Diet fads were big in the early 2000s. Family and friends were always moving onto the "next diet" that came out and I always jumped on board with juice diets, body for life diets, Keto diets, weight watchers, Vegan diet, Atkins diet, Paleo diet...and the list goes on and on. It always felt like the next diet would finally bring me where I wanted to be physically. Each diet threw my body for a loop and at times I would hardly eat. It wasn't until
my sister introduced me to simple "Intuitive eating"
when I was 19 that my world changed!
Intuitive eating is a fancy way of saying "listen to your body." In the world's culture today we are always looking for a fix-it solution when God has given us ways to figure out what our individual bodies need. As I began listening to my body and learning to discern when I felt full I discovered what kinds of portions worked for me. I worked to drink more water and incorporate fruits/veggies/protein/fiber that I actually liked into what I ate. I became less obsessed with what I ate and began to actually live my life.
Every person can learn what works for them to keep a little discipline. I know that for myself if I exercise in the morning, I crave healthier foods during the day. Another method I use is to plan out my meals before going shopping so I don't snack so much. When going to a social function I decide ahead of time that I will have one sweet. I would ask myself directly "Is that worth it?" These have worked for me and we each can discover what works for us and our bodies.
For most of us we will "fall off the train" with eating choices many times through out our lives. In those moments of struggle it takes simply getting back on track and not beating yourself up for mistakes. Keep working out. Keep trying to eat right. Keep on trying. God blessed us with bodies so that we can learn how to take care of them and He will help us do just that!
Challenge: Set 5 goals for this month to help you listen to your body more and exercise regularly. Pay closer attention this week to your relationship with food and your body.
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