We all have our triggers that spiral us into the demise of emotional eating. Emotional, by the way, doesn’t necessarily connote a negative mood.
I have been really reflecting on what my triggers are since I started to eat only raw foods again. It’s troubled me over the years that I’ve so easily gone back to a SAD diet just because of one event. Only, I wasn’t being aware that there was one event. So, I have been looking back on my history (because it does repeat itself) and trying to find clues to what has blocked my success. What I have identified is there are very concrete triggers for me that I wasn’t prepared for. So, in preparation for my renewed commitment to health and vitality and healing, I identified my triggers (and am still learning about them) and have created a plan as to how to be prepared for these situations. Also, part of the awareness and plan is a commitment to be gentle with myself. I learned about myself that I have an “all or nothing” attitude sometimes. Like “well, I had a piece of bread, so I might as well go eat a whole pizza!” I’m not exaggerating. Not at all.
Let me share what my triggers are, maybe this will get you thinking about yours:
- getting together with friends
- getting together with family
- my period
- holidays
- holidays
- holidays
- not eating enough food; i.e. being really hungry
- not drinking enough water
- going to a restaurant
- traveling
That’s my list as of today, and, yes, I meant to write holidays thrice.
How do I handle these triggers, that sometimes occur daily? First and foremost, I visualize myself making choices that are for my highest good and that support the vision of myself as a vibrant, healthy, joyful, complete woman.
And I pray. I literally say a prayer, sometimes while I’m face to face with pie, that goes something like this “Dear God, please give me strength and courage in this moment to make a good choice for my health!” I literally whisper these words from my mouth. It works for me.
Also, I reflect on history. Yes, I can eat that pie, but I know for a fact that I will feel like crap in the morning. I’m talking physically hungover. Cooked foods make me feel that way. They always have, but when that’s what you’re used to, you begin to fail to notice. Also, reflecting on history, I know that a piece of pie has often led to a lot more than that.
The 4th of July was a big trigger. I was prepared. I decided that my joyful experience would not be dependent on what I ate or didn’t eat, but on the pure experience of being in the moment. Watching my adorable son be awestruck by the fireworks on the beach, holding a sparkler, finding the perfect stick for his cousin to make a smore in the firepit…
How many people were in a food coma and didn’t really feel authentic energy to enjoy the subtleties of the day? No judgment here, just a pondering.
I made a delicious seaweed salad and a festive apple peach cobbler, shared by all. I was so fulfilled and satisfied with my meal. My mom made the comment that she wished we all could just eat like we used to. I shared a nostalgic moment with her in the kitchen where we remembered the giant bowl of homemade potato salad, the hamburgers and hotdogs, the fruit salad (we had that, at least), the pies… So very interesting how memories and tradition are so tied up in food, no matter where you’re from.
We had a fabulous day. I loved the food I ate and the energy I had afterward. I loved waking up feeling great and ready for the day’s activities. I loved that I succeeded with making positive choices for a vibrant, healthy, loving, peaceful me one more day!
Being well,
Shawna
*Standard American Diet