Healing My Relationship With Food
*Stopped counting calories:
I became obsessed with counting calories during every meal. However, this obsession prevented me from fully enjoying my food if I felt like I had consumed “too much.” Once I made the decision to stop counting calories, I gained greater freedom in choosing what I ate.
*Stopped skipping meals:
Although my severe anxiety was the primary reason for skipping meals, I would also skip a me or eat little if I felt like I had eaten too much during a single meal. However, once I realized the significance of eating three meals a day, I experienced a significant improvement in my overall well-being and happiness!
*Allowed myself my cravings:
When I craved something sweet, I used to suppress it, only to end up indulging anyway. But I’ve discovered that allowing myself to enjoy my craving gives me more control and, in turn, makes me feel happier.
*Stopped eating at a certain time:
Although this may sound unusual, it has proven to be quite beneficial. I usually make sure to have my last meal (which is usually a snack) around 8:00 PM. This helps me feel content and prepared for the approach of bedtime.
*Eating even when not feeling like it:
Some days, I might not feel well or hungry, but adhering to my three-meal schedule has helped me feel better, even if it’s just a small amount. It usually prepares my body and stimulates my appetite for the next meal. However, it’s not a linear process—some days are more challenging than others.
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With this in mind, while I’ve rediscovered my love for food, I still face challenges on certain days, especially when I indulge in sweet treats. However, remember, life is meant to be enjoyed! Treat yourself to a piece of cake, a milkshake, or a cookie—go ahead and indulge in what you desire! Our ultimate goal should be to maintain a healthy body and a healthy mind.
It’s amazing to hear about your journey to finding peace with food! My own path to healing my relationship with food has been incredibly similar, and I've learned that it's truly about listening to your body and mind. Beyond the practical steps you've shared, I found a few other things made a huge difference for me. One big shift was learning to challenge my 'food rules.' For so long, I labeled foods as 'good' or 'bad,' which only led to guilt and shame after eating anything I deemed 'bad.' Now, I try to see food as just food. Whether it's a comforting bowl of creamy soup or a decadent cinnamon roll with extra icing – it’s all just energy and enjoyment. This mindset helps reduce the emotional charge around specific foods, making it easier to allow myself cravings without feeling like I've 'failed.' Another crucial aspect for me was practicing mindful eating. It's not just about eating when you're hungry, but really experiencing your food. Taking the time to savor that stack of pancakes with heart-shaped butter, noticing the textures and flavors, instead of rushing through a meal. This helps me feel more satisfied with less, and truly appreciate the act of eating. I also started keeping a gratitude journal related to food – being thankful for nourishment, variety, and the simple pleasure of a delicious meal like those roasted potatoes or crispy chicken strips. I also realized the importance of self-compassion. There will be days when old habits creep back, or when you overindulge. Instead of beating myself up, I now try to treat myself with the same kindness I’d offer a friend. Healing isn't linear, as you rightly said, and that’s perfectly okay. It's about progress, not perfection. Remembering that a treat like a strawberry, chocolate, and caramel drizzle dessert is meant to be enjoyed, not regretted, transformed my outlook. Focusing on overall well-being, rather than strict adherence to rules, has been my ultimate goal. It's a continuous journey of learning and self-discovery, but so worth it for the peace it brings.
