Eat + Enjoy + Restore
I love beets. I just love them. My five-year-old does too – maybe it’s genetic? Anyway, I love the earthy taste. The bright red texture. I loved them baked, sauteed, and pickled. However, I DO NOT LOVE how they stain my white kitchen when I […]
Coffee or tea?! Which would you choose? ⠀ Lately, I have been on a tea kick – Green, Hibiscus, Earl Grey – you name it – I’ve probably have been having a cup most days of the week. And really, you can reasonably argue that […]
I want you to think about the last time you ate. For me, it was about five minutes ago when I grabbed a few figs and some peanut butter to eat as a late-night snack while writing this post. If I took the time to think about why I ate, the answer might be surprising. Was I hungry? No, not particularly. Was I tired? Yes, definitely. Was I procrastinating work that needed to be done- so I was feeling a little stressed. Oh yeah – you can bet your money on that.
Understanding and recognizing why we eat is one of the first steps in implementing mindful eating practices. Food was designed not just for fuel for our bodies- but can also provide enjoyment, comfort, distraction, and nourishment. I could beat myself up for eating “after 8:00 pm” by stating all the usual “diet” things we tell ourselves throughout the day “Jenny, you really shouldn’t have eaten this late at night, don’t you know what that does to your insulin response and your metabolism.” “Jenny, you don’t need the extra calories, you just ate that bowl of dairy-free ice cream for dessert (Yes, I did, and it was dang delicious!). ” The point is if we let ourselves get back to that negative self-talk, all it really does is make us feel bad about ourselves and leaves us feeling defeated and not enough.
Emotional eating, stress eating, or eating while you are distracted are NORMAL. Yes, it is NORMAL to do these things. We are human, after all, not some robot. Emotional or boredom eating can become problematic; however, if you don’t have any other coping skills in your toolbox to utilize.
Over the next week, I’d like you to apply this exercise a few times and do some self-discovery on the type of situations you find yourself eating.
Use the following questions to help you identify and reflect the last time you ate.
The cold and flu season has hit our home HARD these last few weeks, and to fight it off, I have been filling up on all things TURMERIC. Yes! This potent, Middle Eastern spice should be a staple in your diet – especially this time […]
Gluten-free deliciousness, millet is becoming a staple grain in our household. These fiber and nutrient-packed pancakes are a great start to your morning. Make these ahead of time and keep in the fridge for up to a week. Pop in the microwave and top with your favorite toppings – […]
Are you getting ready for Thanksgiving? Or if you’re like me, you might STILL have some leftover Halloween pumpkins hanging around. Roasting a pumpkin can seem overwhelming at first, but it is incredibly easy!
Tada! Freshly roasted pumpkin is so versatile in a variety of recipes – we love it in stuffing and muffins Links to those recipes below!
