Some people are social smokers or drinkers, I am a social eater. At a cocktail party you’ll find me hovering around the food; a baguette in one hand and brie cheese in the other, food is my recreational habit. I am guaranteed a food hangover after a night out.

I grew up in a house with five athletic siblings, my mum was amazing at stretching a can of tuna, my dad worked hard and at the end of the day one income was spread thin and so was the food. At dinner there was always a mad rush to help serve so you could receive the biggest portion of food. Get the picture, I developed a scarcity relationship with food, it was eat now or never and that was imprinted in my brain. Jump 30 years later, not exercising much, eating out, big portions and the same relationship with food. Gained 25 pounds and felt like hell.

But this is not about losing weight it’s about healthy living and a pivot in my relationship with food. No judging, no eliminating what I love instead a shift towards “Healthy Eating” Rather focus on what to eat instead of what not to eat.

I am clear when I take the time to shop with awareness and cook with pleasure I eat better, I feel better, I look better. My new habits:

Breath

For me there seems to be a connection between not feeling there is enough food and eating fast. My husband calls me his pigeon, swooping down and inhaling my food. I have started to be aware of my breath, I occasionally put my fork down and pause I often switch my fork which slows me down. Also, no reading or watching TV. I am present to the experience of feeding my body enjoying the food.

One Serving

I give myself one serving! I had withdrawals with this one, I was used to being full. It was so comforting. I was afraid to be hungry “oh my god where is the food?” I have learned to welcome feeling light, to feel excited to eat a wonderful meal. Feeling a twinge of hunger and lightness has become my friend. This is not about going without this is listening to my body and creating room for pleasure not fear.

I am considering Oprah’s night time rule, no food after 7:30 but man I love a piece of toast with jam and butter at nine o’clock!

Home Cooking

We cook at home 90% time. I find when we cook at home our food habits are better and we save money. What has helped tremendously is our cleaning person makes a stew once a week, I leave out all the ingredients and my Alice Waters cook book ( best home cooked hoem recipes), voila we have three dinners! This has eliminated the last minute phone call “Whats for dinner? Lets pick up Mexican”

As for my social eating issue. Before a party I have attempted to eat dinner before hand, tried to stay away from the buffet and still overeat, tempted by so much food! I just had a thought, some people drink to hide perhaps food is my social crutch. mmm I will think about that. That’s another blog!