Appetite Is Not Hunger
Confusing a "hearty" appetite with genuine, physical hunger is a mistake made consistently by compulsive overeaters. Our idea of how much food our body needs is usually a great exaggeration of the actual requirement. Because of an overdeveloped appetite, we are unfamiliar with the feeling of true hunger.
Since we cannot rely on subjective feelings to tell us how much we need to eat, we require an objective, definite plan. When we reach our normal weight, we continue to eat according to a measured food plan, rather than according to appetite. We will never be able to satisfy the demands of our appetite without destroying ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
When we think we require more food than is called for by our plan, we need to examine our thinking. Usually we find that we are being deluded by the demands of our overdeveloped appetite. We would like to eat more, but in fact, our body does not need more.
I pray for the wisdom to distinguish between appetite and hunger.
From Food for Thought: Daily Meditations for Overeaters by Elisabeth L. ©1980, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation.
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When I first became abstinent & felt 'hungry' all the time, I had to ask myself whether I was feeling true stomach hunger, or just the desire to taste & chew food. I was unfamiliar with the sensation of true stomach hunger, since overeating prevented such a thing! I had a grossly exaggerated idea of how much food I truly needed to stay alive, and what constituted a 'normal' portion.
Nowadays, I still find myself asking that same question. No amount of food on earth is going to satisfy Mind hunger, or Emotional hunger, because calories is not the answer to those appetites. If I am needing a hug or some understanding from my husband, eating a cake is NOT going to fulfill that need & so, I keep going back for more. If I keep myself numbed out to the truth, I am going to STAY 'hungry' and never feel satisfied. When I tune into the truth about what's really going on, that is when I accept the fact that my body is not looking for more food, and my appetite is not coming from my stomach.
If I ate according to my overdeveloped appetite, I'd be eating non-stop 24/7. Only my pre-determined Food Plan keeps me on track, eating a measured amount of food that keeps my body fueled properly. When I want more food than what's called for, I must examine my MIND for the why.
For today, I pray for the wisdom to distinguish between appetite & hunger.
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