|
RISING WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...
There is just so much stress and so little time. How can I hope to
change my eating while I am stuck here in the sandwich generation?
There are many of us stuck there with you! Look around anywhere and you will
see the results of people succumbing to emotional eating, driven by the
overwhelm of all we expect ourselves to do. It wouldn’t be so bad if it
actually helped. But, despite the immediate relief that most of us find from
calming ourselves with extra calories, the foods we choose, typically highly
refined and simply too much, actually cause as much as 40 percent of our
stress.
This “nutritional stress” is the result of both a lack of the nutrients and
fiber that make our systems function well and the introduction of substances
that are difficult for our bodies to process. In addition, when our bodies
are fed irregularly or excessively they cannot produce the natural chemicals
that calm us. We may not realize that we are creating such stress by eating
this way. We think we are eating this way because of the stress and feel
that eating certain things in certain ways will decrease our stress. It’s
not true; it just fuels the need to feed!
In many areas of our busy lives we become so unconscious and reactive that
we lose track of what we are doing, why we are doing or what the outcome
might be. From bad eating habits to outright eating disorders, this
inattention is costing us years while buying us minutes. So how do we change
it? By deciding priorities, then slowly, creatively and mindfully making
small incremental changes and adjustments in everything from what we eat and
what we think about what we eat, to how we obtain and prepare it. Having
healthy, fresh food doesn’t have to be a hassle, just a focus. Leave the
sandwich behind and opt for real food, the less processed the better.
Repressed distress is what fuels the unconscious urge to soothe with food.
When we keep putting a positive spin (such as indulging in food) on a
situation without feeling the negative emotions, we turn on the tap of the
stress chemicals that cause our bodies to feel worse. Emotions cannot be
repressed, they just have to be felt. Get a therapist, support group,
journal or get a sad movie and move that emotion. Your body will feel
better, you will have more energy, less appetite and it even creates the
space in your mind and body for the divine to provide you with the
acceptance and direction to move forward gracefully.
For more details on healthy eating habits, please contact Nancy
Anderson-Dolan at WiseHeart Wellness Service at 403.685.0864.
www.wiseheartweightmastery.com |
