*I am not a food psychologist or a nutritionist, and therefore this blog post is for educational purposes based on my personal experiences.*
The intersection between food and money has come up in a lot of sessions recently. It makes sense–both impact our survival, so we often subconsciously approach them in overlapping ways.
I have observed that much of what challenges us with our finances also challenges us with how we nourish our bodies.
In my personal life I have seen many connections between money trauma and food habits. Members of my family grew up in unstable environments due to war and displacement. In their early years, they endured financial and food scarcity.
In adulthood, though they no longer experience the lack they did as children, I have watched them struggle with behaviors developed during that time.
Those behaviors helped them survive, but no longer serve them.
They have an intense fear of waste which can lead to hoarding. This can show up as money in their bank account, as well as stock-piles of food cans in the pantry, and over-eating. Money in the bank and food in the pantry isn’t negative when its balanced. It becomes a drag on our energy and well-being when we can’t loosen our grip, when we can’t spend any money joyfully. I had to consciously learn how to spend money with joy since it wasn’t modeled to me.
I have also seen folks struggle with yo-yo ing back and forth between holding on too tightly and impulsivity. Often, this cycle comes with self-criticism, judgment, and shame. It can be exhausting engaging in behaviors we know aren’t aligned with our long-term goals.
Practically speaking, food is one of the largest items in our budgets. So it pays to give this topic our attention from a budgetary perspective. Some of our monthly food bill is a necessity. However, a large portion of it is discretionary in the form of take-out, delivery, and eating out.
In my practice I have witnessed the beauty that comes from making changes in one area of our life, and the effect it can have on our life as a whole. When clients start taking positive action in their financial life, the confidence, self-worth, and courage spills over.
The most important thing is to start. You don’t have to have a plan for how to make things perfect. Perfect isn’t real. You can start by adding one good thing to your life, and then when you are ready, add another. It could be moving $20 a week into a savings account. It could be committing to drinking a glass of water first thing every morning.
1) You Are Enough
I catch myself trying to talk myself out of something that could be good for me. Something that I have every right to try, have, or participate in. It comes from old unhelpful brain pathways from my upbringing.
We might tell ourselves “I don’t deserve it” or “I am not enough as I am.” And what we tell ourselves matters. You deserve safety and to live a life with more ease. There are many similarities between investing in your 401k and investing in nutrient dense foods. Both are an investment in your future- allowing you to retain your independence and comfort decades from now. They are a love letter to your future self.
If you are not sure where to start, consider learning what the dirty dozen are, and committing to buying organic for those.
2) An opportunity for reflection: Are you asking for what you need?
Is there an intersection between unmet needs and food spending that could be resolved?
- Are you saying yes to events or trips where you know you will need to go over your budget? Is it because you are too uncomfortable to say no or suggest an alternative? Try to remind yourself that you come first, and it’s perfectly ok to disappoint someone else, especially to protect your financial or physical health.
- Are you too tired to cook and ordering in a lot? Could you delegate a part of the process to someone else? Ask for help when you can– with grocery shopping, prep etc.
- Do you buy way more than you intended when you go in person because you easily derail from your list? Give yourself permission to make things easier on yourself. No one knows you better than you. Even though getting groceries delivered costs extra, would it pay dividends for you?
3) Nutrition supports your brain
A clearer happier brain makes regulated financial decisions. Nutrition influences our brain. When we are getting all the nutrients we need, we can experience less anxiety and depression. We may feel more confident, have more energy, and manage our emotions better.
Since money is all about emotion and not much math, how we nourish ourselves matters for how we make financial choices. Our gut is our second brain!
4) Get creative with Chat GPT
This tip comes from a client who shared this with me. When her fridge was mostly empty, she was trying to think of what to make with the last ingredients she still had at home. She told chat gpt what she had on hand and asked for some recipes. I thought this was a creative way to use up groceries and wanted to share.
As always, take what feels helpful and leave behind what doesn’t.
Wishing you healing and success on your financial wellness journey.