Monday, November 28, 2011

Thanksgiving Break

So what happened this weekend? I ate a lot more than I have in a long time. I spent some time trying to reflect on why I went so far off course.

1.) Family Time - even though family gatherings are not tough for me I still think that they bring back the memories of the past. My eating habits started as a kid. I think that being back there makes it all come back to me.

2.) Bad, ingrained habits - for as long as I can remember I have come home from family events and have eaten like crazy.

3.) Off regular routine and schedule - I like a routine and having a long weekend really kind of throws me off.

4.) Lonely time - even though I kept really fairly busy this weekend, I didn't spend any quality time with anyone. I was home alone most of the weekend doing chores and didn't spend much time out.

As we know, Christmas is coming up really soon. What do I do to change that holiday vacation -

1.) Create a holiday schedule so I am on a routine - gym, dog walk, meals, meditation, etc.

2.) Deal with family issues with inquiry and reflections.

3.) Spend time on the phone, in person, email with friends. Make the connections I need to stay in touch with people.

All of this will begin to create new habits for me. I am looking forward to putting these new ideas into practice.

Hope you all had a great holiday.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Just a quick note....

Hi Everyone!

I have been so incredibly busy at work and with the Humane Society that I haven't had a chance to write. I have been thinking about it though. That counts right?

Here are how things have been going with my practice:

Eating Guidelines
1.) Eat when hungry. (Doing pretty good with this one. I still have my moments, but for the most part I am just eating after a few hunger pains.)

2.) Eat sitting down in a calm environment, not in car. (I think for the most part things are calm. I don't eat in the car unless absolutely necessary.)

3.) Eat without distractions. (well you saw my last post. This one is pretty tough. I like watching TV and having dinner. So I have to work on that)

4.) Eat what your body wants. (I have been doing OK with this one. Sometimes my head takes over and I want cupcakes, but for the most part I have been eating protein, veggies and some fiber)

5.) Eat until your satisfied. (I think this is tied to #3. When I am not distracted I know I eat less. I am not however eating like crazy with no stopping. Even tough I may eat more than I would if not distracted, I am rarely stuffed after I eat.)

6.) Eat (with the intention of being) in full view of others (still trying to figure this one out. I guess it's not hiding food. )

7.) Eat with enjoyment, gusto and pleasure (I am trying to slow down my eating, put my fork down between bites, and enjoy the bite in my mouth. It's a change from the normal rapid fire shovel down the throut. So I am working on this one).

Work in progress. Things are going pretty well though. I feel in control for the first time in a long time. I am so happy I went to the retreat! I feel so much better!! Hope everyone is doing well with their journies!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Eating without Distraction

Lately the hardest eating guideline for me has been eating without distraction. I have been really pretty good about checking in with myself before eating to see if I am hungry or not. I just have this feeling that I always need to be doing 20 things at one time and if I am not then I am slacking. So it seems SO STRANGE to take the time to just eat and be reflective.

I know the value in eating without distractions. I have seen it work. You have a plate of food. You eat a few of the best bites, let it settle, check in again and repeat as needed. It's really not that hard. It just seems like such a foreign concept to just be doing that one thing. I want the TV on with the computer on and then eating dinner. But then I do forget to eat slowly, enjoy what I am eating and check in on my hunger.

So this is my next big challenge - make this habit. Turn off the monitor at work when it is lunch time and have lunch. Mute the TV and close the laptop when I am eating dinner.

Hope all is well with everyone!

Alison