226.5
Officially 30.5 pounds down baby!
Tonight in our class, I wrote a break-up letter to a food that I find irresistible -- chips. Acknowledging that chips are a food that I can't control myself around, I had been thinking of this break-up for a while. I could have chosen a number of foods for this exercise. Why not cookies, caramel popcorn, M&Ms and the like? But I think I chose chips unconsciously because in my mind I can come up with a "plan B" around them. Bring veggie trays everywhere and don't sit next to the chip bowl - sounds like a strategy. It's a great exercise, but I certainly couldn't give up every food that I compulsively overeat. If I'm going to be able to maintain weight loss, I'm going to have to get down to the root of my compulsive overeating. Yes there are trigger foods to avoid, but I also need to quit using those foods to make me feel good. Food addiction is complicated since we can't just give it all up forever cold turkey. I've given it up now for an important reason, and this break is giving me the space to explore my cravings, impulses and feelings around food. But at some point I'll be forging a new relationship with food and face the temptations head-on.
Some people in the group couldn't bring themselves to write the letter. Their food was connected to powerful memories of people they loved or gatherings that they enjoy. Rejection of the food feels like a rejection of the person/memory.
I'm humbled by how emotional and complicated this journey is. I'm thankful that I'm able gain deeper insights into my own feelings and issues by listening to my colleagues. I appreciate this village of people who are being honest together.
Officially 30.5 pounds down baby!
Tonight in our class, I wrote a break-up letter to a food that I find irresistible -- chips. Acknowledging that chips are a food that I can't control myself around, I had been thinking of this break-up for a while. I could have chosen a number of foods for this exercise. Why not cookies, caramel popcorn, M&Ms and the like? But I think I chose chips unconsciously because in my mind I can come up with a "plan B" around them. Bring veggie trays everywhere and don't sit next to the chip bowl - sounds like a strategy. It's a great exercise, but I certainly couldn't give up every food that I compulsively overeat. If I'm going to be able to maintain weight loss, I'm going to have to get down to the root of my compulsive overeating. Yes there are trigger foods to avoid, but I also need to quit using those foods to make me feel good. Food addiction is complicated since we can't just give it all up forever cold turkey. I've given it up now for an important reason, and this break is giving me the space to explore my cravings, impulses and feelings around food. But at some point I'll be forging a new relationship with food and face the temptations head-on.
Some people in the group couldn't bring themselves to write the letter. Their food was connected to powerful memories of people they loved or gatherings that they enjoy. Rejection of the food feels like a rejection of the person/memory.
I'm humbled by how emotional and complicated this journey is. I'm thankful that I'm able gain deeper insights into my own feelings and issues by listening to my colleagues. I appreciate this village of people who are being honest together.
5 comments:
It's amazing how a simple exercise can bring up so many emotions, isn't it? I wrote my letter to ice cream. I knew right away that was my go-to food that I should let go of. You're completely right in that it is an emotional journey, more than an intellectual one. Congrats on the fabulous weight loss!
Congratulations!! What a great milestone! 6 weeks and 30 pounds is truly truly amazing. Well done. :-)
Your group sounds absolutely wonderful and you seem to get so much out of it personally. I think all this contemplation is setting you up for a very successful maintenance life post-Optifast.
Thanks ladies. One day at a time, right? Hope you both have a great weekend!
Sounds like you are doing some fantastic work! It's so important to have good boundaries in your life - especially with food. I am glad you wrote your letter. Did "Chips" write a letter back to you? :)
LOL, no Chips is the silent type. I suspect that he was pissed when I told him I was leaving him for a nice, rich veggie tray... :-)
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