Episode 2 of Why It’s Important to Heal Your Relationship with Food
In my previous post, “Why It’s Important to Heal Your Relationship with Food.”, I shared with you the journey I began in July by seeking help from a Nutritionist. Armed with a biofeedback report that outlined all the foods and substances my body struggled with, I embarked on a wheat/dairy/sugar free eating plan that included multiple supplements to support my body’s healing.
My focus was never about weight loss but to heal my digestion, acid reflux, joint discomfort (arthritis), inflammation in my feet and hands, and a few other things. As a Food Freedom and Body Confidence Coach, I don’t subscribe to excessive dieting or restriction with a view to weight loss only. Dieting doesn’t work and sets us up for emotional eating, bingeing, and body dissatisfaction when we lose and then regain the weight we’ve lost. I’ve written about the hazards of dieting here.
The eating plan I embarked on was restrictive but the first month went well. It was the second month that could have derailed me and catapulted me back into dieting and diet mentality, except for one thing – how I think about and respond to food and my body.
"For some reason, we are truly convinced that if we criticize ourselves, the criticism will lead to change. If we are harsh, we believe we will end up being kind. If we shame ourselves, we believe we end up loving ourselves. It has never been true, not for a moment, that shame leads to love. Only love leads to love." ~ Geneen Roth
Instead of bingeing or using food to manage my frustration and feelings, I decided to give myself FULL PERMISSION to eat dairy free coconut ice cream bars, drink wine on Friday nights, or have gluten free toast for breakfast. With full permission and a change in mindset, I stopped bingeing in its tracks. I enjoyed whatever I chose to eat without succumbing to eating/drinking mindlessly and with abandon.
Positive Outcomes
When our relationship with food is peaceful, we’re able to make decisions about what, how much and when to eat without worrying about falling off a wagon or roller coaster. It’s freeing and makes going on a health journey that includes cutting out some food groups so much easier.
So far on this journey I’ve noticed that:
My feet and hands are no longer swollen – even in the heat!
My digestion is getting better
My acid reflux is still ongoing but not as intense – wine, coffee and fatty foods are culprits
I’m sleeping longer hours without interruption most nights
My energy is slowly increasing
Although weight loss isn’t something I set out to achieve and it’s not something I dwell on, I’ve also lost a few pounds over the last 2 months. As I realized this was happening, I worried needlessly about falling back into the weight loss or weight gain game.
I’m not going to lie, losing some weight felt good, emotionally, and physically. However, I’ve been down this road so many times and have no intention of falling into the trap again. Without any expectations of losing or gaining weight, I’ll accept whatever happens in this department as I journey into my 3rd month and add some foods that will help me feel more nourished and satisfied.
What’s remarkable is the freedom I’ve found. I no longer need to fall into the diet mentality abyss and can focus on reclaiming my health and wellbeing instead.
So, lovely Soul.
Let me ask you these questions:
What do you want your future to look like?
How would you like to feel around food?
What would you do if you had to start eating a different way because your body reacted to wheat, dairy, and sugar?
What if you could care for your body without judging her or her weight?
If these questions inspire you to want to change your relationship with food and your body, let’s connect. Creating the kind of relationship with food and your body you can rely on, no matter what the circumstances are, is priceless.
I’d love to walk beside you and be your guide on this journey to Food Freedom and Body Confidence. There’s nothing better than to wake up in the morning feeling 100% in control of food instead of food controlling you!
Book a Free Discovery Call with me so you can learn how to leave emotional eating in the past!
With Gratitude,
Joan
