I hope you had a chance to read my blog post on Intuitive eating. Perhaps you even clicked on the links I provided to the Be Nourished website or the Intuitive Eating site.
I’m continuing to do more reading on Intuitive eating and recently read through the 10 guiding principles of intuitive eating. Here is the link again if you want to take a look: https://www.intuitiveeating.org/10-principles-of-intuitive-eating/
As I’ve shared with you that I know a dietitian who has been sharing this information and it has really intrigued me. In reading the 10 principles, I’ve decided to apply as much of this to my own life as I can.
Having gone through bariatric surgery I am committed to taking in a certain amount of protein and carbohydrates. My protein intake is fairly high and my suggested carbohydrate intake is less than my protein intake. That said, the principles of intuitive eating are very valuable. In my next blog article I will talk about which of the principles I have applied to my own life and eating style.
In paraphrasing what I read of the 10 principles, I like the concept of forgetting the diet mentality. Those of us who have been on diet roller coaster for years understand the effects of chronic dieting. Waiting for the next best thing and hoping it works for us. This movement is about getting away from that idea and feeding our body what it needs and wants. Learning to stop at the first signs of fullness. We must also learn to eat when our body requires that fuel rather than waiting until we are beyond hungry to eat. Studies show how much more excessive calories we eat when we wait too long.
One of the principles that speaks to me the most is recognizing that you do not have to eat perfectly to eat healthy. It’s okay to have that chocolate cake. I often went for perfection and when I failed, let it go and then felt even worse about myself. It seems it is an endless cycle. Maybe together we can break that dieting cycle and focus on being healthy. One of the other principles focuses on getting activity, but basically recognizing you do not have to necessarily run marathons to get fitness in your life. Last night I walked my little Yorkie, Miss Penny Pearl (Pictures included at the top of my article today) and we just enjoyed a casual stroll. After I felt refreshed, energized, and felt my level of happiness go up.
I encourage those of you who are interested to read more. There is a lot of information on the website. Also, the Be Nourished website I talked about last week offers workshops and workbooks. https://benourished.org/
I would like to close today with my personal thoughts about a healthier lifestyle. Bariatric surgery was a tool to help me lose the weight that was causing my unhealthy state. It’s not for everyone and I made the personal choice to save my life. My body was already showing signs that I would have less years than I wanted. Bariatric surgery though is not easy and is not always the answer. Even with the bariatric surgery, I must decide each day to commit to a healthier lifestyle. I still have moments where I think I’m getting back into that terrible diet cycle. What has helped recently though is slowing down and being mindful about staying out of my own head. Those constant thoughts can be detrimental. I encourage you to use whatever you believe in to help you through those moments. Counseling and therapy can also help.
Good luck to all of you on your healthier journey and remember to check in with your own provider for guidance. My hope for all of you today: Take each day as it comes, be mindful about the food going in and hungry vs. full, have the chocolate or treat you seek, find balance, take a walk, swim, or other activity you enjoy and find your inner peace with food.
Mandy