Consequently, the more I felt guilty for wanting those unhealthy, high fat or high sugar items, the more I actually wanted them. We want them because they are “naughty” or “forbidden” foods. In my case it certainly wasn’t for the taste of them, because I always ate them so quickly so I could get rid of them or before someone would see that I can’t even remember how they tasted.
“Eating what we want” is the second principle of “Natural Eating” and follows on beautifully from the first principle of “Eating when we are hungry”. This is because if we eat when we are hungry we are more likely to listen to our body and actually eat what we want. Often we wait until we are starving and therefore reach for the first thing available. Or we over-eat in our hurry to dissipate the hunger.
Since recovering from Bulimia and implementing “Natural Eating” into my life, I have since learnt that if we actually allow ourselves to eat what we really want we won’t actually want those unhealthy options all the time. This is because the charge will be gone. They are no longer forbidden. You know you can have them whenever you like so you don’t have to eat them in huge quantities.
My favourite food is chocolate. I tend to have chocolate most days, but because I am “allowed” it I am satisfied with one or two squares or just a small treat sized bar. I no longer have to devour a whole family size bar or box. I am now aware how I feel if I eat too much of those foods and I prefer to be healthy and fit. However, now I have the best of both worlds eating predominantly healthy foods but still enjoying all my favourite treats whenever I want them.
Your body wants particular foods for various reasons. If you try to ignore your initial desire you will only end up over eating or sneaking back to get the original item anyway. This is where you can save yourself from out of control bingeing. Let yourself enjoy a small portion of your “treat” foods and ironically your need for them will be less and less. When you are hungry and making a choice about what you are going to eat, ask yourself, “What do I really want?” Then just listen, your body will tell you. Give it what it needs. Savour it, taste it, notice how it makes you feel. Notice when you are satisfied and stop eating. Tell yourself you can have it again whenever you want it. In this way you are not just satisfying a physical need but an emotional need also.
I am a Natural Eating Consultant, wife and mother who has recovered from 6 years of depression, a side effect of which was bulimia. I used to binge on food uncontrollably and then exercise excessively to get rid of it. In my mid thirties I was introduced to Natural Eating which together with personal development, allowed me to learn to love and trust myself enough to make a full recovery. My weight settled at 49 kilos in 1998 and has remained at this level for over a decade. Previously, I had had weight and food related issues for over 20 years. I have now written an e-book entitled Empower yourself by eating what you want – how to lose weight naturally without dieting. For a FREE copy please click the following link http://www.weightlossandpersonalgrowth.com/Home.html
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