Food for Thought: July 14th

Energize, Don't Tranquilize

Food is nourishment for our bodies, not a drug. When we overeat, we sap our energy and dull our responses. Too much food makes us lazy and lethargic. We should eat for energy, not oblivion.

If we have been using food as a narcotic to temporarily deaden the pain of living, then we need to learn other ways to cope. Much of our pain is needless, brought on by egocentric fears and demands. If we accept the fact that we cannot change another person's behavior, then we will not hurt ourselves by anger at what that person does.

At the same time, we will learn to remove ourselves from people and situations, which cause us unnecessary pain. We do not have to be martyrs! Abstinence gives us the energy to make positive changes.

A certain amount of pain, both physical and emotional, is unavoidable. Often, it accompanies growth. To tranquilize ourselves with food is to impede growth.

May I remember to eat for energy instead of oblivion.

From Food for Thought: Daily Meditations for Overeaters by Elisabeth L. ©1980, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation.

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Excess food anesthetizes my mind and prevents me from feeling emotions of any kind, or from thinking in general. I have a mind that races, and I've abused food to shut it down. Relaxation techniques and meditation is a far better tool to use than excess food! Compulsive eating prevents ALL emotions from getting through, including Joy.  Not only the negative feelings get pushed aside, but also the positive ones.

Compulsive eating is no way to cope with life. It kills my zest for life and puts fat onto my body, creating self-loathing instead of self-love.  I am a child of God and He loves me as is........it is my job to love MYSELF and to behave myself in a manner that is conducive TO self love.  If I insist on practicing behavior that leads me to hate myself, then I am in direct violation of God's will FOR me, and I am ignoring my purpose in life. Addictive behavior of all kinds prevents growth and keeps me rooted in fear and misery instead of joy and gratitude.

For today, I will not tranquilize my mind with food.  Food is to be used as nourishment for my body, not as a drug. 

For today, I will not sap my energy & dull my responses by consuming junk food.  I choose to eat healthy foods that give me energy and not lethargy & laziness.