This week I’ve had several discussions about negative self talk, body image, the food and beverages we allow or don’t allow and how these things impact everything else in our lives.
One post from Girls Gone Strong says: “When it comes to many foods like cupcakes, ice cream, pizza, nachos, you know — those foods generally considered ‘bad/forbidden’ — we often spend SO much time worrying about:
– Are we ‘allowed’ to eat them?
– Do we ‘deserve’ them?
– Will we be ‘bad’ if we eat them?
– Does eating them mean we are ‘off the wagon?’
– Am I weak/pathetic/undisciplined if I eat them?
That we literally don’t even consider if we WANT them to begin with. In fact, we often ‘want them’ because we feel like we ‘can’t have them.’”
Is this some of the mind chatter in your head? It’s most definitely some of mine. I don’t like to be told I “can’t have” or “can’t do” something so if I hear those words that’s the direction I head. But then I feel guilty or crappy afterwards because that wasn’t the direction I would have headed if I’d have really checked in with myself.
My friend Susan Hyatt recently shared a similar piece…with the question that transformed her life…”what feels most like love?”
Examples of where Susan asked herself this question…
- When deciding what to eat for breakfast in the morning, ask yourself, “What kind of food feels most like love?” That doesn’t always mean the most healthiest choice—it depends on you and the day.
- When deciding which bed sheets to buy (the nice soft ones, or the cheap scratchy ones?) ask yourself, “which ones feel most like love?”
- When stressed & craving some kind of distraction or release (a walk? a dance break? a pint of ice cream?) ask yourself, “which choice feels most like love?” Sometimes for me it’s a glass of wine but most often if I really listen it’s a chat with a friend, some crazy fun music or time alone.
By removing the negative feelings and shame associated with food and drinks, and choosing love, again and again, as often as possible you’re not just creating a new body you’re creating a new way of treating yourself.
