Finding joy in… everything but food
My fiance and I, ‘finding joy’ at our engagement party this week!
Posted: Tuesday, Jun. 19, 2012
I was once told by a “lifestyle coach,” (yes, I have tried everything to deal with my food-relationship issues) that I used food as a way to show people I loved them, to celebrate, and that I had to find a way to express this love and happiness without associating it with food.she was right.Last weekend we had our engagement party, and there was food-a-plenty. Celebrating = eating. You can’t have a celebration if everyone isn’t packing their pooch with sugary sweets, cheese dip and mini meat-on-a-toothpick. I am the worst culprit of this dirty habit! My incredibly sweet bridesmaid and friend Amie had gone to unknown hours of trouble preparing “celebratory foods.” why does everything in miniature always look so yummy? And, if it is already miniature, why do I insist on eating five of everything? I’ll admit that I did fairly well. I was not my usual, indulgent, handful-of-miniatures-eating self. I showed restraint. but I did have a cake-pop. or two.I do this celebrating-with-food thing in every area of my life. I feel inadequate if a hot dinner isn’t ready on the table for my fiancé at dinner time. I give pizza or donut parties for my best behaved or most accomplished students at school. I made a celebratory pie for Father’s Day. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, recognitions…. there is always something to celebrate, and celebrate we will!So, part of this challenge for me is finding joy in things that do not involve food. I’m also realizing that though I was taught to politely eat what I was given and clean my plate, etiquette should not affect my waistline! The general population is not offended by small portions.I had a wonderful time at our engagement party. I had some fruits and veggies before the party, then went and tried to really enjoy having my friends and family in one place. It’s much easier to talk with no food in your mouth! I felt good, not stuffed to the brim with foods that make me tired and lethargic. it felt good to know that people had come to celebrate us, and that no one was offended when I didn’t eat much. In fact, no one even noticed what was or was not on my plate.I’m hoping that removing the significance of eating and drinking from the things that bring me joy will make my lifestyle change more permanent. I enjoy food, but I love being with friends and family. I like a picnic or barbecue, but I love being outdoors or on the lake. I appreciate cooking for others, but I love showing them I value them and they are important enough to merit my time and energy. I will find other ways to do this over the next nine months.For those of you keeping track, I maintained my weight this week (yes, that means -0). It’s okay, however, since last week’s weight loss was so significant. It’s also okay because I’m finding joy — not on my plate!May you find joy in the little things this week!
Finding joy in… everything but food
