I have issues with food. You probably wouldn’t think so by looking at me because I’m a size 4, but I’m here to tell you that I do indeed have issues with food regardless of my dress size. I use food to fill a void in my life.
There are three big ways that I believe that I abuse
food. The first is that I eat when I’m
bored. Essentially, I eat for something
to do. I haven’t left the house all day,
so why not go get take-out, or even eat out if I’m in the mood and actually
look decent enough to be seen out in public?
The second is that I look for food to make me feel better. Like, there are days when I’m feeling down
and am completely immersed in self-pity, anxiety, or whatever the case may be,
and I use food to try to help me pull myself out of it. Like, today, I want cake. I want cake BAD. Or, ice-cream. The third, is that I eat to the point where I
am so full that it hurts. I just want to
taste something good. And, then I feel
full and fat, and will normally find some natural way to “move things along” so
that I don’t feel so gross for days afterward.
I love to eat. I
truly enjoy and appreciate a well prepared meal. I find it to be one of those little joys in
life. But, I also recognize that I have
issues, and those issues need to be dealt with.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been trying to recognize
when I’m abusing food in one of the three ways I listed above. And, like today, my drive to be stronger than
my immature urge for pleasure, has forced me to drink a cup of peppermint tea
as opposed to going out and buying a piece of cake. I admit that sometimes I do indulge in the
cookie or the super sweet Starbucks coffee because I need a lift in my
day. And, there are times when I feel
guilty, and other times that I don’t.
But, the point is that even if I do indulge, the next day is another
day, and therefore a fresh start.
The goals I have set for myself are these:
- Recognize that I’m abusing food, and find an alternative. Whether that’s going to the gym, having a cup of tea instead of dessert, or doing something that takes my mind off eating.
- Eat to the point where I am satisfied. I’ve started making smaller portions for myself. Then, when I go for the second helping, I ask the question, “Am I really still hungry?”
- My body reacts poorly to certain foods. I’ve noticed positive changes in my complexion, and the overall function of my body when I do or do not eat certain things. So, for me, I’m working on incorporating more salads/veggies/veggie juices into my diet, and cutting out the sweets, the pasta, and the cheese.
- Be stronger than my impulses for pleasure. I recognize that everyone seeks pleasure, as it’s a human thing to do. But, I don’t want things to control me anymore.
- I also recognize that I need balance in my life. If I’ve worked through something difficult I’m going to reward myself, and that will probably be with food. Or, shoes. I won’t cut things out completely, nor will turn food into the enemy. Food is truly a gift from God, and I intend to enjoy it. But, with balance.
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