresh blueberry feels extraordinary.

Now, after a few months, I found that I was interested in food that gave me energy. I might have chips or 2, but I know it won’t taste good if I have more. I did not give bad label; I listened to what my body really wanted, and it happened naturally. And that tastes good.

2. Listen to your children’s hunger cues

Believe that your children know when they are hungry or full. Encourage them to eat when they are hungry and stop when not.

This can be difficult if you grow in the household ‘Clean your plates’ and ‘don’t be in vain’ household. I found encouraging my children to fill their own plates to work well. Learning to listen to my own stomach is much more difficult. But I found that giving my body the opportunity to determine what I ate, not my fear became fat, helping me feel calmer, less worried, and a better mother around.

3. Focus on strength, not size

Teach your children to appreciate what their bodies can do Do rather than how they are Look. Celebrate achievements such as running faster or climbing higher, instead of focusing on appearance.

I have started doing this internally, too. Instead of exercising to burn calories (sorry, Jane Fonda!), I stretch because it tastes good, running because it’s fun, or doing dance training because I feel refreshing.

4. Stop talking about the body

Avoid making positive comments about your body, your child’s body, or other people. Talking about weight, even casually, can plant insecurity.

“Oh, your weight dropped! You look fantastic!” Looks like a positive statement. But that can actually feel very uncomfortable. I remember an old family member who used to say that to me every time he saw me. I feel under supervision, and as I have to always need improvement.

5. Prioritize balance

Teach your children the importance of balance. Show them that there is room for fruits, vegetables, and cakes in healthy food. Models that focus on how your body feels, including how good the cake tastes, and enjoy eating all types of food. Avoid limiting or binging if you can.

It’s not too late to change

Are you sure you have a tendency for Mrs. Almond, 5 of these behaviors can help grow a safe and not judgmental environment. By showing goodness to yourself, you model the same thing for your children.

And who doesn’t want to see the world where food is only enjoyed, without guilt or shame? I even noticed that eating cakes and ice cream for dessert did not kill my waist, as long as I pay attention to my body. This is a revelation. Delicious.