A look into how our thoughts and feelings shape food choices.
Now that we introduced the concept of inner wisdom and outer wisdom. Let’s dive deeper into the way thoughts and feelings can affect the natural ability to tune into the body.
Recognizing our thoughts and feelings is an essential and powerful tool of mindful eating. The practice encourages letting go of what we think we should do, and instead witnessing the body, eating habits, cravings and mood for how they actually are in the moment.
What do you think you ‘Should’ eat?
Ever feel like you want to eat ice cream but should have the salad? A discrepancy between how you think your eating habits should be and how you actually chose to eat will leave you feeling unbalanced.
Becoming aware of the space between your expectations and what your body actually needs will align your thoughts and feelings with your actions.
Balanced Eating
Balanced eating will take into consideration how hungry you feel, what you cravings and act in alignment.
Thought: I am very hungry (8 out of 10)
Feeling: I feel like eating pasta
Action: I choose to eat pasta
Unbalanced Eating
Unbalanced eating ignores the hunger, provides less food energy and will likely leave you unsatisfied (and hungry).
Thought:I am very hungry (8 out of 10)
Feeling: I feel like eating pasta
Action: I will eat salad even though I want pasta, so I can lose weight.
How do you feel about your body?
Body image is closely connected to our relationship with food. It is difficult to feel confident in your food choice when you are overly critical about your body’s appearance. Especially if you think “you are what you eat” each meal can turn into an internal struggle.
Cultivating a healthy relationship with your body and food, will silence the inner critical thoughts, that dictate the eating experience.
When perceptions about your body image are positive or at least neutral, the flow of thoughts and feelings can support you in nourishing your body.
Maybe eating one food gives you feelings of shame and guilt, while eating another food conjures feelings and thoughts of pride.
“I just ate a cupcake I blew it.”
or
“I’m good, because I only ate salad.”
Sound familiar? When you have a healthy relationship with food, it will sound more like…
“I ate a cupcake and it was delicious.”
or
“I’m going to eat salad because I’m in the mood for it.”
How does food make you feel physically?
Eating food creates physical feelings, which can be an insightful tool for assessing hunger, fullness and satisfaction. Physical experiences are also useful when determining food intolerances and allergies.
Practicing awareness of your physical hunger and fullness will foster the confidence to make the best decision in that moment with the goal of feeding and nourish your body.
How to Shift Thoughts and Feelings?
Let’s put mindful eating into practice. One way to begin shifting your perspective about eating and body image is by simply exploring your current thoughts & feelings that arise around eating and body image.
Just like any new skill with practice you will strengthen your ability to tune into your experiences.
Need help Tuning In?
Do you need support with practicing mindful eating, meal planning and with managing your health? SN Nutrition Coaching Sessions, with yours truly can support your health goals and sustain lasting positive change.
Next Up: Part 3 from the Mindful Eating Series will explore effects of labeling foods as either good vs. bad and why you should actually eat your favorite foods more often.
I’m an open book…
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