Astrologers believe that the alignment of stars at the time of your birth can predict your future. I was born on Halloween, 1989 and those stars have since illuminated a career path along which I explore the very themes of the holiday: identity & food.
For this one night, we have permission to transform into whatever we want to be. Children and adults alike are encouraged to dress in costume and explore any identity outside of the boundaries of their own. And yet, we struggle with providing that same permission to take part in the chocolates and candies exchanged as part of the celebration.
Even though ghouls, goblins and ghosts are found roaming the streets, it is candy that elicits the greatest fear in my clients. Not the tricks, but the treats that cause the most distress.
After years working as a nutritionist in inpatient, residential and outpatient settings, I have dedicated my private practice to helping women free themselves from the cycle of dieting. My wish for this year’s golden birthday is to share what experience has taught me about the connection between identity & food. More specifically, about sweet food.
Remember that Food is Not a Moral Issue
There is no “good” or “bad” inherent in food. The only judgment needed when assessing food is in an attempt to avoid food allergens, or rotten food. Otherwise, it is best to focus on creating balance in the relationship with food — as opposed to restricting the food itself.
Disordered eating patterns emerge when we base our self-worth on the food we choose to consume. Rigidly restricting sweets, or secretly bingeing on “off limit” candy are two expressions of the same food judgment. The healing of either pattern of eating does not come from avoidance, but rather from an inclusive balance of all food (even dessert!).
It is so important to remember that food value extends far beyond nutritional. This is clearly seen in the central role food plays in the connection and celebration of every culture. In the case of Halloween, there is no reason why we cannot enjoy partaking in both its tricks & treats.
Establish Consistency in Patterns of Eating
When we feel hungry (which can be physiologically described as having “low blood sugar”), the body desires quick energy. Hence, sugar cravings. One of the best ways to stabilize blood sugar and curb intense food cravings is to eat at regular intervals. I typically recommend spacing meals & snacks around every 3 to 4 hours throughout the day.
The tendency when we are anticipating something indulgent is to compensate by restricting intake earlier in the day. Although this may be commonly supported by diets, it is not effective in managing physical or emotional hunger.
This Halloween, practice including candy within the context of a balanced day. Notice how your experience feels more grounded and enjoyable — providing an opportunity to connect with taste preference, rather than ravenously try to replete hungry cells.
Provide Permission to Taste All Flavors
One of the central themes explored in my work with clients is the spectrum of hunger / fullness as it relates to both physical and emotional cues.
As a woman is working to release patterns of disordered eating, she is required to develop a tolerance for the range of emotion that was once soothed or silenced through her food behaviors. Much as a client is encouraged to re-connect with the range of all emotions, she is also encouraged to re-connect with the range of all flavors.
Regardless of body shape or appearance, permission to taste and enjoy sweet flavors is essential in healing the relationship with food. So long as one flavor remains restricted, it will always result in manipulation and mistrust of your body’s internal cues.
Diet culture is successful in binding our precious energy into an endless obsession with food and body size. We have been conditioned to believe that it is through rigidity and weight loss that we will develop a strong sense of self. But diets are only effective in robbing a woman of the connection with her true identity.
Halloween encourages us all to experience the sweetness of of self-expression.