Showing Gratitude Towards Food & Your Body
Gratitude. What does that word mean exactly? Gratitude means showing thanks and appreciation for what we currently have, key word being currently. Not for what we are planning for in the future or what we wish we still had. Why is this so important? If we take inventory and notice of the abundance we currently have, it brings us into the present and helps us to be more mindful. Being mindful is crucial if you are going to understand your body’s needs and internal cues.
Tips for showing gratitude for food.
Before you begin eating PAUSE. This is absolutely crucial. It will not come naturally at first due to the fast paced lives we live, but with practice comes habit. Take just 1 minute to notice what is in front of you.
Reflect on your ability to eat fresh, uncontaminated, unspoiled food. This is not everyone’s experience and it is a blessing to have it.
If you are eating fresh fruits or vegetables, take special notice. Many people are trapped in food deserts with no access to fresh produce. Even if you do not particularly like the food in front of you, know that you are very lucky to be in the position to have access to it. This access allows you to be at much lower risk for nutritional deficiencies and gives you the ability improve overall wellness.
Notice that you have enough food on your plate to truly fill you up. You have the opportunity to not go hungry. You will be fed and your most basic needs on Maslow’s hierarchy will be met. Once fed, your body and mind will feel safe enough to plan for things beyond food.
Tips for showing gratitude for your body.
Think about how you can take care of your current body. Not how you’d like your body to look or be, but just as it is. What would you do to nourish it? Would you still be punishing it with a grueling exercise regimen or calorie restriction if you were thinking about your present self? Probably not.
Take a moment to make a list of what your body can do. Can you move around fairly well? Are you able to pick up your child? Are you able to bring in your groceries? Are you able to walk your dog? These tasks sound mundane, but when you take inventory of all your body is able to do, it can change your perspective. This will help to build a better relationship with yourself.
Stop thinking of your body as just an image that others (or you) see. It is your home and it is the only body you will ever be given. It is much more than appearance. If you have poor body image it may be a good idea to stop “body-checking” for the time being. Meaning examining your body in the mirror for flaws or lack thereof. Make an effort to spend a lot less time in the mirror in general. You will find that this will naturally improve confidence and how you feel in your body.
Now back to how to take care of your current body. Some days this may means resting. Some days this may mean eating more when your hunger sensations increase. This may mean skipping a workout to get more sleep or getting up early to get a walk in. Really try to listen to your body. When we let it guide us we will begin to improve our mental and physical health.
Once you begin practicing gratitude for food and your body you will start to change your perspective. Instead of feeling like you are not eating healthy enough or feeling like you are not in your ideal body, you will start to understand that you are (most likely) in the top percentage of the world when it comes to health. If you do have health issues, you probably have access to resources to be able to improve and correct those. You will begin to appreciate the ability to eat nutritious foods as well as delicious fun foods. The point is to stop feeling guilt or shame about your food choices (which we know in turn makes our food choices worse and our relationship with food & our bodies poor) and to stop telling yourself “I will do …. when I am in a thinner body”. Take appreciation and care of yourself today. This is the KEY to improving and maintaining your health long term.
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