Food Shmood
Posted in The Life of the Historian and tagged with Food, God on February 27, 2009Since I’ve tried getting back into a healthy lifestyle this year, the hardest thing to do is kick the sweets. I like my junk. It can’t make me truly happy, but it does bring a smile to my face. I find when I’m stressed (e.g. tax season), I tend to reach for it more, maybe as a reward, or somehow to balance the stresses and pleasures of my day.
So, I’ve been trying to change how I look at food. It’s sustenance. It’s fuel. Sure, it can/should be enjoyable, but that is a fringe benefit, not why I eat. God has given us food because our bodies need it, but He has also made the daily experience of replenishing our bodies enjoyable.
And what a blessing it is that I get to eat the flavorful foods that I do, and whichever ones I please. That’s certainly not a luxury that many in history (or who are currently on this planet) have had.
Anything helpful/practical you can add?
February 27th, 2009 at 9:05 am
I can totally give you some advice. I, however, don’t really heed it…but that doesn’t mean it’s not good! Drink a glass of water before indulging in your favorite food. You’ll eat less of it. And eat slowly. We live such fast paced lives that we eat fast as well. Often our bodies are full before even feel it because we’ve downed our food so quickly. I mean, really. If you’re going to eat a nice food or a favorite food, at least eat it slow enough to taste it right? ;-)
February 27th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Eating more frequently but with smaller portions helps too…
February 27th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
You seem to have made a good start! Eat food you like. Keep away from the sweets, but maybe eat a small square of chocolate at the weekend to quell any cravings. Eat slow foods that keep you full for longer.. exercise, laugh!
February 27th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I have so fallen off the wagon with my dieting, I can be of no help.
(says the girl who ate nachos and mint chip ice cream for dinner last night)
February 27th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
I think it’s all in finding the balance that works for you. And, it’s better to discipline yourself when you’re young than waiting another 20 or so years. Speaking from experience!
February 27th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
i treat myself to junk part of the time. i stay under my calories for the day, but either work out extra or have a smaller lunch so i can have a treat.
February 27th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Oh I need to kick the sweets habit too! I bought a huge bag of chocolate to work and I find myself reaching for it anytime that I’m feeing stressed. It’s already gone and I need restraint not to buy a new one!
February 27th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
I literally have to break my addiction to sugar (always temporarily because I always go back to it). The best way to break the addiction is High protein Low carb. But I have to go through a few days of a REALLY crummy mood.
And it is time for me too. I hate it.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I struggle with this on a daily basis and right now I am losing. I am trying to change my attitude towards food, but it is very hard.
February 28th, 2009 at 8:10 am
I gave up a long time ago. That’s why I just work out all the time.
February 28th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I am the epitomy of bad habits. My diet consists primarily of sugar and caffeiene. My exercise program? Running after my kids.
No advice here. Just keep moving to your next comment.
-Francesca
Twitter: TurtleMom23
Says:
February 28th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Changing the way you view food is a very good start. It is JUST food. It’s not a friend. It’s not medicine. It’s fuel. Nothing more, nothing less. Eat while eating. Don’t read, watch tv or surf the net while you eat – you’ll eat more.
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I’d say pray about it. That’s the only thing that’s going to help me. I LOVE the taste of sweets…and Coke. I’ve gone so far as to pray for God to take the desire for Coke from me. I haven’t gotten so far to ask Him to make me not like the taste. I probably should. My husband swears that if I were to eat healthier snacks then I would actually start enjoying those flavors and craving them (and thinking they were sweet). Things like apple slices, carrot sticks, blah. Actually, if I’m at a gathering and the fruits and veggies are already cut up and laying around I’ll stuff my face until I’m embarrassed. Maybe I should start treating my house like a buffet.
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I hate having to deprive myself of things. As long as I can eat a little bit of everything and am not depriving myself, I don’t crave it quite as much.