Eat when you’re hungry. Stop when you’re full. It seems so simple and easy and natural. Why does eating for me have so little to do with actual hunger?
I get that good food is a special event for kids – even if it comes several times a day. All of the children I’ve ever interacted with love sweets and seem to always be hungry. Some people feel like their mothers loved them as children through food. Even if they were loved in more normal ways, I think that most moms (and dads) enjoy preparing nutritious, delicious meals for their kids. I know I do. And of course food is always a big part of celebrations and holidays – but it is for everyone, not just those with weight problems.
So how did eating and hunger become so disconnected for me? It seems completely counter-intuitive when you think about it logically.
I’m waiting for the hunger these days to signal that it is time to eat. Sometimes I get impatient while waiting. I prepared my breakfast this morning and stuck it in the fridge because I wasn’t hungry yet. I dropped my husband off at the bus stop and ran to the store for cough drops and then dropped my daughters off at school. Then I came home and walked the dog. Still not hungry, I carted my bowl of yogurt to work. Finally about 10:00 AM I was ready to eat. Since I’m only eating soft foods, I know it won’t be long before I am hungry again which I guess is nice since the waiting is so annoying.
I know that if I don’t wait for the hunger to signal that it is time to eat then I won’t hear my body telling me that it is time to stop. I want to listen to my body and finally start living an authentic life.
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4 comments:
I think it's great that you're able to tell the difference though. You knew you just wanted to eat to "get it over with" but you held out. That's progress!
Don't feel bad. A lot of us have the disconnect between eating and hunger. That's why obesity is becoming such an issue. At least we've stopped beating ourselves up about it and are doing something to help.
You're doing great - I think most of us struggle trying to see the difference between head hunger and real hunger. You are on your way :-)
I think this is something that we all struggle with and with time and the help of the band we may be able to conquer it. You are doing great
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