In two days, we will celebrate America’s freedom from British rule. Since 1870, July 4th has been a day of celebration and appreciation for the independence our forefathers (and foremothers) claimed for us.
I bring up independence in a blog about mindful eating because for many of us, food is a prison, a chain around our waists, a burden, a struggle, and leaves us with a sense of helplessness and dependence. One of the wonderful benefits of becoming a mindful eater is the peace you will feel around food. Because you are free to eat whatever you want, whenever you are physically hungry, and because you learn to eat exactly the right amount of food for you, the struggle, the war is over.
This peace was the first thing that occurred on my mindful eating journey. Within a month or so of beginning mindful eating, I noticed that I was no longer thinking about food during the day. When I was hungry, I ate. When I wasn’t, I didn’t. And, for the first time in my life, I wasn’t planning dinner while still eating lunch. I would have food in my cupboard that I forgot about. If I were invited out to eat, I didn’t worry about the menu. I knew that I could trust myself to do right by me. I was no longer preoccupied with food in any way. I was free.
You can be free too. Today, declare your independence from diets and food restrictions (unless medically necessary) and claim the freedom that it rightfully yours.
What would it mean for you to be at peace with food?
