Good Morning!
I can’t believe it’s already Thursday. This week is flying by!
*Breakfast this morning was inspired by Laura’s carrot cake protein batter, I mixed up a batch of this, minus the greek yogurt. The carrot was cooked before hand so it would blend in well with the protein powder.*
I’m an extremist. A perfectionist; I tend to see the world through a lens of black and white. The grey area in the middle? Not so much. It barely exists in my mind.
When my body craves something, I allow my thoughts to overcome and deny myself that craving. It wants chocolate? Nope. If I eat that one slice of chocolate, my mind believes I will lose control and people will judge me for this decision. I will become “lazy and fat” and never want to eat healthy again.
*The carrot cake protein batter was then combined in my usual mixture of overnight oat bran, so it was ready to devour this morning. So, so tasty! Thanks Laura!
Just writing that out makes me laugh. Excuse me, for my mind is insane. Just because I eat a muffin or a piece of chocolate doesn’t mean I am unhealthy or that I will lose every ounce of health knowledge that I’ve gained through the years.
*Of course, no breakfast is complete without toppings. Cashew butter goes perfect with carrot cake oat bran:)*
Our bodies are amazing things. Through stressful times its kept up with demanding schedules, under-eating, over-exercising, and whatever else we throw at them. When it wants rest, we can convince it to keep working out and deny the rest it so badly needs. When it asks for more calories? Haha, that’s funny. Our mind can take control and convince us that extra calories will certainly make us gain weight and become fat.
Even through all this torture our bodies keep up, keep us alive.
*Dinner last night was a goodie. I sauteed a large zucchini in some coconut oil and red pepper flakes. Obviously I had to celebrate National Zucchini Day, which was yesterday.*
When I had to go to the doctor for health problems, my mind still believed that I was doing best for my body. Sometimes I honestly thought I was doing a perfect thing in honouring my health. By not feeding it with anything “unclean” or “unhealthy”.
Bodies have no thoughts, they don’t know what is right or wrong, good or bad. They don’t question. Yet, we try and tell our bodies what they need. I’m not just talking just food cravings, it’s also about honouring our rest, mindfulness, independence, social, and sleep cravings.
*I also had a side of Socca; 1/3 cup garbanzo bean flour, 1/2 tablespoon nutritional yeast, 1/3 cup water cooked in coconut oil. Once cooked, I spread it with coconut oil and sprinkled nutritional yeast on top. This was later spread with avocado. Delicious.*
We tend to think that our brains have more knowledge than our bodies. Most of the time when I’m facing a meal or snack time, my mind will weigh out the options. I’m craving a muffin, but what is more nutritious? Eating a muffin or a ton of veggies?
Our brains think the veggies are more nutritious and filling, so we stick with the “safe and comforting” option and don’t let ourselves eat what we’re craving.
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We try and make the best and right choice for feeding our bodies, but is that really better? When we question what we should be eating, we put too much focus into food. We start to deny our cravings and deem foods “good and bad” by questioning our choices. Hello, unhealthy mindset.
Yes, we will feel anxious and overwhelmed when facing cravings, fear foods, and rest. It’s easier to play it safe, it allows us to stay in that comfort and feel a sense of peace. We think too much when we should be trusting our bodies.
[Source]
Our bodies know what is right for us and we are doing the right thing by listening to our bodies. If it wants something, do it. Our bodies don’t want us to be “fat” or “unhealthy”, they simply want to thrive and live a healthy life.
Do you struggle with listening to your body?
Do you listen to what it craves or go against it?
Any tips to overcome this mindset?
Hope you all have a splendid and fun filled day!
About Lisa
Our bodies do know best, and it’s so important to listen to them ! I’ve gotten pretty good at listening to mine. I eat whenever I’m hungry, and give into cravings at times. You definitely won’t lose all health over a treat!
I’m always inspired by how in tune you are with your body! Its such a great thing to have that kind of relationship with our bodies and cravings!
Ah this is all so true. I believed for so long that I was fueling my body with what it wanted but in reality I know I was depriving it of everything it wanted and needed. It was a tough point when I was finally open with myself in saying – I am in denial, My body wants more. Giving into my cravings is something I make myself do now to stay accountable.
I’m so glad you are making yourself stay accountable in giving into those cravings and not denying your body that pleasure.
I’m trying to get over the denial stage and simply just following through with those cravings and really trying to listen to my body more!
When you have a craving for something not necessarily “healthy” you can pair it with something healthy, like a chocolate chip muffin with a side of fruit. That way once you consume the less healthy part of the snack (or meal) you still have something healthy to balance it out!
That’s a great idea and may make the mindset and whole routine go a lot easier for me mentally!
Great post, Lisa! I’m all about listening to our bodies.
Most of the time, my body wants/needs foods from Mother Nature but once a week or so, it wants wine and/or ice cream. And that’s perfectly fine by me! 
I’m glad that you’re having these revelations and being so open and honest about them, girl. You’re doing so amazing. I’m so proud of you! 
I definitely am inspired by you Heather! It sounds like you’ve become really in tune with your body and that is such a positive thing!!
Its so true, are bodies crave different things like ice cream but will balance it out with healthy foods! Life shouldn’t be about deprivation but about thriving and balance!
Thanks Heather!! Love youuu!xox
This post made me smile. I just love everything you’re saying! I’m so proud of you!
Thanks Ashley!! All of your posts make me smile and YOU have helped so much in this journey!!
you honestly have the most eye-opening, inspiring & beautiful posts girl. you are absolutely right in everything you say. thank you!
Awe thanks so much Jessie!! This made me so happy to read!
plain and simple, I’m in love with this post. Everything you wrote is SO true!!!
I’ve really been working on listening to what my body is actually craving– even if it’s something unhealthy, I’ve been trying to honor it. It’s been weird, but kinda fun!
Ah, you made me so happy! This comment was the one that sent tears to my eyes! I’m not sure why, but I just got so excited over it haha. I’m so cool;)
I’m so proud you are listening to your body and honouring its cravings!!
This is a great post! I need to listen to my body more… too much caffeine and too little sleep is taking its toll. :///
Yes, that will definitely take its toll! I can relate to the too little sleep. It can definitely get to you after a while. Get some sleep lady:)
I used to, years ago…but not anymore. I think having chocolate, bread, carbs, is PART of being healthy
Love the affirmations you’re making in this post, Lisa!
Yes!!! Totally agree Paige! I love your attitude towards a healthy life!
You’ve done it again with another amazing thought provoking post! I do not listen to my body all the time! In fact sometimes I can be quite mean to it! The mind is a very powerful thing but I think that our bodies our even more powerful! If we just stop and take a moment to listen to them they will guide us every single time! Thank you for this reminder!
I’m the same way in that sometimes I am not so kind to my body and treat it poorly. I’m beginning to understand I have this issue to work on and its just a great thing to even realize it so we can make the progress and give into our cravings! Thanks for the sweet words:)
this is a beautiful post
i usually give into my food cravings but if my stomach is growling at an odd time i will think “there is now way i am actually hungry right now”…. and sometimes if i know i need a rest day from working out but it is not my “planned” rest day… i mentally have a hard time taking it. thank you for continuing to address all of these things so many of us struggle with!!
Its such a common struggle now it kind of amazes me. At least you are realizing these things and can make the changes, our bodies don’t run on a clock so there’s no reason we should be trying to make out bodies eat or not eat at certain times. Its a learning process for sure!
I am actually very intuitive when it comes to my body. In the past when I was vegan I knew all along it was wrong for me and I tried to ignore what my body was telling me. It seemed to me like I was eating healthy and doing something good for the environment. I truly wanted it to work for me, but my body was pleading for animal protein. I can tell that all of your baby steps are adding up to an eventual huge stride for you. I know one day your relationship with food is going to be a good one xoxo
I was the same way when I tried eating a vegan diet. I really tried to convince myself it was working, but it really wasn’t at all and was just an excuse for me to restrict my diet even more.
It’s so awesome that you are really intuitive with your body and its cravings!
Thanks Chelsa!xox
I used to abuse caffeine (drink coffee to give me energy and curb my appetite, instead of eating) and force myself to engage in long and rigorous workouts everyday, no matter how tired I was. It made me exhausted and messed with my cardiac and digestive systems. I looked every bit as tired as I was, and I was constantly irritable and humorless.
Whenever I start to feel the pull of my old ascetic lifestyle, I just remember how it made me feel- like crap. Now, I have way more energy, I get sick way less often, I feel stronger, and happier. I also look better rested and my hair is fuller. Also, a lot of so-called “junk food” is fun and delicious, to boot!
So, yeah, I’m basically just backing up everything you said. Listen to your body, and your body will thank you.
I’m so glad you found a routine that works for you and that you overcome these unhealthy behaviours. Its amazing the kind of things we would torture our bodies with!
You have no idea how badly I needed to see this post today. It drives me NUTS when I have a craving for something that isn’t “safe” or when I get hungry outside my designated eating times. I feel like its my weak, lazy side tricking me into getting fat (wow…that sentence just sounds absolutely ridiculous). You’re so right that our bodies know best what they need more than our minds (especially when our minds have been distorted for so long). Thanks for posting, and stay strong!
xoxo
I totally know exactly!! how you feel. We definitely relate a lot in that way. I get very anxious, paranoid, and worried about silly things like food. But, we need to separate these thoughts from what our body is truly craving and fuel it with that. Its hard, but we can get through it!xox
I have so much trouble with this. My brain and body contradict so often and I used to just let my brain override anything my body ever wanted, but I think the proof is sometimes in reality. I have started giving myself unclean things, carb heavy breakfasts, carbs period, meat, red meat, fats, etc. and my weight has not skyrocketed through the ceiling. Sure I have put on some mass, but a lot of it is muscle! my hair is starting to grow a little and my face is no longer so pale I look sick all the time.
I know it is hard but sometimes reminding myself that fats help my endocrine system brain and heart function, protein will help me get strong and be able to exercise as I want again….thinking of food in those terms makes my brain be a little more accepting of the body wants.
Good luck hunni! you deserve it!
Its definitely confusing when our minds and bodies contradict each other, but we just have to realize that our body is truly the thing that knows what is best for us, while our mind can get so many facts and thoughts too involved in what we actually need. I’m SO happy you have started to “indulge” in more foods and expand from the “safe” foods, in reality its the safe foods that are slowly killing us. That is great you are getting more healthy. Even though its super hard to see ourselves getting healthier, when we come out on the other side its such a blessing and good feeling.
Especially because our brains are still listening to the ED and we can see ourselves as someone completely different. It is a bizarre disease sometimes!
You deserve the best too:)
I recently increased my exercise, and naturally my appetite and calorie needs increased – it drove me crazy! Even though I knew I needed more calories, I definitely struggled with it. But as you said – your body does know best! Even after years of recovery, I still have trouble listening to my body sometimes. But, it’s clearly the best thing to do.
It makes it harder when we change things in our routines and don’t realize exactly how much our bodies need! I’ve gone through the same thing with increasing exercise (not right now), in the past and refused to up my intake, which is just silly. I’m glad I’m getting better at realizing what my body needs although I still need to work on following through with the cravings.
You make so many good points. The majority( maybe all?) Of the time I have NO IDEA what my body wants or needs- incredibly frustrating! I feel incredibly clouded in my brain by this intense fear that I’m going to over eat:(.
Cravings can be difficult to decipher- often , to me, waaay too many things sound yummy and appealing, and I consequently spend waaay too much time thinking & choosing what to eat. God forbid I eat something I don’t com.plet.ely enjoy or isn’t perfect. What to eat almost feels like a life altering decision.
Surely things are not meant to be this tricky?! Eating is supposed to be just a natural human act I think.
Girly, I just wanted to emphasise, again, how much I <3 your recipes:).
I made your green protein pudding- That is a HUM-DINGER of a recipe. Seriously. It surpassed all of my expectations , I'd never think beans and spinach could be turned into such a delightful, mousse-ey , sweet pudding. The texture is amazing! Thanks Lisa.
Xxx
I definitely struggle with knowing what my body truly wants as well, mostly because I’m so used to restricting it and denying it of things its been craving. So its certainly hard to know what it is asking for, but as we accept this it will get easier!
Eating or exercising is definitely not meant to be so confusing!
YAY!! I’m SO excited you liked it! I thought it may be a hit or miss for some people haha;)
Our bodies do know best! I always try to honor my cravings, whenever I can. My body gives me the gift of being able to do what I want, so I try to return the favor by respecting it and giving it what it wants, not what some diet or nutritionist or food pyramid wants. And as for the funny comment about eating a chocolate muffin and losing control – that’s not going to happen. Even if you eat a bunch of junk food, as I have when trying to gain weight, your body will eventually crave veggies and other healthy produce. In the end, once you learn to listen to your body, it will all balance out. And even a week of daily king size chocolate bars and multiple portions of ice cream (been there, done that and more) will not suddenly pack on crazy weight. A single pound is 3500 *extra* calories. That’s on top of the 2,000+ that you require day to day. So to gain even one pound in a day would require you to eat around 6,000 calories. Yeah, not likely. And a pound really isn’t noticeable, so for you to “puff up” would require way more. Any scale changes beyond reason are water weight, they drift off. Plus, people aren’t judging you for treats. If anything, it makes you seem more human and approachable and they’ll like you better. People tend not to love perfectionists or seek out the complete type A (take it from a type A who’s working on it). They’d probably judge you more for always turning down the treats, especially since you’re so slim (it’s so unhelpful, but people do circulate ED rumors when they’re bored). Anyway, hope everything is going great!
SO true! We need to honour our bodies because they truly are giving us the gift of being able to do what we ask of it.
Its true that it all balances out and just because I eat something “unhealthy” doesn’t mean I’ll lose control. In fact, it would most likely be the opposite haha. I have so much knowledge that it shouldn’t be a struggle.
And its true about the weight gain, it takes a lot of calories to add weight! Just like it took to lose weight.
Thanks for the comment!! You made me look at a lot of things in a more realistic point of view:)
Love this post girl! And I can definitely relate – I spent so many years depriving myself because I thought I was smarter than my body. But I’ve since learned that our bodies are way smarter than we give them credit for – they don’t just turn into an unhealthy blob when we eat unhealthy food (even if we eat it multiple days in a row!). Now I’m so much better at honouring my cravings and letting myself indulge – and I’ve never been happier! I wish I had some tips for you, but there is no “trick” to making it easier – you just have to face your fears and do it!
Exactly! It takes A LOT of extra calories to even gain weight and its silly to think a couple treats thrown in would make a difference. Its so silly once we look in a realistic point of view!
You say it so well, Lisa. This struggle is a difficult one to overcome, and like you, I know it all too well. If we can deepen our awareness and improve our ability to discern between thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, I think we can become better at wisely responding to our experience, i.e. listening to our bodies. It won’t happen overnight, but with practice and the intention to respect and honor the messages our body gives us, we will be on the path towards freedom, flexibility, and self respect. <3
It really does take time, consistency, and practice to listen to our bodies. Definitely not something that happens overnight, but well get there:)
SO SO TRUE!! I struggle with this myself. For me it’s kind of odd, if I can be training hard, doing as much running and cycling as I want, then I totally have no problem eating bagels, muffin, beer – all in the same day. If I’m not working out? Forget about it lol. I think though, that you can’t TRULY be healthy unless you are okay with eating not-so-healthy things. It’s fine if you truly don’t want them, but if you deny yourself them out of fear, that’s not okay. On the other hand, I’ve kind of seen that things we deem “unhealthy” can actually BE healthy in some situations. I feel my best when I eat a lot of carbs, and while fruit and veggies have nutrients, that’s not enough carbs to support the activities I want to do. So I eat grains, and I actually feel best when I incorporate “bad” foods like bagels and muffins too. My body also functions best off that – the last time I got my period, I was in a place where I was okay with eating this stuff regularly. Our bodies really DO know what’s best for them, even if to us it seems like silly cravings or a sign of weakness!
I relate to the working out and not being able to indulge if I don’t exercise that day. Its a weird circumstance! Haha, our minds are so odd sometimes;)
I think it is extremely healthy to be able to view food as not good or bad and be able to eat “unhealthy” foods when the time is appropriate and if you crave them. Its so crazy how wrapped up we can get with “clean” food and how it creates a big problem sometimes.
This post is SO true.
Gah…us perfectionists and our obsessive ways. It drives me nuts sometimes. I wish I could just be “normal” and not worry about controlling everything. It’s exhausting! But, I’ve definitely gotten much better over the past few months and it seems like you have as well. I’m so proud of you for beginning to listen to your body and honor the things that it’s telling you.
Our bodies are SO smart and staying healthy is just a matter of giving them what they need. (:
Your zucchini bowl looks sooo yummy!
Same here. I sometimes look at my friends and wish I could be so relaxing with my food and exercise choices, but I know this has happened for a reason and something good will come out at the end of this experience. Our bodies are super smart and know what’s best:)
How about starting by eating more than just a vegetable for dinner? Priorities are what make necessary weight gain bearable — when you set real-life goals for yourself that have nothing to do with weight or body image and you realize that a restrictive diet and overexercise can in no way help you achieve that goal or happiness in general, putting on a few extra pounds really is not so bad.
I definitely eat more than a veggie for dinner. I do struggle in including more grains in my dinners though. I do realize that I still have issues I need to work out and am continually working on them. Your right in including more realistic goals that are outside of body image and food, but I do think its important that I do view my food as nourishment and not as punishment. So right now that is a goal for me, I’m hoping to get over that one though. And definitely make more long life term goals, which I do have but would like to get my health in order first. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the shout out. I am so glad you like the batter… I’m just polishing off a bowl for midnight snack, actually.
I’ve done a much better job of listening to my body since starting seriously training. I think I’m too scared NOT to listen since I’m putting it through so much. LOL!
Its SO delicious!!
Haha, totally! It must be a lot different because you are training for a fitness competition!! You are doing amazing so far though!!
Yeah you are so on the money! Our bodies keep us alive and we shouldn’t take it for granted! You are young and healthy and beautiful and nourishing your body and listening to it is a good thing. Even if you ate more then one piece of chocolate- say the entire block. You would still be the same wonderful you and I’m the scheme of everything you eat it wouldnt be a big deal.
Very true! What we eat does not defy us as a human being. No one will judge me if I have a treat and “indulge” in a meal. In fact, it would make me more real and enjoyable to be around I’m sure!
Our bodies are truly amazing things!
Great post sweetie! I like to think I am giving my body what it craves, but I have been trying to listen better lately and I have been doing a lot of thinking and I need to make some changes
That’s great that you have been doing a lot of thinking and seeing you need to make some other adjustments!! You’ve come such a long way and are a beautiful!! person inside and out and I’m just so happy we’ve had the opportunity to connect. Changes are always a great thing, even if they are hard. We are always expanding and making growths in life and I know you will make the best decisions for you to live a healthy and fulfilled life my gorgeous friend!
P.S. Less than a week until we meet finally!
Lisa you are so brave and inspirational for writing a post about what is on the mind of SO many others! I hope you know from these comments that you aren’t alone. They’d make me cry too, you aren’t a sap. Comments on my blog have frequently caused me to tear up. I have so much trouble listening to my body w hen it craves things my mind sees as “bad”. Last night I was proud of myself for enjoying a couple slices of leftover pizza. I had a carb and cheese craving like mad. Rationally I know I hadn’t gotten enough carbs/fats throughout the day. So that made sense. But my “silly” mind (I call my mind silly a lot) made me doubt my craving. In the end I satisfied (not overindulged it…I stayed in control) and proved to myself that eating what I crave is a normal thing. We can help each other through these silly thoughts!
Caitlin you are always so sweet!! I’m so proud of all the progress you have been making recently! Its so great to see!!
And the fact that you’ve opened up more, it makes the process a lot easier when we can share with others about our journeys to overcome these issues!
Haha, I call my mind silly as well. It for sure is sometimes!!
Yes, we can definitely help each other through these silly thoughts and moments:)
I love this post! I’m learning to listen to my body!!
I’m glad your learning to listen:)
Amen to this Lisa and as always, I am sooo so proud of how FAR you are coming with your thoughts on all of this! I mean it when I say this, your awareness is a major step in this process and you are doing exactly what you need to in order to continue on the healing path toward a LIFE, one that is happy and fulfilling
Just keep that goal in mind, I know I do. I also know I have lost touch with what my body really wants/needs and listening to it is scary as hell. BUT we must trust it does know what is the best for us… it’s giving trust that is hard, but always possible
Thanks Tessa!! You are really an inspiration to my journey so I have to thank you for all your posts and helping me out. Its crazy how out of touch with our bodies we become while recovering from our ED’s, but practice will make it eventually easier.
thanks for this beautiful post! A few months ago, after having had some personnal difficulties, i “decided” not to listen to my body anymore: i lost a lot of weight in only a few weeks and then, attacked by the stress and all my “problems”, i fainted twice at school, the day where i was receiving the results of my exams. I fainted in front of everybody and i felt so bad that i decided to eat again but i just couldn’t. Hopefully it only took me some months to be able to listen to my body and i gained a few pounds and i’m trying now to have a healthy lifestyle (and by healthy i mean not undereating). Listening to your body is the key, thanks again for this wonderful post! xxx