I’ve got a little tale for you today – a funny and personal story that I think many of you might relate to. This month, we’ve been delving into the world of intuitive eating, exploring the art of tuning into our body’s cues, and making choices that honor our hunger, fullness, and well-being. And let me tell you, I’ve had my own little adventure on this intuitive eating journey that I’d like to share.
For years, I had a secret favorite treat – donut holes. Those tiny, delectable, bite-sized morsels of sugary goodness had a special place in my heart. I’d eagerly anticipate trips to the grocery store because it meant I could treat myself to 2 or 3 of these heavenly creations. There may have even been a few times when I concocted excuses to make extra trips to the grocery store, all in the name of justifying my indulgence.
But then, I decided to put myself through a little experiment in intuitive eating.
I started waiting until I was genuinely physically hungry before eating, and I practiced stopping when I felt comfortably full. Additionally, I paid close attention to how I felt AFTER I ate – the “aftermath,” if you will. And that’s when things got interesting.
I realized that after adopting this intuitive approach, something about my beloved donut holes began to change. In the “after” phase, I noticed I had more energy, my digestive system seemed genuinely happy, and even my sleep improved because I was consuming less late at night.
However, one fateful day on my way home from the grocery store, I discovered something that left me feeling both surprised and a tad disappointed.
As I indulged in one of my beloved donut holes (yes, I ate one in the car), I noticed that it didn’t taste as amazing as it once did. In fact, it tasted overly sweet, and I ended up with a bit of a stomachache. I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions – talk about a double-edged sword!
Now, I’m not saying I’ll never eat another donut hole again. Sometimes, I still crave them emotionally. However, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the temporary satisfaction just isn’t worth how they make me feel afterward. So, it’s now a matter of training myself to walk past them at the grocery store, armed with the knowledge of how they affect me after consumption.
But here’s the silver lining: this journey of intuitive eating has led me to an invaluable revelation. I’ve learned to pay attention to the cues my body provides in the hours following a meal. This newfound awareness has allowed me to distinguish which foods make me feel great and which ones simply don’t cut it.
Paying attention to your body and knowing which foods make you feel good and which ones don’t is one of the most valuable aspects of intuitive eating.
For instance, you might discover that a glass of milk leaves you feeling bloated, a bagel makes you tired, or excessive sugar consumption triggers itchiness. By dedicating a minute or two to journaling about what you’re eating and how you feel afterward, you can create a food and mood diary that has the potential to transform your life.
So, what foods make you feel amazing? What foods leave you feeling less than your best? It’s a journey worth embarking on, and who knows, you might just uncover surprising revelations about your own taste preferences and well-being. Here’s to a healthier and more intuitive relationship with food!
Make it an amazing day,
Keith, Michelle & More Team