Eating With Intent
Eating with intent. I mean, who does that? I think I eat because I enjoy food. Especially when I am in social settings, it’s hard to remember the purpose or intention that drove me to this journey in the first place. On this journey, I am learning so much about mindfulness in eating and how it is possible to make good choices.
At 50+ years old, I’ve suffered from Fibromyalgia for many years. I feel luckier than most I know who suffer with this disease. I have never been unable to get up in the morning, yet some days my body hurts all over. I’ve learned to live with it as my doctors told me a long time ago that it’s most likely due to weight gain. The other thing I’ve suffered with since I put on the extra 75+ pounds is swollen joints. My feet would swell up so much at times that I couldn’t even wear shoes. True story.
Since I’ve been on this journey, I have not had swollen feet once since I lost the first 15lbs. My body still aches as I’m still learning to eat with the purpose and intention of health in mind, yet most days I still struggle. Processed foods, sugars, milk products, etc. are some of the things that cause my Fibro to rear it’s ugly head. I’m not there yet, in the place where I’m happy avoiding anything, but perhaps some day.
It’s hard to eat with intent and purpose, but it’s not impossible. I would like to think that the day is coming where I will truly eat to live, as opposed to living to eat. Does anyone else think about their next meal all day long? I do.
It's hard to eat with intent and purpose, but it's not impossible. Click To TweetWhat does it mean for you to eat with intent? Are you making strides in this area? I would love to chat with you about it. Leave a comment so we can connect.
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I need to get back to eating better. I lost a bunch of weight on keto – hormones wreak havoc for sure. When I gained a bit back last year I (you know the hard year I had) I definitely lost energy and got more fatigue. I intend to do it again and eat with intent to be healthier again. I’m so happy for you. Slow but steady wins the race, my dear friend.
I tried Keto last year and lost 20 lbs. I had to stop because my cholesterol went up 20 points. My job and family circumstances changed, greatly reducing my daily step count. Since then I’ve put the 20 pounds back on, and then some. I still keep trying, though I haven’t tried mindfulness yet. Thanks for your inspiration.
I love to eat. Sigh. But yes, I want to eat to live, not live to eat. I’m not there yet either; maybe one day. I appreciate you sharing about this journey, Barbie.
We shall arrive my friend, one day. Thanks for reading Lisa!
I have don’t and RA. it’s no secret that sugar equals pain for me. I work at eating intentionally. I do fair on this but it’s a struggle. I truly am a sugar-holic.
Consider guest writing on my blog sometime later this year.
“I have fibro and RA”
I love sugar too, but it doesn’t love me back. I would love to guest write for you!
I, too, am an emotional eater. The thing is it never was a problem for me until I turned 48 or so. I did not even realise that the weight was piling up until I looked at a photo! And no matter what I did – Whole 30, running/swimming/ballet, I just couldn’t shake it off. I think it is hormones – can I just blame my hormones??? So starting today actually, I am getting off the processed foods and carbs AGAIN. Trying to remember to ask myself – why exactly am I eating before I go hunting for food in the house which is a lot because we are still celebrating Chinese New Year here. Here’s to us!
Hormones do play with our weight so yes, blame it on the hormones! Baby steps, my friend. You can do it!