Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Mindful Eating Meditation (with the holy spirit). Goodbye to Calorie Counting.


1 Corinthians 10:31- "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."

I've decided to try practicing mindful eating. I found some helpful tips online. I Googled "Christian mindful eating". I think I had some fears about it at first because for me it requires saying "No" to eating when I'm not hungry (self control) without the comfort of calorie counting. For me it also requires trust in God. Calorie counting was my comfort zone. I knew that If I didn't go over my calories that I would not gain weight. I was so focused on calorie deficit that I never could actually focus on my fullness level or my emotions. If I don't be mindful of my emotions then I suppress them. When I suppress them they come out in usually very unhealthy ways. I think I just put so much time into thinking about the food/my weight but not on how to eat. I'm deciding to incorporate my spiritual side into this practice. It makes eating more of an aware meditation . When I say meditation I mean meditating on Gods word (bible) and his love through Jesus. I'm on day 2 now and so far it is working for me! I noticed that when I eat slower that I am able to really savor and enjoy each bite. It feels less rushed and distracting. I really wanted to eat for emotional reasons a couple of times today but I said no because I was not hungry at all and knew it was purely emotional hunger. I crave sugar like nobody's business so it was big that I said no to a delicious ice cream bar because I was not hungry. This means treats will be just that a treat not an every single day Occurrence. That way I can focus on meals that will sustain me throughout the day. No food is off limits in this way of eating. 

I've noticed that this way of eating relieves stress and gives me peace through meditating on gods promises. Lowering stress relieves my anxiety and eating disorder symptoms. Plus stopping eating when I am full makes it so I do not have to worry about my weight. I am also applying this same practice to my exercise. Meditative mindful exercise! I feel so pumped and positive. This is exactly what I needed. I truly felt the holy spirit with me during each of my meals and during my workout as well! Thank you God for and helping me further trust you and face my fears! God you are so awesome!

Breakfast- I ate my cereal slower than usual. Noticed the coconut in the flavor. A little too sweet though. Thanked Jesus for my meal, asked him to fill me with the holy spirit and his love, prayed for Jesus to watch over my family, friends, co-workers. I didn't feel full "full" but content. 

Snack- I ate my apple very slow. I listened to 2 worship songs during the apple. The worship music really enhanced my apple eating! I bobbed my head and enjoyed the apple and thanked Jesus for my apple. I noticed later the fiber in the apple helped with my digestion and energy.

Lunch-I ate my sandwich much slower than usual. I really enjoy the grapes with my sandwich because I love a little sweetness. Plus they were cold and refreshing. Maybe close to 10 minutes. I told my co-worker that I was jealous of how slow she could eat. Then She said "Hey i'm eating two bowls". I then reminded myself that I am not competing with anyone. I'm just trying to do better with self control and give glory to God during my meal.

Dinner- I didn't have dinner ready in time so Todd and I decided to go to Qdoba. I got a burrito but noticed that the portion was GIANT. I all could think was Yum! I told myself that I would stop when I was full. I intentionally ate slowly and noticed the flavor of each bite. Could have used a little more salsa but I'm not complaining because it was really filling and yummy. Todd finished his food first. I noticed and thought "Hey, this is good progress" I am usually the first one to finish the food eating contest =). I ate about 3/4 of the burrito until I noticed that that if I ate one more bite that I would be too full. I felt a little silly at this point because of course the first thought that came in my head was "Finish your food. You don't want to waste" I let that thought go because I realized that it was just an old habit from my childhood that helped me eat too much and not focus on my fullness.

My goal is to have this way of eating eventually become a habit but for now it's a challenge to learn how to eat. Life is a journey. I'm trying be in each moment and stay positive. Today my mantra was "Better not Bitter" That helped me as well when I felt discouraged. I no longer want to live in fear for I know that the light is more powerful than any darkness. I want to spend time with God.

1 John 4:18- "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."