Food Obsessed?

Why can't I stop thinking about food? I know I'm not hungry, I know I'm stress eating, but I can't stop myself... Is there just something wrong with me? The short answer is... Yes. But WAIT, it's not what you think.

It's not that there's something wrong with YOU as a unique snowflake of a person, it's that you are part of the human species. that (obviously) needs food to survive. And that's just one part of the equation.

For the past 300,000 years (+/-), us humans have developed a hunger for what will keep us alive most efficiently, AKA, sugar, fat, and lots of it! So what's actually wrong with us? What's changed about these once reasonable efficiencies?

First, there is an ABUNDANCE of food (and advertisements for food) all around us, which means we don't HAVE TO eat as much as possible whenever we come across food anymore. But our bodies don't always get that 21st century memo.

Second, think about the SHAME and GUILT that has been dumped onto us for:

• how our bodies do/don't look

• the"willpower" we should/shouldn't have

• and the confusing messaging about our value being wrapped up in our looks
  

and you will realize that the shame/binge spiral has been perfectly paved. This shame creates a sort of tunnel vision (blocking from our vision what's actually important to us, when we're actually hungry, and what else we value in our lives) that leads us straight back to the fridge to soothe our wounds, fears, and insecurities. Makes so much sense, no? What a relief, not a freak of nature!! Phew!!

Soooo we're doomed? Fuck that. No. Understanding the whys behind our behaviors is the only way we can start shifting the behaviors that no longer serve us. Once we begin to understand that there is nothing inherently wrong with us, but that physiology, food abundance, social values/expectations (plus family values/expectations, and whatever else has contributed to your relationship with food and your body) are shaping those behaviors, we can grab back the reins and slowly gain back control of our lives.

Quick tips for each factor:

Social values/expectations- start combing through which values have been put onto you, and which ones you want to keep. Some common ones are:

• Your value comes from your appearance

• Gaining weight is a sign of laziness

• You have to look a certain way to be happy

Start questioning the truth of these values and feel the pressure of them melt off.

Physiology- make sure you're SATISFIED- Protein, fiber, and stay hydrated. Make sure you're satisfied after each meal so that your lizard brain isn't thinking about the hunt.

Food abundance- control what's in your immediate environment- I try not to keep my favorite junk food around to make my life easier, and I indulge in the stuff when I'm really feeling it- preferably along with some "whole" foods.