I was eating, yes actually eating, today at a trendy little place in Alphabet City. I had just worked out intensely with my favorite Brazilian trainer (more about that in future posts) and decided to treat myself to a healthy veggie whole yolk egg omelette along with an everything bagel, meaning my omelette was actually yellow not white, and in reverse, my bread was white and not brown. I was feeling a bit guilty because I am not used to those colors on my AM plate - I usually eat egg whites only, hold the toast and just have some sliced tomatoes on the side. I call that my "red toast" special. But my body was sending me signals that I absolutely could not ignore. So in order to shut it up and reduce my Sunday morning stress I gave in to yellow and starch. I already know what some of you must be thinking. "Jeez, when I have a special weekend breakfast, it's banana pancakes with chocolate chips!"
But the point about this blog is not about pigging out.
It's actually about listening.
When I used to read articles about listening to what your body tells you, I couldn't relate. I didn't understand what that meant in terms of healthy eating choices. Yes, it often screamed, "chocolate please!" - sometimes not that politely. Or gaily chirped, "baked white potato with butter-yum!" It never said, "kindly pass on the garlic bread sticks and get me some apples."
I was very jealous of the women who could sit for an entire meal with chips and dip in front of them and nibble on just one! We women do notice these things out of the corner of our eyes while gorging. Come on now! Admit it.
However, after finally losing my PC weight (post cancer - more on that in a future blog) as a result of proper training (from said Brazilian trainer) and experiencing very healthy and tasteful food choices and steadfastly adhering to them for a long period of time - my body did start to talk to me as it had never done before.
It even started to surprise me with what it was saying.
It now actually craved salad and broccoli, carrots, cantoloupe, grilled salmon and camomile tea with lemon not milk. Drinking lots of water became easy. It started to get with the program so that mind and stomach weren't always at war. A peace treaty of sorts had occurred and my heart happily signed on with a sigh of relief.
So now when my body says, "you need to have some steak today", or crackers, or a sesame almond cookie or two, I actually listen to it. Because now it doesn't say it to me very often. So I give in.
Do I feel guilty? Well yes I do, because I will admit I am still going through some issues and I want to still lose 5 more of the Xmas season 10.
The difference - and this is key - is that my body is telling me something intelligent now.
It is saying, "you have been stressed so I need a just a bit more today in this area to feel better, and if you give it to me I won't bother you again for awhile." Not, "load up on the cheese laden pasta in the mega bowl." Just, " a little yolk and 1/2 a bagel will do."
My body feels better and my emotional state after giving in feels great too. The temper tantrum rackets between stomach and brain have been quelled. I know that I will eventually lose the 5 more pounds in reasonable time with continued exercise and healthy eating.
I had to go to the ladies room after my very delicious breakfast and what did I discover?
The mirror on the wall had the following words stencilled on the bottom, "don't you look good today!" Really. I swear. On Ave A and 12th street.
Check it out if you don't believe me.
Isn't it nice when the mirror is on your side?
EXERCISE & FITNESS TIP: Leandro Carvalho Super Trainer to the Stars - DVD Brazil Butt Lift with Leandro Carvalho, via Beachbody Productions http://www.beachbody.com/ OR http://www.leandrofitness.com/
But the point about this blog is not about pigging out.
It's actually about listening.
When I used to read articles about listening to what your body tells you, I couldn't relate. I didn't understand what that meant in terms of healthy eating choices. Yes, it often screamed, "chocolate please!" - sometimes not that politely. Or gaily chirped, "baked white potato with butter-yum!" It never said, "kindly pass on the garlic bread sticks and get me some apples."
I was very jealous of the women who could sit for an entire meal with chips and dip in front of them and nibble on just one! We women do notice these things out of the corner of our eyes while gorging. Come on now! Admit it.
However, after finally losing my PC weight (post cancer - more on that in a future blog) as a result of proper training (from said Brazilian trainer) and experiencing very healthy and tasteful food choices and steadfastly adhering to them for a long period of time - my body did start to talk to me as it had never done before.
It even started to surprise me with what it was saying.
It now actually craved salad and broccoli, carrots, cantoloupe, grilled salmon and camomile tea with lemon not milk. Drinking lots of water became easy. It started to get with the program so that mind and stomach weren't always at war. A peace treaty of sorts had occurred and my heart happily signed on with a sigh of relief.
So now when my body says, "you need to have some steak today", or crackers, or a sesame almond cookie or two, I actually listen to it. Because now it doesn't say it to me very often. So I give in.
Do I feel guilty? Well yes I do, because I will admit I am still going through some issues and I want to still lose 5 more of the Xmas season 10.
The difference - and this is key - is that my body is telling me something intelligent now.
It is saying, "you have been stressed so I need a just a bit more today in this area to feel better, and if you give it to me I won't bother you again for awhile." Not, "load up on the cheese laden pasta in the mega bowl." Just, " a little yolk and 1/2 a bagel will do."
My body feels better and my emotional state after giving in feels great too. The temper tantrum rackets between stomach and brain have been quelled. I know that I will eventually lose the 5 more pounds in reasonable time with continued exercise and healthy eating.
I had to go to the ladies room after my very delicious breakfast and what did I discover?
The mirror on the wall had the following words stencilled on the bottom, "don't you look good today!" Really. I swear. On Ave A and 12th street.
Check it out if you don't believe me.
Isn't it nice when the mirror is on your side?
EXERCISE & FITNESS TIP: Leandro Carvalho Super Trainer to the Stars - DVD Brazil Butt Lift with Leandro Carvalho, via Beachbody Productions http://www.beachbody.com/ OR http://www.leandrofitness.com/
Disciplined eater that I (usually!) am, I have never gotten to the point that I could trust my body's cravings... (It always wants Think Thin Bars, daily, as well as anything chocolate or full of carbs.) I always thought people who claim to be able to trust their body's cravings were full of crap!!! I really didn't belive 'em. But I know u r the real deal. Thanks for the imspiration and hope, Joanna! (That was a really cute ending to the story, btw!) :-) xo Farha
ReplyDeleteJoanna,
ReplyDeleteYou have become very attuned to what your body sayings. I eat with my eyes. If something is not in the house, I do not run out and get it. I might a few days later or forget about it. From time to time, however, I do get chocolate cravings and then I have to ACT..
I've always said that you can't live your life denying yourself everything that is not good for you... chocolate, carbs, bacon, fried foods, just to name a few. Every once in a while indulge and enjoy. Deprivation leads to overeating. It is about time women recognized that. Thanks Joanna for letting everyone in on the secret!
ReplyDelete