Questions about HOW and WHY we eat

ASK YOURSELF A FEW QUESTIONS:

When do you eat?

-Is it when you're hungry?
-Or scared?
-Alone?
-Anxious?
-When other people are eating?
-Is sitting in front of the television a cue to eat?

Knowing why you do what you do is important.

-What determines what food you do eat?
-Are you concerned about nutrition?
-Are you eating what the family fixed?
-Are you eating for convenience?
-Are you eating out because everyone else is?
-Are you trying to satisfy a sense of being a part of the group?
-Do you pick up what's cheapest?
-Or do you select what your cravings dictate?

There is a real problem in our country of people 'wanting what they want when they want it.' Desire is more important than need in many of our decision making processes.

We have to make a concentrated effort to be attuned to what our bodies need, and to make selfish (not a bad word) decisions to improve our own health.

No one else is responsible for us but us. If we don't take action to improve our well being, it won't happen by miracle.

And here's something not covered enough in mainstream media:
Your diet effects every area of your life; mood, mind, body, spirit.

For those of you who believe in a higher consciousness, you know that all things are aligned. When one thing is out of place, it causes ripples that effect everything.
And if you believe in Higher Powers, you know that we are directed to care for our bodies as sacred temples. That's something that gets a little bit neglected at a church pot-luck!

Food is a powerful force.

In addition to the impact of the family and the repetitive patterns already mentioned, there is also the all important peer pressure. Coworkers eat out every day. You're expected to join or you feel left out.

Or the type of food you bring is judged based on cost or difference. If you aren't ready to go it your own or bring a healthy lunch to a restaurant (most will let you,) then know that you can make better choices eating out.

(Same problems apply in family or room mate situations.)

You don't have to splurge every meal out. We make too many decisions based on what is fun and fast and 'cool.'
You have to know ahead of time what your true need is; better health in the long run.
But you don't have to miss out on companionship to do it.

Until you are assertive enough or your friends and coworkers are supportive enough, it might be a good idea to sit a few out. Make the most of it and do a few sets of stairs on your lunch break after you eat.

INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE

Food also has a biochemical reaction that's hard to ignore.

The tongue alone is one of the most powerful organs in the body, and the taste buds signal areas in the brain that activate all sorts of moods and memories.

Then there's the sensation of actually filling our bodies with something tangible; a sense of filling the emptiness.

We biologically respond to eating when hungry with a satisfied release. We have chemicals released in the brain and bloodstream that alter mood, energy level, and much more. There are specific reasons, both good and bad, why certain foods cause certain responses within us.

This is where many get into trouble; intentionally or subconsciously using food as a tool for altering mind/body chemistry.

(more to follow)