WORDS by Rebecca McKenna


What is healthy eating? I ponder this question every few months as healthy eating has so many different meanings to different people. 

When I first started working as a dietitian I thought I had the meaning of healthy eating dialled, vegetables, fruit, dairy, meats, grains…yep, got it! As the years went by, I realised there is so much more to healthy eating and it incorporates nearly every part of your life.

Healthy eating is about what you physically eat, but how you emotionally feel about eating needs to be “healthy” as well. Eating plays such a large role in day to day life, if eating causes you stress or guilt then perhaps you are not eating as healthily as you might think. Take some time to ponder these questions;

- Do you purposely avoid any food groups including vegetables, fruit, grains, dairy or meats/meat alternatives?

- Do you avoid eating in social situations?

- Do you feel guilty after eating particular foods?

- Do you choose foods based on their calorie content?

- Are you always looking for the next superfood that will guarantee health and wellbeing?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions you might need to reconsider whether your view of eating is healthy and whether you need to check in with yourself so you can feel good about food again.

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Food should be enjoyed, and you can definitely eat healthy without having to overthink everything you put in your mouth. If you are struggling with how you feel about food, Accredited Practising Dietitians are trained to ensure you are eating healthy, whilst developing a happy relationship with food.

For help with anything food related, visit www.rebeccamckennanutrition.com.au. Rebecca works out of her Port Douglas office on Saturdays.

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