Satisfied, Yet??

Satisfied, Yet??

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     I'm contemplating that feeling of being satisfied after a meal vs. being nourished.  I see these people nibbling on dried fruit, nuts and veggies and think, "how can they feel satisfied?" Satisfaction has never included nibbling for me... a nice big meal, followed by a yummy dessert and good company is satisfying - not a handful of nuts.  I don't think I'm alone in this thought process.  If I was, restaurants with giant portions would cease to exist, right?

     We're going deep with this one, Chicks & Chucks .... So, get ready ...

     When does eating food stop needing to be for "satisfaction" and become, instead, to nourish the body?  The purpose of food, technically speaking, is to nourish our bodies.  And yet, it becomes so much more for people like us.  It's comforting, a silent show of rebellion, has the tender touch of a lover, the sharp sting of a scorpion, shame of a Scarlet Letter ("The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850) and the sinking pull under your covers as you fall into despair over its side effects.  

     To those that understand that last paragraph, I'm talking to you gently, with love and understanding.  There is no judgment in these words, my heart or my thoughts.  I can talk to you like this because, my friends, I have been there.  The thought of nibbling makes me turn into Cindy Crawford ...

Photo Credit: Superskinnyme.com

     ... yyyyeah ... just in this photo .... but you get my drift, right?  Over the past fourteen months of this journey, my mind has slowly started to shift.  My new reality is NOT just about food but also about myself as a person.  I wanted change - I wasn't happy.  I had to want it - for it to be my personal fight and not anything anyone else pushed on me.  Consequently, I've analyzed myself to my core (Uh, can you tell?).  And, I have come to me also with with love and understanding.  Most of the time, that is.

     Slowly, my mind has begun to shift from seeing food as a crutch, friend, lover, scorpion or pulled covers.  It's a slow process to reprogram this thick head of mine.  But, a little at a time, I've started changing my viewpoint on food.

     Chicks & Chucks, food is .... food.  

     And, that's it.  

     I say this gently to you.  Food is nourishment.  It is your MIND and HEART that changes it into something more.  It's a choice.  If you can start to view food as nourishment, everything will start to fall in place one meal at a time.

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     Look at that donut .... what good is it anyway?  Is it wasted calories that could be spent on something better for you?  One change at a time, one small different choice at a time and you will begin to notice.  And each time you face such a decision, and consider if you need it and make the wise decision, food begins to shift into nutrition.

     I actually do snack on dried fruit, yogurt covered nuts and raw almonds now.  I nibble.  It will never be a meal for me, but it's a good, small snack I can eat and then have a good meal later.  I don't know the last candy bar I ate - and that used to be big.  These are the beginnings of my changes but they are deeper than a piece of chocolate.

     

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    Does the thought of changing your habits in this way make you feeling like Ol' Charlie up there facing a meal that is less than satisfying? Am I saying never eat something for the pleasure of its taste again?

     OH HELLLLLL NO.

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     Put a mouthful of Jamocha Almond Fudge in my mouth and watch me find a happy place!  It will happen and that's ok.  The thing is, it shouldn't be your NORM but should be your EXCEPTION.  If your reality is in the right place, an occasional exception is NO BIG DEAL.  And, if you fall and feel like you have failed? Just remember, it's a drop in the bucket and keep going.

     For the emotional side, you need a release there.  That need doesn't go away.  I would suggest deciding something in its place that is comforting, feels good, is just a little rebellious, without any negative side effects.  And, if you can find a solution that's orgasmic, well then, hats off to you!  Some good outlets may be a call to a good friend, shopping, exercise, journaling, a good cry, getting a massage, getting your nails done and of course, SEX.  You'll need to figure out what works for you.

     For me, I journal, cry and get busy with projects and exercise.  I am also blessed to have a strong support system of family and friends.  I hope you do too.  I hope you are all doing well!  Don't forget that you can email me at 1fatchick2another@gmail.com.  

     Until next time!!