If you’ve spent years meticulously tracking your calorie intake, you probably know the nutritional information of nearly everything. The calories in a slice of bread? Memorised. The protein in your go-to yogurt? Burned into your brain.
But what happens when this knowledge starts to hold you back? When it prevents you from enjoying food or trusting your body’s hunger signals? Unlearning this information is tough—there’s no sugar-coating it—but it is possible. Let’s explore why it’s worth the effort and some strategies to help you take the first steps.
Why Is Unlearning Nutritional Information So Hard?
Our brains love shortcuts, and knowing the calorie content of foods has likely become second nature to you. For years, these numbers may have felt like a source of control or reassurance, making it incredibly hard to let go of them. But the problem is that focusing on numbers can strip food of its true value and make eating feel rigid, stressful, and joyless.
Rebuilding your relationship with food means breaking free from this numbers-first mindset. While it’s no easy task, the process is deeply rewarding and can lead to a more relaxed and fulfilling approach to eating.
Strategies to Help You Unlearn Nutritional Information
- Stop Tracking
The first and most obvious step is to stop using calorie-tracking apps or writing down your intake. This can feel overwhelming at first, but remember: the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. Start small—perhaps by taking one meal or snack a day where you don’t track, and gradually build from there. - Buy Food Without Nutrition Labels Where Possible
Farmers’ markets, bulk food stores, or local bakeries are your new best friends. Buying bread or produce from these places can help reduce the constant reminder of numbers on packaging. Core pantry staples like rice, oats, or lentils from bulk stores are another great option—they come without the packaging, which means no labels to obsess over. - Switch Up Your Brands
If you find yourself reaching for the same “low-calorie” or “high-protein” brand out of habit, challenge yourself to try something new. It’s a small but powerful way to break free from those mental associations. Explore brands or varieties you’ve never tried before—it can even make your grocery shopping a little more exciting too (or decrease your shopping bill which we LOVE in this economy). - Decant Foods into Tupperware
For foods that come in labeled packaging, try decanting them into containers and tossing the original packaging. This way, you’re removing the temptation to check the numbers every time you eat. Plus, your pantry will look super organized! - Shift Your Focus Beyond Numbers
Food is so much more than its calories, protein, or fat content. A meal can nourish your body, but it can also bring mental satisfaction and social connection. Think about how the food makes you feel—does it energise you? Comfort you? Bring people together? Shifting your mindset can take time, but the more you remind yourself of food’s broader purpose, the easier it will become.
A Gentle Reminder
Unlearning nutritional information is not about forgetting everything you’ve ever learned. It’s about giving yourself permission to let go of the obsession with numbers and rediscovering food as something that nourishes your whole self—not just your calorie or protein goals.
Be patient with yourself. Breaking old habits takes time, but each small step is a win. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and every bit of progress you make is worth celebrating.
Comments +