Moving Beyond Body Hatred, Food Deprivation and Yo-Yo Dieting
For as long as I can remember many of my thoughts were always connected back to my body. Some of the thoughts revolved around: how my body looked, what it weighed, how it was performing as an athlete, what it looked like compared to others, where it could take me, and how I could change it to fit in better with others perceptions and desires of me.
My thoughts were ultimately driving my patterns and actions of self-abuse against my body. Without any awareness for what actually might be good for it or what it was yearning for I stayed on auto-pilot and chose to drive it into the ground. I was convinced I should follow every new diet or that the latest supplement would give me the edge I was looking for. And I do take responsibility here and admit it wasn’t so much that I was following others as a sheep who I blame as I did want a quick fix.
My body would do amazing things in the gym but I did not know how to eat and I did not understand food. I had spent so many years yo-yo dieting, fluctuating between weight loss and regain and my body was in a lot of pain. I was feed up of the advice that the only way to get results was to eat low calories. I had done all of that- for over 20 years so I knew in my gut that it was wrong for me. Low calorie diets are the reason I experienced weight gain, resentment, anger, dysfunctional personal relationships, low self-esteem, anxiety, brain fog, inflammation, high levels of cortisol and a bloated midsection.
My wake-up call that lead to separating from the flock came when I realized I was sick of the way I talked to myself when I saw my reflection. I would never talk to other woman the way I talked to myself and that realization broke my heart which lead to my shift. When I decided I was going to change for good I had to understand at the core level that development takes time, it can be lonely and much, much slower than expected.
For the first time I asked my body what it needed and how I could finally honor and work with it at the core level. The personal shift I experienced helped me develop my Nutritional Coaching practice of teaching clients the biggest shifts occur at the foundational level. Nutritional and life habits ONLY experience a major shift by focusing on water, sleep and stress until they are consistent and mastered. These sounds simple and like a luxury but I guarantee you they changed my life and helped me become the healthiest version of myself.
If you are ready to leave the flock start off by asking your body what does it need. Be prepared to spend a few days/months here and listen with the intention that you will make changes. Changes that are considerate to your well-being and at a rate that you can learn to master. It’s ok to make “mistakes” as they help you become stronger. On your journey if you feel you need help coming up with a plan and holding yourself accountable ask for it. Contact a friend, your doctor, speak to your partner, or consider hiring a Coach.
I wish you all the luck on your goals! And in parting words hold tight to your motivation. Constantly remind yourself what is driving you and allow for compassion when you need it. Stay focused on what you are doing and the changes you are making over what others are doing.