Emotional Eating PDX

Our yearly day of gratitude has arrived, kicking off a swirling season of eating, eating, more eating, gift giving; and ending with the yearly resolution to do something different next year.

This day of giving thanks, is my favorite holiday. Relaxing with friends, family (blood related or otherwise chosen), eating deliciously comforting food, taking walks, watching movies, playing games. Simply enjoying the sweetness of the day with those who are important to you.

In my own life, I have come to understand that being thankful for what I have is the catalyst for bringing more and more gratitude to my world. Most nights, as I plunk my sleepy head to the pillow, I say thank you for some of the beautiful moments of my day. Most mornings, I wake up and start my day by simply saying, “Thank you.”

Regardless of stress I may be facing, these simple intentions ground me in gratitude for that which I have, and help me remember that life is rich, it is not perfect.

INTENTION IS POWERFUL!

With that in mind, know that you can set intentions for this holiday season of festivities to be something you look forward to, not dread. Here are a couple of suggested intentions:

* I will create a beautiful, loving, stress-free holiday season.

This is possible! It takes going inward, sitting with yourself and visualizing what you love about the holidays. Begin to say no to the things you don’t love: overspending, over-socializing, over drinking, over eating. Say “yes!” to moments of love and relaxation, quality time with people you love. Some simple, heart-felt gifts. Contemplate forgetting the crazy-making obligations and crazy-making running around. Be still. When you have extra days off, stay home, make your home cozy, actually relax by yourself or with friends and family, but make it easy.

* I will continue to practice listening to my body amid the non-stop offerings.

This too, is possible! Before venturing out to parties, or before having guests to your house. Practice this:

Sit down alone a few minutes before you need to leave home or before your own guests arrive.
Begin to relax every little part of your body, sink into your chair.
Breathe evenly, in and out.
Put your hands on your belly, acknowledge your physical body.
Begin a dialogue with yourself. Be kind, sweet, compassionate, and encouraging.
Acknowledge that you belief you have the ability to tune into and listen to your body even among endless amounts of food.
Remember the times you have not eaten to the “beyond stuffed” stage and tell yourself you can do that on this day, as well.

Peruse the food offerings before serving yourself. Help yourself to the foods that are singing to you. You don’t have to have everything offered. Have the foods that truly sound delicious. Tell yourself that you can wrap food up to eat later, when you’re hungry again, and it will taste yummy.

Try to allow the fear to leave your body as you give the food you’ve chosen your full attention, savoring the flavor, enjoying the texture.  Eat with gratitude, giving thanks to this delish fuel for your body.  Eat with gusto!