When we think of the word "relationship" we picture the man or woman of our dreams, or maybe images of a romance gone sour comes to mind. Over the course of our lives we give pieces of our heart to different people through those relationships. But have you ever thought about what kind of relationship you have with the food you eat? Does that chocolate cake fill your heart to overflowing with feelings of ecstasy? Do waves of comfort and satisfaction sweep over you as you finish off those French fries? God has put within food certain nutrients that give us feelings of satisfaction, but do you feel controlled by the lure of calories and cuisine?
Food is not only fuel for this temporary body; it is a central part of life. Think about how many of our holidays revolve around feasts, cookouts and picnics. We associate food with family, festivities and celebrations. Is it any wonder that we hold tightly to these foods that feed not only our physical bodies, but our very souls? Many people let food use and control them, rather than see food as a gift to be enjoyed and received with thanksgiving. Those tasty morsels can be harsh task masters, when they demand attention late at night. They are experts at smothering the exhilarating moment of satisfaction with the sauce of guilt and remorse. When we feel overpowered by an unhealthy craving, do we stand back and ask where it is coming from? Or do we let ourselves be led into the snare? Have we let our blood sugar drop too low, are we thirsty, bored, lonely or craving human relationship? A bag of chips is a poor substitute for an encouraging word or hug from a friend.
So how do we break the seductive call of that late night binge? It starts by asking, "What am I using food for?" What needs are not being met through relationship and purpose? Next, we need to listen to what our body is really asking for. Are we feeding it super-sized portions of nutrient-poor food? We may feel full but not satisfied and we start reaching for snacks in an hour or two. Our eating may be tied to the hands on the clock, not to our own internal time table. Try eating only when you are hungry and stopping before you are stuffed. What is your body crying out for? Protein, warm soup, a refreshing salad? When we take time to enter into the experience of eating and not just shovel fuel into our body "machines", we can truly take pleasure in our meals with gratefulness.
So go ahead, break up with those tyrannical goodies that seem to control your thoughts and actions. Take back your heart- nurture it and fill it with real life. Discover the joy that true freedom from food brings!
Food is not only fuel for this temporary body; it is a central part of life. Think about how many of our holidays revolve around feasts, cookouts and picnics. We associate food with family, festivities and celebrations. Is it any wonder that we hold tightly to these foods that feed not only our physical bodies, but our very souls? Many people let food use and control them, rather than see food as a gift to be enjoyed and received with thanksgiving. Those tasty morsels can be harsh task masters, when they demand attention late at night. They are experts at smothering the exhilarating moment of satisfaction with the sauce of guilt and remorse. When we feel overpowered by an unhealthy craving, do we stand back and ask where it is coming from? Or do we let ourselves be led into the snare? Have we let our blood sugar drop too low, are we thirsty, bored, lonely or craving human relationship? A bag of chips is a poor substitute for an encouraging word or hug from a friend.
So how do we break the seductive call of that late night binge? It starts by asking, "What am I using food for?" What needs are not being met through relationship and purpose? Next, we need to listen to what our body is really asking for. Are we feeding it super-sized portions of nutrient-poor food? We may feel full but not satisfied and we start reaching for snacks in an hour or two. Our eating may be tied to the hands on the clock, not to our own internal time table. Try eating only when you are hungry and stopping before you are stuffed. What is your body crying out for? Protein, warm soup, a refreshing salad? When we take time to enter into the experience of eating and not just shovel fuel into our body "machines", we can truly take pleasure in our meals with gratefulness.
So go ahead, break up with those tyrannical goodies that seem to control your thoughts and actions. Take back your heart- nurture it and fill it with real life. Discover the joy that true freedom from food brings!