Food control is difficult for most of us and certainly it is fine to indulge now and then. Life is to be enjoyed and so is food. However, stopping our eating can be tricky at times. We crave. We overeat. We feel bad about doing it. We admonish ourselves which can lead to more craving and continued overeating and then, no matter how much we put into our mouths, we often don’t feel satiated.
This is because we require more than candy bars, sodas and pasta. Being truly satiated means attending to all of our needs, not simply our need for food. We are complex beings with multiple needs and we have to nurture our emotional, intellectual and spiritual selves as well as our bodies.
Ask yourself what it is that you genuinely need. Is it a talk with a friend, a warm bath, a hydrating drink of water, or perhaps some fresh air? Are you craving fun or a nap? Perhaps you are upset and holding in anger, literally stuffing it down with junk food. Are you overtired, sad or bored? Could that be what’s really going on?
Live as mindfully as possible. Staying in the present instead of worrying about the past or what may or may not happen in the future will help you maintain balance in your day. No matter how hectic your schedule, carve out time for yourself every day to attend to your personal needs. Take a bubble bath, read a book or write in your journal. Make yourself the #1 priority. This is not just something nice to do. It is an essential.
Treat yourself like the goddess you are. Think of things you like to do and do them! Restore your spirit. Schedule relaxing massages. Manicures, pedicures or facials are fantastic. Write in your journal. Dance. Sing. Treat yourself to a movie, a play, a walk on the beach or to a fine dining experience. Use your creative talents. Draw, sew, knit or paint. Try modeling with clay or writing a poem. No one can tell you what is best for you.
It is important to make laughter and fun priorities in your life. Remind yourself to live each day as if it were your last. The idea is to nurture yourself as often as possible in as many ways as you can imagine. Never deprive yourself or berate yourself. Instead, remind yourself that there are no mistakes, only lessons. Take responsibility for recognizing and fulfilling your deepest desires. Continually check in with yourself to decide what you really want and need at any moment in time. Live your life with zest and enjoy every minute. You deserve nothing less!
© 2007
Denise Lamothe
Denise Lamothe, Emotional Eating Expert, is an international professional speaker, psychologist and doctor of holistic health. She is the author of The Taming of the Chew: A Holistic Guide to Stopping Compulsive Eating (Penguin 2002) and has been noted in many publications, including "O" the Oprah Magazine. She has appeared widely on television and radio and has spoken across the country and in Canada. Dr. Denise is the emotional eating expert for Ann Louise Gittleman, The First Lady of Nutrition and is the professional, international celebrity spokesperson for the renowned Bach Flower Essences of Nelsons’ USA.