The following text was originally written on May 6, 2007, which was basically a couple months into my intuitive eating venture. My wish is that you’ll get some inspiration in what I’ve been through to get to the place I am these days. Perhaps you’re dealing with something very similar right now.
Not too long ago, I started to record my thoughts, inner feelings, hunger level and food. I just did this for about a day and a half before breaking down. I began the journal last Thursday and by Friday lunch time, I seemed to be a broken child hidden in the corner.
For a very long time, I had myself convinced that I hadn’t been stuffing my emotions down by using food all of these years. I just lately discovered that there were triggers for eating too much however I never realized that there was some deep down stuff triggering my triggers. I never believed that I had those types of problems. Today, I am aware that I have been stuffing it all down, the shame, the guilt, the hatred, the resentment, all of it.
Needless to say, I have not gone through my adult life oblivious to the simple fact that I’ve made mistakes and that people have stolen parts of my soul. But what I’ve done is cover up all of that with cynicism and a “poor pitiful me” response. And without being aware of it, imagining I was eating the pressures of the day away, what I was really doing was cramming all of the “negative” stuff farther and farther into my heart and mind. Because of that, I’ve ended up with rolls, folds, lumps and bumps that have come to be my shield.
All through this particular journey, I’ve pondered: Why is intuitive eating so challenging? Why do individuals make remarks about intuitive eating, such as, “I can’t do this, I’d intuitively eat 300 warm cookies?” Why is it so very easy to just consume the chocolate?
Because of the emotions. That’s why. And that is why diets don’t do the job.
Had I made the decision that the flex plan was the proper thing to accomplish last week, I would never have faced the demons of my own thoughts like I did this weekend. I would have never chosen the spiral bound notebook simply because I required all of that paper over the nice leather bound journal. I would have never said the words, cried the tears and fought against the desire to consume the warm cookies instead. I would have never faced it simply because I would have looked at the ice cream without having another thought.
All of this will give me my life back.
As you can see, my intuitive eating journey was not devoid of difficulties, frustrations, and fears, but the final result was worth it in every way. I hope this article has inspired you to take the intuitive eating journey on your own. It will give you your life back.
This article was provided by holistic health coach Christie Inge of http://www.nourishingcircle.com. On her blog, she provides her insights and tips on intuitive eating, self care, and honoring the body, mind, and spirit.