A Simple Daily Routine To Prevent Overeating:
The longest running topic on my online membership site, IntuitiveBodySanctuary.com is titled “What Are You Appreciating Today?”. It’s our daily reminder to attune to all of the good in our lives. And it’s a major player in way we soften the food and eating issues.
You’ve certainly heard plenty about the benefits of gratitude lists but it’s really essential if you are struggling with food and weight issues.
Here’s why-
There is an energy of deprivation at the core of most disordered eating, that goes way back. Without getting too psycho-babble-ish on you, there was some form of attention or acknowledgement that you needed when you were very tiny that was not delivered in the way you needed it by your family. Maybe you weren’t seen for who you truly were, or not heard, or maybe your family was just not a good “match” for your unique beautiful self. Whatever…
But what happens is that when your emotional needs go unmet in some essential way, the energy often gets translated into a “not enough” perspective. That not-enough way of seeing the world means that you often feel disappointed in relationships and other aspects of your life.
The other really painful part is that you see yourself as “not enough”- not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough, not nice enough, you get the picture.
All of this not-enoughness can easily become about food, or weight, eating and anything related to these issues. In every client I have ever treated, the deprivational energy is there.
What’s the remedy for this?
Sorry, there isn’t one single remedy, but what definitely helps is gratitude and appreciation and loving what is in the moment. In the Sanctuary, we make simple lists of appreciations. It’s so easy to overlook all of the ways in which life is really quite good, and focus on where we feel lacking or dissatisfied or disappointed.
And those feelings are dangerous if you tend to use food to self-soothe.
It’s going to be very helpful for you to find moment-by-moment ways to see through eyes of love and appreciation. My clients have found that nothing shifts their energy faster from negative emotion than a good dose of appreciation.
This is what our lists sometimes sound like:
Today I am appreciating:
*tons of hot water for my shower
*the sun streaming into the bathroom
*fresh strawberries for my breakfast
*time to walk outdoors this morning
*a wonderful phone call from a friend
It’s simple stuff, illuminated by our connection to it and acknowledgement of the smallest moments that create comfort and wellbeing in our life. It reminds us that we are enough, that we have enough, and that we can do enough. Most women struggling with food issues are also, in my experience, big-time perfectionists, so a little appreciation can also soften that piece as well.
Go gently through your day, look for every little moment of wellbeing and blessing, it’s all there if you look carefully.
Wishing you much love and every blessing-
xox
Lisa
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