To your food!
It struck me the other day. Food doesn’t come to me, I go to it. I have discussed in the past that I have been a compulsive overeater my entire life. Although I am getting a possible hold on this situation, it still appears to want to be a part of my life. It’s almost as if I would be losing a friend if I move on towards a healthier existence.
A significant thought hit me. I have an unhealthy relationship with my food. For years I have used food as a soothing agent. It has called me, tempted me, and beckoned me to its side. “Come see me and spend time with me”, it states, “I will make you feel better. We can hang out and watch TV together. I will never leave nor forsake you.” Sounds like a bible verse or two to me.
Food for me has been something I have yet to set a boundary with. I don’t know about you but I have yet to say no to my food. When it calls, I come a’ running. I can’t get to the refrigerator fast enough. I have gone even so far as to waste precious gasoline to run to the local custard stand. What does this item contain that causes me to act irrationally at times?
For most of us, food has been a part of bonding with others. A nice steak, a fine glass of wine, we usually associate happy feelings with food. If you come from a large family, think back to holiday feasts. “Eat up”, Grandma would say. “Have some more”, yells my mom. Stuffing, turkey, gravy, corn, drink and dessert, pile it on. Go back for more. Nibble, snack, stand around the table. It is a never ending buffet of gluttony.
Those of us who struggle with our weight wonder how some seem to effortlessly stay within a normal size. You know, the women who have been untouched by cellulite. The girls some of us strive to be more like. I believe they hold the key, which is neither pill nor diet.
It is time to re-evaluate your relationship with food. You have the right to say “No, I am not going to spend time with you right now. I have things to do, and by the way, I am not really hungry at this time. I will come see you when my stomach tells me it needs to be filled. When I spend time with you, more often than not, I end up feeling regret.” Sounds familiar? It might for some of us. How about we relate this situation with a negative tie you may have with someone of the opposite sex. This about the guy you have been hooking up with for a year or so. He calls, you go running. You spend “quality” time together and one or the other leaves. Although you may have gotten your “fill”, afterwards you sometimes wonder. Why did I go back? Why did I answer the phone? I would have been fine had I just let it go to voicemail, right?
A healthy first step for anyone in this particular situation is to find a support system. I have been fortunate to have been honest and open with those around me. I found someone in my circle of friends who has the same desire to get healthy. When I feel the Mountain Dew calling, I go to this person. The first words I usually hear are, “Do you really need it? You have been doing so well. Look at how far you’ve come.” This is exactly what I need at that particular moment. A voice of reason, someone who cares.
Another positive idea would be to realize that it is time to re-establish your beliefs regarding food. The number one reason Americans are considered the most overweight in the world is due to the fact that we overindulge. Food was created by the Man Above as a source of sustenance. It was meant to keep your body healthy and functioning. How much is enough? What is your body telling you? The bone structure of each human being is basically the same. Our internal organs can only hold so much before they give out. Your body does not want to carry excessive weight. If your heart had a voice it would say, “Stop, enough is enough, I cannot take this anymore. We are going to get sick and eventually the doctor will have to fix me or I will die.”
Food works in mysterious ways. Let’s say you just saw the yummiest commercial on TV. Or, your food may be beckoning you from another room. From the refrigerator to the cupboard, it is begging you to stroll towards it. Just this one time, walk away. Call a friend, send an email, or go into your bedroom and write in your journal. Watch a movie, listen to music, light a candle. If the weather permits, put on your shoes and go for a walk. Do whatever it takes to get away from the source of the problem.
Another aspect of getting healthy is to stand up and move. Walk around the house. No need to attempt a mini-marathon here. One step is a step in the right direction. If you are at a place where walking is hard, find a Yoga or Pilates DVD at your local library and try to follow along. Do not set any types of goals for weight loss. The only goal you have is to begin a healthy relationship with food and move. If you are moderately healthy, take a walk outside. Find a neighborhood dog and “borrow” him for a half an hour. The owner will thank you. You may also make a new friend on the trail. This person may be the answer to your next prayer.
Finally, start now. If you put this off another second you are putting yourself at risk. The minute you begin, it is not going to be easy, but give yourself a break. No need to be a size two today, tomorrow or ever. If a healthy size for you is a 16, then go for it. Give yourself a year to re-adjust to your new lifestyle and someday you will be writing your own success story.
I wish you luck!
