Note from Connie:
Today, since headed out of town today for two weeks to give several talks and seminars in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, I’m pleased to present some articles from nutrition colleagues.
Here is a wonderful guest article from Cynthia Stadd, C.H.H.C., founder of Cynfully Healthy.
I was fortunate to meet the dynamic, charming Cynthia at a recent party for graduates of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where we both went to school.
Do You View Food as a Good Fairy or a Bad Witch?
By Cynthia Stadd, C.H.H.C.
When I was studying health and nutrition at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I worked late nights and developed this strange habit. Every time I had brain freeze, I found myself aimlessly walking over to the fridge in a zombie-like state. (Sound familiar to you?)
I inspected the fridge’s contents like an investigator looking for clues in a crime.
“Hmmm, the leftover egg salad might provide some stable energy, but the steamed broccoli would be a bit more digestible at this hour considering it has less protein, but what would really make me really think better is the chocolate in that cookie!”
Not only did my dear refrigerator have absolutely nothing different to offer me at 12:50 a.m. than it did at 12:40 a.m., but I was completely unaware that I was turning food into an object of purpose, not pleasure.
Food suddenly became a foreign substance defined by what it may or may not offer — for instance, it may provide energy; it may keep me awake; or it may just distract me so I don’t really have to think or work. Mind you, I was not even hungry! (I’m sure many of you readers of this SUGAR SHOCK! Blog can relate.)
As I look back now, I realize I was just another victim of the Americanized way of relating to food. In this country, we are taught to see food — at least those of us who study it — for its scientific components.
Food is often considered "good," "bad" or "neutral" based on the calories it gives, the ratio of carbs to protein and the type of macronutrient value it contains. Those of us who are allegedly at least partially savvy about nutrition then use this information as the primary criteria for choosing foods we eat.
When I was in this trance-like state glaring into my fridge, it never occurred to me to actually check in with myself first to determine if I was even hungry, much less to find out what I was truly hungry for.
When I travel to other countries such as Argentina and Israel, I notice that people take great pride in mealtime. (Lets face it — I love the subject of eating so it gives me stupid pleasure to watch other people doing it.)
Over there, folks actually look at their food before consuming it, they take in the surroundings, and they eat relatively slowly.
Food is this joyful event where they reconnect with their families and their own bodies — it’s not just another opportunity to shove down the necessary (or unneeded extra) calories in between the phone call and doing the laundry.
Wow, what a concept. You mean food can be fun, joyful, and delicious without guilt? Yes! And anything less is compromising your health, your precious relationship with your own body, and especially, your overall pleasure-factor in life.
Are you the typical eat-‘n-run, grab-‘n-go, munch while-you-race-down-the-sidewalk eater?
When is the last time a beautiful home-cooked meal brought your family or friends together?
I invite you to get serious about looking at your relationship with
food. You will be amazed how this powerful connection affects
everything, including permanent weight control, knowing what really
makes you feel good and experiencing food from the most joyful,
deliciously pleasurable place you could have ever imagined!
To help you discover your present relationship with food, ask yourself these questions:
- How many times a day do I usually eat, including snacks? (You may not even realize how often you put food in your mouth.)
- Do I choose my food based on what I think it will do for me (weight or health), or do I choose it based on satisfying a craving?
- When is the last time I savored every bite of my meal and was so
present with the flavors, textures and colors? Can I re-create the
feeling right now?
If by answering these questions, it becomes glaringly clear to you that you need a little Food
Connection 101, try the raisin experiment.
- Close your eyes and hold one juicy raisin up to your nose.
- Smell it and notice the deep, sweet aroma.
- Now, place it on your tongue and see which side it falls on.
- Notice
the immediate taste. - Slowly roll it around your tongue and let your
saliva begin the breakdown process. - Notice any new flavors that come
up. - Now, start to chew it, and experience the sweet flavor explosion.
- Keep
chewing until the raisin is liquid and all gone. It might actually
take a while longer to eat that you might think.
Now, imagine doing this with every single thing you eat! Eating
would be quite a different experience in your life. You can still make
healthy choices based on weight or health goals. The difference is
that you will eat this glorious food with guiltless pleasure, you will eat it more slowly, and you would actually fall in love with food again.
The benefits are astounding. I have personally witnessed changes that my clients have received just from taking the time to chew and eat mindfully. What happens is this:
- Auto-pilot eating is a thing of the past.
- Chronic constipation clears up.
- Your weight normalizes.
- Acne goes away, and chronic skin inflammation lessens.
- You consume less food.
I do hope my thoughts here have helped to launch you on a more healthy, joyous way of eating.
Happy conscious eating!
Note from Connie: While, as usual, I’m required to state (by my lawyer) that this article does not necessarily reflect my views, this is quite thought provoking, right?
When was the last time you actually ate slowly, consciously and mindfully? Again, thanks to Cynthia Stadd for generously offering this helpful article to readers of this SUGAR SHOCK! Blog.