Messing it up..
is part of the process!
This week I want to briefly demystify this idea that one day, we are going to “arrive,” that our eating journey will be 100% done, that all the time the path is going to be smooth, with no hiccups, with no ups and downs.
That, eventually, we will feel always fully in control of our eating choices and never fantasize about how a certain food or drink could make us feel...
A day in which no emotions could trigger your desire to (emotionally) eat.
Maybe that is in store for some of us--it is in the real of possibility.
I believe, though, that for the majority of us, it truly is a journey—where there will likely be ups and downs, where some days we will feel more confident and on track, and other days we may feel a bit off, and may resort to our old ways of coping, such as food, to navigate a tough patch.
This is absolutely normal and all good!
The ebb and flow of our emotions
As human beings our emotions fluctuate and with that there may be times in which we will likely experience triggers or stronger cravings.
However, I fully trust that with time and the inner work needed, the emotional energy and “space” that food occupies in our lives diminish over time, clearing up space for things that truly nourish us.
Eating becomes more a source of joy with less associations to painful emotions, such as shame, guilt, regret, or even self-hatred. There is less uncertainty around it (will this be a “good” day or will I mess it up halfway through the day?)
Would you like a mini-structured path for your work in this area?
Download my free workbook! In this workbook, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Become more aware of your triggers and their sources
Feel more clarity about your inner world in what respects to food
Be less on automatic pilot
Be more intentional in all what relates to decisions about food
So, (if it happens), the next time you experience that your journey (out of emotional eating) is a bit messy, perhaps even confusing, with some good days, and some more challenging ones, please know you are on the right path.
The key to succeed in this path is consistency over time, even if some days we intentionally or unintentionally eat more/ different that we really wanted to.
We have all relished in food at some point, right?
It makes sense that our minds at times fantasize with food—after all food gives us energy, help keeps us awake, bring pleasure to our senses and triggers the release of dopamine (the feeling good hormone) in the brain.
We know that being summer (in the northern hemisphere) this is a time when some of you may be going on vacation and thus be away from your regular routines or structure. I invite you not to be too hard on yourself—treating ourselves to a special food or indulging on a craving will not ruin our ability to leave emotional eating behind.
Not at all.
The journey is about consistency and resiliency, self-compassion, and kindness. Of “getting up” every time we “fall.”
After all, we deserve it. And if you are unsure if you truly deserve it, just allow yourself to take in the trust and confidence I have in you! 🙌
To staying the course!
Claudia