Thoughts are Tricky Things

Thoughts are tricky things. Sometimes they’re based in fact, sometimes they are based in fear, and sometimes they are based on misinformation.

Just like feelings, we can’t control our thoughts. But we can control our actions.

This is a challenging one, but I want you to give it a try.

Thought: my body might change during quarantine.

Is it helpful? No. Your body might change. You might gain weight. And if you do, you are just as worthy and good as you were before your weight changed. Diet culture preying on folx mid-PANDEMIC is infuriating. Weight gain is not a worst-case scenario here.

Thought: I can’t eat comfort/packaged/preserved foods without ‘making up’ for them later.

Is it helpful?: nope. Whether or not you feel anxious about it, give yourself permission to eat all the foods. If that feels scary, try incorporating anxiety-producing foods in the context of eating meals. All foods fit. Self-soothing with food is an ingenious mechanism. There is a reason that eating leads to dopamine release. Brilliant. Anxiety is temporary. You have staying power.

Thought: if I stop this diet, my body might change.

Is it helpful?: Nope. It’s true, your body might change, but we know that diets are famous for being unsuccessful long term and leaving the eater feeling responsible. Moving away from dieting might be the hardest thing you do. If you’re not ready for that yet, you are welcome here.

Thought: if I eat this food, I’m going to feel guilty.

Is it helpful?: No. Guilt is not a feeling that should be associated with food or eating! Challenge the heck out of this one! Is that part of your story? Or was it someone else’s story before it became yours?

Thought: I don’t deserve to eat this.

Is this helpful?: Absolutely not. Deservedness is not something that applies to food. Similar to air, you deserve to eat. Without earning a thing.

Some of the concerns about what might happen if you take care of yourself with adequate food & rest may be valid. And the consequences of not taking care of yourself are far more dire. They disconnected from your life. Even in this virtual connection land, connection matters.

IS THIS HELPFUL?
How will you use this today? 👇

Anna Sweeney

Anna Sweeney, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-S is a certified eating disorder registered dietitian and consultant and owner of Whole Life Nutrition. Anna has dedicated her career to the support of humans in the process of healing from eating disorders, disordered eating and body image struggle.

http://www.wholelifeRD.com
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