Do you feel anxious around food?
Do you get uncontrollable cravings around food?
Do you feel pleasure from food that you can’t seem to find any where else?
Do you wake up thinking about food or constantly thinking about your next meal?
Do you hate the hold food has on you, but you can’t seem to gain control?
What if I told you that your “food issue” actually might NOT be about the FOOD at all?
You’d probably think I’m crazy right, because that is ALL it’s been about for you for however long you’ve been struggling.
Yes, food can be addictive, especially processed, sugary foods and we can develop subconscious habitual patterns over time if we continuously binge or emotionally eat, but your problem isn’t about just the food itself.
Here are some reasons why you might be feeling stuck and how to stop using food to cope:
You are trying to control and be perfect, following food rules, and restricting yourself so your body naturally goes into fight-or flight, leading to a binge or out-of-control eating. So, the very thing you are trying to control begins controlling you. In order to stop this cycle, you must loosen the strings a bit, let go of strict rules and expectations, and stop labeling foods as good or bad. This applies to other areas of your life too. Stop striving for perfection and allow yourself to live more in flow.
You don’t know how to deal with your emotions, so you stuff them down with food. What about trying meditation, breath-work, going for a walk or finding a way to calm and soothe your body and mind to help deal with stress? Ask yourself, “What is the best loving decision for myself in this moment?” Using food for comfort is not the best loving decision if you are feeling guilty afterwards.
You aren’t following your passions, enjoying yourself, or engaging in fun hobbies. The more you do things that excite you, the less food will be on your mind.
You are stuck in a negative thinking pattern, which keeps you stuck in a lower-vibe state. If you tell yourself, you aren’t good enough and you’ll never overcome your battle with food, well guess what, you’re right! Start thinking positively, even if you have to fake it at first! The more positive you are, the higher you raise your vibe, the stronger you’ll become at making the best decision for yourself.
You are settling! Maybe you’re staying in a boring job or an unfulfilling relationship, so you use food to fill the void in your life. Instead, decide to take action and necessary steps to create a more fulfilling life. Change can be scary, but it’s more painful staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong. If you’re already feeling miserable, then you have nothing to lose, and a happier life to gain!
You are ignoring your intuition and body cues. When is the last time you took a moment to silence the mind and listen to what your body is telling you? Breathing deeply and connecting to your inner wisdom and guidance? Most likely not often, if you are stuck in an anxious state of overeating, numbing with food, and running from your problems. Take time each day to connect with yourself on a deeper level. Slow down, be in nature, meditate, visualize your desires, pray and ask for guidance! The more you are tapping into your intuition, the easier it will be to make better choices.
So if you’re feeling hopeless and stuck, using food to cope, it wouldn’t hurt to take a step back and look at the underlying issues in your life. Maybe it really isn’t about the food after all…
XO Peace & Love, Stephanie
