Food as Medicine

Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to overcome bulimia or binge eating?  I mean, let's think about it...its not like we can just go cold turkey like an alcoholic or drug addict.  We need food to live.  And if we eat real nutrient dense food then our lives can be exponentially better.
But for now I want to talk with you about food and some of the ways that we use food as medicine.

Have you ever had a time when you were so overwhelmed that you just couldn't resist heading to the freezer for that Ben & Jerry's ice cream?  Ever wonder why?  Let me tell you...ice cream is soothing.  So when you've had it...and you're not the only one who does this, you do what makes sense!  Feeling overwhelmed?  Okay your body says...I need something to soothe me...ah yes...ice cream :-)   My friends who don't have eating disorders do this too!  And I've done it in the past as well.

So let's move onto another sort of food...comfort food.

Let me ask you about your most favorite food.  What is it?  When do you enjoy it most?  And do you eat it at home or somewhere else?  I have talked with alot of women and girls who've suffered with bulimia and guess what their favorite food is?   Go ahead...guess.

Peanut butter toast!  Yes...PEANUT BUTTER TOAST! 

For me...when I was in the thralls of bulimia, PB & J was my old standby.  It was better than any boyfriend (but enjoyed to the max with a boyfriend) and was healthier than a drink or a cold beer.  And when I was angry then I'd go for the EXTRA crunchy peanut butter.  Hmmmm...anger...crunch crunch crunch! 

What do you think of all this?  It took me years to put this together...insights about foods and moods.  And strangely enough I didn't learn any of this when I was a patient at an eating disorder clinic twice.  That's why I'm sharing everything I can with whoever wants to get well!  If you're up for this then keep reading.

Share with me by first taking a step back...becoming a scientist into your own little behaviors...and then taking a breathe to become more aware of your actions and desires for a healthier and more empowered approach to how you live each day of your life.

When a behavior sneaks up on you try to step back and observe...breathe...and sit still.  Then see what you can see.  Until next time...

Here's to your empowered life!
MaryJo