So we've all heard the phrase "food is not love." Which is generally true, but also ... not true. As with so many things, it all depends on how you look at it.
No meal is ever going to give you the kind of emotional fulfillment that reciprocated love will, although I've certainly had a few meals that came damn close. On the other hand, eating well is a very good way to take care of yourself and, by extension, show yourself love. I can't deny that a balanced, reasonably-portioned diet doesn't feel nearly as good as a hug does but I can say that over time a balanced, reasonably-portioned diet is going to make you feel pretty great about yourself, which will lead to more people wanting to hug you, so there's that.
Key phrase here: "reasonably-portioned." It's often so tempting to show ourselves love by giving ourselves as much of what we want as possible at any given time. It's an understandable impulse, but think about it for a minute - remember the last time you had a meal that was so good you didn't want to stop eating? So you didn't? How did you feel when you finally stopped? I'm guessing you felt at least a little bit gross, even though everything started wonderfully. I'm all about "everything in moderation, including moderation," believe me, but excess is almost always going to find a way to backfire on you. So learn to recognize when you're full, and give yourself permission to stop when you get there. If it's something you really like you can box up the leftovers and enjoy it all over again tomorrow, and if you really didn't like it all that much you can give it to your dog or your compost pile or your dining companion who did enjoy it. Never feel like you have to be a member of the Clean Plate Club just on sheer principle.
On the other side of it, some of us withhold pleasurable things from ourselves when we feel we don't "deserve" them, or because for whatever reason we're not that interested in taking care of ourselves. I am really not qualified to delve too far into this angle of the issue, but I will say this, and I'm speaking from personal experience: you deserve to be well-fed, you deserve to be cared for, and once you start the self-care ball rolling it gets easier and easier. And if you just can't seem to get the ball rolling even a little bit please seek out someone who can help you with it. You are worth it.
Whichever end of the spectrum you're on, here's your assignment for today: think about what you most want to eat today, and then go make it for yourself. Set a nice table, even if it's just you and your goldfish, and enjoy exactly as much of your meal as your body tells you you need. Then see how you feel for the rest of your day, and even tomorrow. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Once again, I have no idea what's on tap for tomorrow, but whatever it is it's going to be great. I'll see you then!
- Sarah
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