Valentine’s Day is a time of expressing love, so why not turn that sentiment inward? The journey to self-love is difficult and it continues throughout our lives. On a daily basis, how and what we choose to eat can be acts of love for our bodies. Here are some of the steps I try to follow to show myself some love at the table.
Recognize self-talk. The voice within our heads is probably the most critical voice we hear during the day and it influences what foods we choose to put into our bodies. Before you even make it to the kitchen, what you believe to be true about your body has already impacted what foods you will choose to put on your plate.
In Byron Katie’s book The Work, she advises clients to recognize the thoughts they have about themselves and ask themselves these 4 questions in response:
- Is it true?
- Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
- How do you react, what happens when you believe that thought?
- Who would you be without the thought?
An exhilarating sense of power comes when we learn to recognize our automatic thoughts and question whether or not they are actually true. It gives us the opportunity to let go of any negative core beliefs we have about ourselves. Recognizing your self-talk is the first step to changing how you nourish your body.
Choose what excites you. If you have been a faithful dieter, you are probably used to choosing bland meals that leave you wanting more. I encourage you to begin searching for something that excites you at meal times. This can feel overwhelming to someone who prides themselves on a lifetime of denying their food cravings. Start small. Try adding new spices to your dishes (cinnamon sprinkled over oatmeal, curry and turmeric in a stir fry) and introduce some new flavors to your palate. You may also wish to enjoy your favorite dessert with dinner or go out of your way to eat at your favorite restaurant. Adding some excitement to the table may even be taking out your favorite tableware – you don’t always have to save your favorite plates for special occasions! Create a meal that is different and fun. Pleasure at meal time goes a long way.
Express gratitude. The age old act of giving thanks before meals helps ground us into the moment and sets the stage for mindful eating. Take a quick moment before meals to recognize the work that went into getting your food from the ground to the plate and say thank you. Also, thank yourself for taking the time to fuel and energize your body. Giving thanks will change your experience at a meal, even at times when you are eating on the go.
Remember that your life is your practice; each day brings a new start and a new opportunity for growth. Begin to let go of old eating habits that no longer serve you and find ways to connect with yourself in a positive way at meal times. I promise that working to cultivate a sense of self-love will change your relationship with food and your body.