I found myself turning to food to comfort me in my time of anxiety and worry. But I knew that wasn’t the answer.
Have you ever been there? I’ve been finding myself there a few times lately, but I’m so glad I’m starting to become more aware of it so I can recognize it and divert to a different (non-food) method of dealing with it.
And I must admit. I’m not always 100% successful. But I’m getting there. And awareness and naming the emotions underlying those feelings is key.
Here’s a few tips next time you find yourself in the “comfort food” struggle, when you know you’re not actually hungry, it’s something deeper.
- Identify the triggering situation or circumstance at the root of the cause.
- Name the exact feelings underlying that desire to eat, when you know you’re not hungry, or you know food is not the solution.
- Journal your heart out. In times of great internal debate and unrest, one of the best things you can do is journal and pray. But journaling can be a form of prayer if you choose to write out what you’re feeling in a letter to God.
- List alternative non-food ways you can deal with the situation and why you’re having those feelings in the first place. (hint: exercise is a GREAT option.)
- Spend time in prayer giving those burdens, concerns, worries, uneasiness and anxieties (and anything else you need to) over to God. Share with him why you’re concerned and have been holding onto these feelings, and give them to God and ask for his help to solve the problem and/or to fill you wiht his peace that passes all understanding so you may liberate your mind from the things that are weighing you down.
- And lastly, write an action plan for how you will deal with the same scenario if/when it happens again and what non-food actions you will take to begin creating new default responses that don’t add to your waistline and guilt, disappointment or shame, and instead are healthier ways to deal with the stresses in life.
>>Final Thought: We know that food is not the answer when we’re eating to fill a different void that we don’t want to acknowledge. But the freedom from this detrimental pattern is in the acknowledgement. Next time you’re tempted to soothe your soul with sweets or salty treats when you KNOW you’re not hungry, work your way through these 6 steps and ultimately turn your situation over to God. He is waiting for you to lay it at his feet and give you relief.
Your sister in Christ,
~Dr. Melody
P.S. I’ve found it supremely therapeutic and helpful when I’m working on my own health and weight goals to surround myself with other girlfriends doing the same, who can relate and not place blame or shame when they hear of my not-so-perfect choices sometimes. Being able to be candid, supportive, honest and vulnerable is so healing and therapeutic to keep the momentum and drive toward your goals alive.
Starting Aug. 1st is the next 30 day interval of my #vip30 challenge in my private VIP ladies group. Together we’re changing our lives, habits and dress sizes one day at a time. If you know you need to be with a supportive and driven environment to spur you on to your own weight loss goals, this is just the place to be. Learn more here and join us before Aug. 1st!
Have you ever had one of those moments that you heard something that was so powerful it wouldn’t leave you?
That happened to me about a week ago. A fellow entrepreneur and health coach shared with me one of her favorite statements that hit me at the core. She said,
“The authentic self has no need for excess weight.”
Wham!!
I felt like a light-bulb had flicked on in my head and an awakening happened inside my belly. I love constantly learning and growing. Realizing we don’t know it all, and we shouldn’t. The beauty in life, friendships and relationships is that we glean from other’s knowledge and experiences, if it we choose to be open to change.
And even though when my friend said this, it wasn’t directly meant for coaching or schooling me, it was just a comment in passing, but to me it was so powerful!
I’ve adapted it in my own way for what feels super meaningful to me:
And what I mean by extra baggage is still in reference to excess weight, but actually it can be meant for all areas of life. That when we are truly fulfilled, living our calling and serving and loving others, we don’t need fillers, distractions, idleness, mindless time-wasters.
>>Final Thought: When you’re living a truly fulfilled life, you have everything you need, and your body performs naturally at its highest level. It sheds extra weight and craves healthy fuel (i.e. food) and activity. To me that’s such a powerful mental shift. I hope it inspires you, as it did me. And not to make you feel like your life isn’t good or valuable, but to help you reflect on any areas that you may feel are not in congruence with the feeling of true fulfillment.
And if you find some, the next question is, are you brave enough to start making a change? To move forward to create the life that is fulfilling on a soul-level, in every area.
You’re worth it.
Have a beautiful day. 😉
Your sister in Christ,
~Dr. Melody
P.S. As you reflect, if you feel that an area you’re struggling with is your body (i.e. aches and pain, poor sleep, back pain etc.) I invite you to explore my newest program–4 Weeks To A Stronger Core.
Here we’re diving deeper into understanding our body and the critical reasons for having a strong core. Your core supports every other bodily function, so it’s no joke. This isn’t a boot camp to get a “6-pack”, this is pairing down to the root of core strength, and building upon it properly.
If that interests you, we kick off this Wednesday, July 27th, so check it out here. 😉
Has that ever happened to you? Being asked if you were pregnant when you’re not? It’s not a great experience.
But this time was different…
The best way to share with you the full scoop is to give you access to the video I made on YouTube.
I was shocked by my initial response, so you probably will be too. Check out the video below:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seOT35806B0]
I hope you watched it, because it’s a great story. But what’s even better is the ACTION I took right afterward.
Seeing as how in the video I talk about how I had lost 11 pounds over the past few months and feeling super great about my progress, I had already been thinking it’s to start shopping for new clothes, and even thinking of getting some of my favorite tops (like the one I’m wearing in the video) to get taken in at the tailor.
And I did. The very next day.
Just picked ’em up today in fact! They all fit SOOOO much better than before, and even though they’re meant to be a little flowy and loose, now they fit me just perfectly and there will be NO confusion anymore if I’m pregnant or not! Lol
And I didn’t just get them taken in because of what happened. I had already been thinking about it before that happened. I got them taken in to feel better in my own clothes and about myself and to celebrate my progress.
There’s a big difference there. 😉
>>Final thought: Regardless if you find yourself in the somewhat embarrassing and uncomfortable situation I did, don’t let other people’s comments or opinions get you down. If you’re unhappy with your body, and think their comments may have been justified, then start taking action in the direction you’d like to see your body be.
But that should be purely initiated by YOU, not by what others think or how they make you feel. God created you and says you’re beautiful. He does not make mistakes.
Your sister in Christ,
~Dr. Melody
P.S. Here’s the link I mention in the video if you’re ready for support, community and accountability as you move through your health or weight loss goals.
Our next #vip30 day challenge kicks off Aug. 1st, so come join this incredible group of ladies making awesome changes in their health and life. We’d love to have you there too!
