Trigger warning: This post is all about food, and if this bothers you, please do not read it.

My relationship with food has always been love-hate. You are not alone if you feel the same way.

You love to eat but hate how certain foods make you feel. So you want to be healthy and enjoy your meals simultaneously.

As someone who has experienced trauma, you may have struggled with yo-yo'ing, as I have, since trauma can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food.

I do, however, want to fix that, not because of any diet culture or the desire to be thin (I stopped caring about being skinny since I wasn't built to be light, but I do want a healthier relationship with food).

In order to help you gain insight into why you struggle so much with food, here is a tarot spread that can give you insight into how to develop healthy eating.

A Tarot Spread You Will Want To Know For Improving Food Habits

The benefits of the tarot are numerous. First, you can gain much insight into your behavior, such as why you struggle to maintain a healthy relationship with food.

Your struggle may be linked to past trauma, and you may realize that you have always struggled.

Otherwise, you may only be able to gain a little insight and may need to know the exact causes.

I have included a tarot spread for your consideration.

Spread by Miriam Slozberg

Card 1 — Shows your overall eating habits.

Card 2 — What do you feel when you consciously eat emotionally?

Card 3 — How do you feel when you eat emotionally subconsciously?

Card 4 — Obstacles to a healthy relationship with food.

Card 5 — What you need to be aware of when you eat.

Card 6 — What you can do to improve your relationship with food.

When you are struggling, you can do this spread. Developing healthy eating habits takes time and effort, but it is possible.

Making small changes to how you think about and approach food can help you develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

When eating, remember these tips.

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Don't Eat For The Wrong Reasons

In addition to hunger, many people eat out of boredom, stress, or sadness. Rather than eating if you're not hungry, read, take a walk, or talk to a friend instead.

You can also write about what upsets you in a journal. Although I have been able to do this, I still have a problem because I look forward to my meals too much, and my portions are too large despite not worrying as much about eating as I once did.

Keep Good Eating Habits in Mind

When you eat mindfully, you savor the flavors and textures of your food, chew slowly, and are present with your food.

It's easier to feel satisfied with less food when you're aware of what you're eating.

This advice is something I should take for myself. It's because I often serve too large portions.

Don't Deny Yourself Your Favorite Foods

You'll likely overeat or binge later if you deny yourself all the foods you love. Make healthy choices most of the time and indulge in moderation.

This is why I eat whatever I want on Saturdays (within reason, I am talking about a nice treat); I did that the last time I lost a lot of weight. My subconscious mind causes Yo-yoing.

Eat Regularly

It is possible to overeat later on if you skip meals.

However, eating regularly helps control hunger and maintain energy levels throughout the day.

My experience confirms that.

Take Charge Of Your Health

Shop for healthy foods that you like to eat when you're at the grocery store. Cook healthy recipes when you're at home.

Eat healthy options when you're eating out.

When I choose to eat what I want on Saturdays, I do so just as I did when I lost a lot of weight the last time. Once a week is good.

Up Your Activity Levels

A healthy lifestyle includes physical activity. Exercise in a way you enjoy, such as walking, playing sports, or dancing.

This is also where I struggle because I prefer to avoid exercise, but I have to find time to walk briskly.

Take Control Of Your Stress Levels

It is possible for stress to lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as emotional eating.

Try exercising, relaxing, or talking to a friend instead of letting stress get the best of you.

I know this all too well, and trauma can cause stress-eating since the food will never harm you.

When I struggled as a special needs mom, I always stress-ate, which led to morbid obesity and cortisol buildup.

The pandemic is why I gained the weight back after he left, as I was in the mindset to no longer stress, eat, and lose a lot of weight.

During those lockdowns, I faced my demons.

Get Professional Help If You Need It

You can seek help from a dietitian or other health professionals if you have trouble developing healthy eating habits.

They can provide customized advice and support to help you achieve your goals.

Getting help from a therapist you like and trust is also crucial, and if you cannot afford one, 7cups.com can be helpful.

You will gain insight into why you struggle with food and emotional eating once you use the tarot spread more often.