What Is Normal Eating?

As you are in recovery from your eating disorder, you may be wondering, what is normal eating?  Valerie brought a handout (written by Ellyn Satter) to give us a few ideas.  The bullet points summarize a few concepts.  Normal eating is...

• going to the table hungry and eating until you are satisfied
• choosing food you like – not stopping because you think you should
• eating sometimes because you are happy, sad, bored, or it just feels good
• overeating at times, feeling stuffed and uncomfortable
• eating three times a day, or four or five, or choosing to munch along the way
• trusting your body to make up for your "mistakes" in eating
• flexible, varying in response to your hunger, schedule, and your feelings

Find your own way of "normal eating" by trusting your body this week!

Nourishment: Physical vs. Emotional

Metaphors and stories can provide an abstract perspective to understand eating disorders and the recovery process.  In her book "Eating In The Light Of The Moon," Anita Johnston shares numerous stories to guide us in recovery.  Morghan shared a chapter entitled, "Nourishment: Physical versus Emotional."  The tale is about a magic pear tree, and the discussion which the author offers emphasizes the need to recognize the difference between the body's need for food and other "foods" for the heart and soul.  She notes, "Appreciating the way foods act as metaphors for our deepest longings and concerns can move a woman far along the path of recovery.  As she pays attention to her cravings and the images they evoke, she can bring unconscious feelings and desires into the open.  She can gain a better understanding of what the real issues are that she struggles with, an understanding she might not have obtained if she had continued to deny herself those foods."  What are you really hungry for?

Increase Awareness Of Emotions At Meal Times

Emotional eating (or restricting) is a significant factor in eating disorders.  The recovery process involves increasing awareness of emotions before, during and after eating.  Amanda shared a worksheet that she uses with her therapist to track her emotions at meal times.  You can make your own worksheet, by listing your meals (breakfast, snack, lunch, snack dinner, snack) in a vertical column and the days of the week in a horizontal row.  Then, just before each meal, check in with your feelings and write down what you notice in the appropriate grid.  Wait an hour, and list your feelings again.  You might also add a check-in with your feelings while you are eating.  Try this over the next week and see how this awareness can help you with your recovery!

P.S. – Save the date THURSDAY, MARCH 11 – our group will take a "field trip" that evening to see the new "Alice In Wonderland" movie in IMAX-3D!  Stay tuned for more details!