Masculine Feminine approach to foodThere’s a BIG difference in masculine and feminine approaches to food, weight, and body.

I want to invite you to get curious and understand how they differ because you may – as most women have – stepped into an approach that doesn’t serve you in creating long-term – sustainable, nourishing – and healthy habits.

Just to be clear from the start, I’m not talking about the difference between men and women here, I’m talking “masculine” and “feminine.” We all have masculine and feminine qualities within us.

When it comes to food and body, the masculine approach can best be summed up by the Nike “just do it” slogan.

The masculine weight-loss model often looks like setting a goal, kick-starting our will-power – restricting what we eat, weighing and measuring everything – and pushing through ‘til you’ve (hopefully) reached your goal. This is the predominate way our society deals with unwanted weight or any body issues. The masculine approach is one that sees a problem and then goes in to fix it in a systematic way.

This sounds good on paper, but the reality is that this “fix-it” approach doesn’t work that well, especially for women.

We can jump on this masculine and linear approach for a little while, but then our true nature of wanting fun, pleasure and relaxation in our life surfaces – and we rebel against this rule-based model.

What we need is a more feminine approach to learning how to live with ease and peace, with our body and food.

The feminine approach can be summarized by changing that Nike slogan a bit. Instead of “just do it” we need to “just listen to it” – really, I prefer “just listen to HER.” Because our body is not an “it” – she’s a beautiful being that deserves to be heard.

Listening to our body, listening to how different foods make us feel and learning how to be in a real and positive relationship with our body is the basis of the feminine approach to feeling good.

The feminine way is a practice – it’s about partnering with our body, versus ordering our body around. It’s a conversation, a dialogue – versus a top-down chain of command.

If you have adopted society’s norm…the masculine approach to food and body – and you’re still struggling to feel at ease in your body – I encourage you to develop a more feminine approach.

The best place to start is with this question…

What is my body saying to me?

Remember the slogan?…”Just listen to her.” That’s where we want to begin.

Take a moment…breathe…and really inquire. Get curious.

Try some of these questions as a way to step into a more feminine and nourishing relationship with your food and body.

  • What is my body saying to me?
  • What do I really need?
  • What do I really want?

Then, instead of overriding your body’s need for:

  • rest
  • pleasure
  • fun
  • hydration
  • a moment to actually sit and eat a real meal

…or whatever it is that your body is asking for

Try responding and respecting what she’s saying.

You’ll be amazed at how things will start shifting!

If you’d like to live more from this powerful feminine approach let’s talk!

 

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nina Manolson, MA, CHC, certified Health Coach and Psychology of Eating Coach believes that every women deserves to feel good in their own body. She helps women create a healthy and positive relationship with their food and body so they can love their body and life!  She’s the founder of NinaManolson.com and NourishedWomanNation.com 

She helps busy women look and feel their best. She specializes in working with women over 40 who have tried other diets and approaches but are still struggling with their body and food. She helps women step into a new wellness paradigm that makes it real and do-able and makes self-care a sustainable healthy habit.

She’s the author of “Feed Your Kids Well In A World That Doesn’t: an everyday guide to make healthy food happen in your home and beyond”. She’s also the recipient of the prestigious Health Leadership Award from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

To get your F.R.E.E. Video Series “What to do now, when everything you’ve done hasn’t worked” by mail and receive her healthy recipes and wellness tips click here.