combat emotional eating...with love!

Today I want to write about an issue very near and dear to many of our hearts: emotional eating. I can only comment on the emotional eating that surrounds me in this country, in this culture, and in my own sub-cultures, but I am inclined to believe that it is quite widespread.

 

 

One of the reasons I’ve embarked on a personal raw foods journey is to combat emotional eating! Food – eating – going out to a nice meal– meeting friends for a meal – celebrating with food and drink – holidays – we are immersed in a culture of food, food, food! This reality, paired with our fast-paced go-go-go cultural mentality, leads to meals of convenience (and, often, meals that are nutritionally deficient!) Subsequently, we become addicted to the sugar-laced foods, the preservatives and chemicals used to “enhance”our meals, and the high sodium and fat content of typical U.S. American grub. Moreover, it’s difficult to find health foods stores – especially in more rural and impoverished areas – and when you do find organic produce, it’s often so expensive.

Regardless of these setbacks, in the past couple of months one thing has been made clear to me: no matter the cost and the inconvenience, transitioning to living foods, or at least striving for a diet that encompasses more food from the earth, can make a huge difference! I’ve experienced heightened energy, lightness of being, and a greater connection to the foods I eat. What has always been difficult for me is refraining from eating for comfort and for pleasure – and instead eating for sustenance, for life, for my body’s nourishment! I will say, in the raw foods sector, my tendencies to eat a savory meal for the wrong reasons are dissipating, as I choose to fuel my body, versus feed it. It is an ongoing journey, but a journey that promises to be beneficial– physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Small milestones have proven this.

If you are an emotional eater (and most of us are, truly!), I encourage you to try a raw foods lifestyle, even for a week (perhaps in detox-style, or, aim for 50% raw!) Even on the raw foods lifestyle, if you do typically overeat or eat for pleasure/comfort, it is much better to engorge yourself with apples and bananas, right? And, as you continue on your journey, the pleasure-eating syndrome will slowly leave you, and be replaced with the desire to treat your body kindly. Your taste buds will even be positively impacted, and you will crave the goods of the earth. If you want more information on going raw – I am a newbie – but I can direct you to resources I’ve used, food that I eat, and supportive blogs I’ve read. I wish you the best of luck if you pursue this journey, and in all your journeys of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health and balance. For that is the ultimate goal, is it not? J Happy weekend everyone.