So, I was at a Super Bowl party on Sunday (I know, I know, the Super Bowl is like, so last week), and while I had a lot of fun, there were some conversations that made me sad (well, my thoughts about the conversations anyway). Clearly I was triggered and need to do a little work myself, but in the meantime, I’ll share what I observed.
I noticed a whole lot of comments like, “I can’t believe I’m eating all of this, but I’ll be good tomorrow,” and “I have a big event next week. I shouldn’t be eating like this.” Another person gave a whole explanation as to why she was going to try a cookie, as if eating a cookie needed an explanation.
Are you wondering, so what’s the big deal? These comments may not even phase you because we have gotten so accustomed to hearing and saying things like this. The reason comments like these get me all riled up is because I too used to think this way. After struggling for years, I now understand there is a different way, and I wish for others to live a life where food is a non-issue, and not a topic in need of any attention really. And quite honestly in my opinion, it’s not really very interesting anyway.
What if you could just go to a party and not think about what you were putting in your mouth? How do you think it would feel if you could just show up, eat a little food, have some nice conversations (about things besides what you were eating), and go home and not think about what you consumed again? How about if you could spend an entire day, a week, a month without food thoughts and be regret free? Guess what? It is actually possible, and you can even stay healthy and thin that way too. The key is to relax.
Since stress comes from our thoughts, changing those thoughts to calm producing ones, will help a bunch. It may take a little practice to change your mindset, but once you get there, your days of calorie counting, carb cutting, gluten freeing, paleo dreaming, sugar free days can become a thing of the past. Now, let me also say I’m no nutritionist, but I do know it is a fact that just simply stressing about food increases cortisol, cholesterol and insulin levels. It also reduces enzyme production and oxygen in your gut, and decreases absorption of nutrients. AND, you have four times less blood flow to your digestive system, JUST FROM STRESS!
These facts alone pretty much mean, that if you are trying to lose weight, and you are stressed while doing it, it’s going to be a hell of a lot harder than if you chilled out a bit. This is why when people are happy, they often lose weight without even trying.
This is not to say if you want to eat healthier, you shouldn’t go for it. It just means if you don’t eat “perfectly” all the time, it’s ok…the world won’t end, and I’m pretty sure you won’t blow up overnight. You don’t need an excuse or to explain yourself to anyone (including yourself) if you want a little treat, and if you have one, enjoy it rather than filling yourself with guilt.
If you’re over the whole yo-yo thing, maybe it’s time to start changing the way you think about food, rather than just trying to change your diet. It is extremely beneficial when we have the desire to be healthier or feel better in our bodies to just pay attention to how much shame and guilt and other crappy feelings we have surrounding food. Instead of forcing yourself to drink a juice that you dread and think is disgusting every morning, learn to love and appreciate what it’s doing for your body. If you can’t, then don’t drink it! That’s the kind of stuff I’m referring to when I suggest changing the way you think about food.
When we don’t create drama around food, there’s really not much to think about other than the pure enjoyment and nutrients we often receive from it. We can start to eat intuitively, which simply means eating when we are hungry (physically not mentally), stopping when we are slightly less than full, enjoying some “unhealthy” treats every now and then, and fueling ourselves with healthy foods because it feels good, not because we “have to” or “should.”
That’s it; that’s all I got for ya!
Happy day!
P.S.-If you’re interested in more of my suggestions on eating intuitively and having less drama around food, click here.
P.S.S.-Also, in case you’re looking for books on the subject, my favorites are The Four-Day Win: End Your Diet War and Achieve Thinner Peace, and If I’m So Smart, Why Can’t I Lose Weight
