There comes a point when the need to control food can begin to take over one’s life. Break free from the strict food rules and start living again.
BY: MARISSA PULEO, RDN, LDN
Is your life dominated by strict food rules that no longer make sense in your life?
Without even noticing, it is likely that rigid rules have become established habits that you use to control your food intake. But the problem is, you’re not in control at all.
The disordered thoughts are.
Rigid rules likely get started as a way to balance food and overall eating behaviors. But over time, it is common to become more and more strict. Usually these rules actually make no sense at all when you start to think about it.
For example, maybe you’ve passed on cake served with lunch, but then eat a whole chocolate bar that evening. You may listen to yourself and not have carbs before noon, but a cereal binge at 3:00 pm sounds great. You’re not supposed to eat “meals”, but somehow snacks are okay. So you snack throughout the day.
Do these scenarios sound familiar?
No matter how many rules are in place, your body is smart. It will always try to get what it needs and wants.
Step away from the situation and ask yourself: what is the purpose for living with these strict rules that you impose on your food? Recognize that obeying rules pulls you further away from a healthy food relationship.
Today, you can begin to confront these rules. Challenge them, and consider the context behind them.
Often times, you will find that there’s no real substance there, and your true self likely wants nothing to do with them. Begin to separate these thoughts from yourself, because these disordered thoughts make you behave in strange ways that no longer serve or honor your health.
Let this give you the hope to start overcoming the need for control,
So you can truly start living again.
Adapted from the original article.
HEADER IMAGE: JENNIFER PALLIAN
Marissa Puleo, RDN, LDN is a private practice Registered Dietitian based in Scranton, PA helping people find the balance between healthy and happy. As a ‘food peace promoter’, Marissa specializes in helping those with food struggles and disordered eating in learning how to enjoy food while leaving guilt and self criticisms behind. Connect with Marissa at Thrive Nutrition.