Do you say “I know what to do, but I just don’t do it.”?
I hear this constantly and it’s because we’ve been barking up the wrong tree. We are so focused on what we eat, but it should be also how we eat. We feel guilty when we eat the wrong item, because there’s a million messages everywhere telling us what we “should” eat. I don’t know about you, but I hate when people tell me what to do. No wonder we revolt!
Sure, as adults we can make better judgment on nutrition than kids, but studies show that infants and toddlers have the best food intake regulation. Have you ever seen a toddler push away her favorite treat? It’s amazing! When they are done, they are done no matter how much they love it.
As we get older, we lose that skill probably because someone taught us to “finish our plate” or eat when we’re not hungry. Diets that teach us when and how we should eat as if we are all a bunch of dummies who just have no clue.
Well, I like to take the stance that we are amazing and uber smart….at least, our body is. I see it all the time in my office. When my clients finally allow themselves to have whatever treats they want, all of a sudden they can leave it unfinished, siting in the kitchen untouched for days, and being done when they are full. Now, we’re never worried about discipline, restrictions, emotional eating, or dieting.
We just need to trust that our body knows, and not let our brain get in the way too often. We create our own struggles. Need help with this? Start with a free consultation and see if you’re a good candidate for Happy Food, Nutrition Coaching.
~Samantha Hua, Nutrition & Health Coach
San Diego, CA
(619) 876-2655 www.happyfoodhealth.com
