Editor’s Note: Charlene participated in an Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Program and writes about her journey… The mindful eating practices I’ve learned through Am I Hungry? have been so healing for me. Recovery from the physical, emotional, and spiritual damage that occurred while dieting is a process. As with other healing throughout my life, I’ve gone through a series of emotional stages while saying goodbye to dieting.
At first, I felt confused, uncertain, and afraid. Honestly, I found it hard to believe that I really could “eat what I love and love what I eat” and support my health goals at the same time. Plus, the opposing media messages are so prevalent, it took some time to sort through the falsehoods.
I was also mad that I’d been blatantly misinformed, not only by the media, but by health professionals. I recognize not all of them do so intentionally; most are caught in the diet culture’s web of deception. But I still feel twinges of anger and disappointment when I see and hear the lies and I fear for all the people who still believe them.
Once I really started to understand the freedom, peace, and wholeness that is genuinely possible, I felt elated! It was truly an eye-opening process to relearn to listen to and trust my body wisdom.
Now, I’ve settled into a place of gratitude—such a lovely place to dwell! Every single day, I appreciate the abundance of life-supporting foods available to me. I marvel at my miraculous physical senses of sight, smell, taste, and touch because they offer me the opportunity to enjoy every bite of food. I experience the pure joy of movement and the beauty of this natural path toward optimal well-being.
My initial doubts and fears have transformed into determination to let others know about the healing that’s available to them and encourage them to begin their journey to wholeness.
When you are ready to say goodbye to dieting, the Eat Mindfully, Live Vibrantly Program will guide you to build a joyful, confident, peaceful relationship with food! Click here to learn more!
This article has been updated from a previously published version.
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What You Resist, Persists: How to Stop Stuffing Down Emotions with Food