Ever reached for mindless snacks while scrolling through social media after a long day? Many of us have been there. But what if there was a way to find more genuine joy throughout your day, ultimately making you more aware and improving your relationship with food?
This post dives into emotional eating... that voice that turns to food to fill a void. Loneliness, boredom, stress – these emotions can all lead us to seek comfort in chips, cookies, or that pint of ice cream. It's a temporary fix, and over time, it becomes a habit on autopilot.
We get stuck feeling like we have no control, bombarded by thoughts like "I have no willpower" or "there's something wrong with me." But here's the good news: you can change this.
Food is, undeniably, a source of pleasure. It connects us, it nourishes us, it tastes good! But when food becomes our primary source of joy, for every emotion, it complicates our relationship with eating.
The key is to add non-food-related forms of pleasure into your life.
My Story: Food as My Escape
For a long time, food was my comfort, my escape. A bad day? Food. A stressful task? Food. Boredom? Food. In a way, emotional eating became a hobby. But to change this pattern, I had to find other sources of joy that fueled me in a positive way.
Sprinkling More Pleasure Throughout Your Day
Adding more pleasure into your day does a few things. First, it makes you more aware of your choices. This awareness is key. Choosing something different – a walk, listening to music – puts you in the driver's seat.
Second, pleasure helps alleviate stress. When we feel better overall, we're more likely to make choices that serve us, including healthier eating choices. Plus, finding pleasure offers variety and can take your focus away from food cravings.
The bottom line? More joy contributes to a healthier relationship with food.
Self-Care: It's About Feeling Good (and Taking Care of You)
Self-care can feel overwhelming, but it's simply about choosing actions and activities that make you feel good, both in the moment and in the long run. This can include activities you find inherently enjoyable, like reading a good book, or activities that promote well-being even if they aren't always a blast, like flossing or getting some exercise.
Start by finding pleasure in everyday activities, things you might not even realize bring you a smile:
Reading a good book
Listening to music you love
Taking a longer shower (and enjoying the hot water!)
Spending time in nature: Go for walks, hikes, or even just sit outside and listen to the birds.
Connecting with loved ones: Call a friend, have a game night, or simply chat with your family.
Trying a new activity: Take a dance class, learn a new language, or explore a new recipe.
Client Examples: The Cool Side of the Pillow Matters
You might already be doing things that bring you joy, but not fully acknowledging them. My clients have found pleasure in surprising places:
The cool side of the pillow in the morning (seriously, it can make a big difference!)
Taking a longer shower and indulging in some self-care rituals.
Going the scenic route home instead of the fastest route.
These seemingly small sources of joy can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
Finding Other Sources of Joy
Here are some specific examples to get you started:
Spend time in nature: Go for walks, hikes, or even just sit outside.
Engage in hobbies: Dust off that guitar, write in a journal, or get back into painting.
Connect with loved ones: Call a friend, have a game night, or simply chat with your family.
Try a new activity: Take a dance class, learn a new language, or explore a new recipe.
By finding more joy throughout the day, you'll start to feel better. The trance-like focus on food will begin to lift, and you'll be paying more attention to your body's true needs. This shift in awareness is what will change everything.
Ready to Ditch the Nachos (Without Feeling Deprived)?
Take a moment this week to reflect on what activities bring you genuine joy. Even small changes can make a big difference. So go ahead, try something new, or revisit an old favorite. Remember, you deserve to feel good – and that can look a lot different than a bag of chips.
xo, Amy
Listen to the latest podcast about pleasure here.
P.S. You don't have to wait to start feeling better! Dive into the Fat2Fierce® self-paced program and begin your journey today. Get started here.