AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
One of the greatest challenges to healthy eating can be reconciling what food our bodies really want with what food our taste buds are clamoring for. Is it hunger or the desire for mouth entertainment? Sometimes there is an enormous chasm between the two.
Do you want something to eat and stand in front of the refrigerator until your nose hairs ice over, but nothing seems quite right? Worse yet, how many times have you sampled everything in the house achieving massive bloat, but no real satisfaction?
Using the “mind-body voice” employs a mental process to achieve body consciousness and determine what will truly satisfy your deepest hunger.
Mentally ask your body “What do you want right now?” Be centered, focused, and receptive to an answer that may come in words, pictures, or feelings. It may even be something other than food, such as rest, companionship, exercise, or a change of view.
When you have a choice of foods, first mentally picture each food and your response to it. Mentally taste the food. Imagine what your body thinks about receiving any of these foods.
Think of this food becoming a part of your body—tomorrow’s new cells, toned muscles, and glowing skin. Listening to your body and its desires gives you focus on what you are consuming. Even if you choose something other than what your body wants/needs, it is a conscious choice rather than unconscious response.
Your body never lies, but it is up to you to hear its message. If the body’s voice has long been silenced and ignored, it may no longer speak as audibly as it once did. As you give it the respect of listening to and following its wisdom, it will speak with ever greater clarity.
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Comments
Thoroughly enjoyed this. I can relate to the nose hairs freezing bit..lolol..Great read, as always you never fail to entertain and educate along the way and this is my favorite way to learn.
I love the way you continue to both inspire and motivate me. Thanks!
Great article! I'm dieting right now - both for weight loss and for health. Nothing but fresh fruit, fresh vegies and a little bit of lean protein each day. I've been craving "real food" for about a week now, so we went to dinner last night and I ordered a steak and asparagus. I think the only thing that I cheated on was the blue cheese on top of my steak and my cravings are gone!
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