Food - The Greatest Lesson in Weight Loss

Dec 30, 2015

1. any nourishing substance that is eaten, drunk, or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy, promote growth, etc.

2. more or less solid nourishment, as distinguished from liquids.

That's it. Food does not provide comfort, relief or relationship. Sometimes we think that it does and tend to rush to the cabinet, refrigerator or freezer for those things that we use for substitutes to fill our souls. But they don't. Not once have I turned to food for comfort and been satisfied. Not once have I reached for food in an attempt to alleviate anxiety, depression, sadness or worry and felt relief. Regret, maybe, but not relief.

Since changing the way I eat about a year and a half ago, I have learned along the way that food is just food. It can be used and it can be abused, but it cannot be made to be anything other than what it is. Food is meant to nourish us. In fact, if it doesn't nourish, it doesn't fit the definition of food, so what is it? It's another subject for another day.

This one statement - it's just food - turned my world around, as far as food goes.

Craving? It's just food. What am I really wanting or needing? This can be a tough question. It seems that we are programmed to reach for food for all sorts of reasons, instead of dealing with the source of discomfort - be it anxiety, depression, worry or boredom.

What I have noticed in myself and those I have coached, is that those who are willing to ask the question, "Why am I eating?" and answer it, are able to get beyond emotional eating.

Steps to take when you are about to fall victim to emotional eating:

2 steps I encourage my clients to use are, first, ask yourself if you're really hungry. This may be enough to stop you and help you walk away from the temptation. Second, drink a glass of water and go for a walk instead. It may be that you are actually thirsty and a short walk is always a good idea!

The next time you reach for something that doesn't really nourish you, or you're experiencing a craving,

• STOP
• ask yourself if you're hungry
• identify what you're feeling
• drink a glass of water
• take a short walk

These simple steps can help you conquer emotional eating, if you'll take them.

Remember, it's just food.

Be your best,

Robin