Breaking Free from Restrictive Diet Mentality
I have reached that point … and I love it! I have no idea what day of the week it is! It is one of my favorite parts of each summer that I relish (and the days that I can stay in jammies all day). I love having a bit of freedom, a more relaxed schedule, and fewer things demanding my time and attention. It was hard to accomplish when the kids were busy with tons of activities, so when the days roll along like this – I love it.
The Psychology of Structure vs. Freedom in Healthy Living
Since I am such a planner by nature, I am always fascinated by my appreciation of these days. You’d think that my interest and affection for scheduling everything would mean that I don’t lose track of the days or that I would be uncomfortable. But, I think that is part of it – it is a bit of freedom from my regularly structured world.
Post-Diet Life: Finding Balance in Intuitive Eating and Movement
As I began living life “post diet mentality” I think I relished the lack of structure there too. This shift represents a fundamental change in how we approach wellness and self-care. Previously, I kept track of calories and macro nutrient. I ate – or fasted – at specific times. I only exercised if it was at the gym and I got sweaty. All those rules that surrounded me for so many decades about what I was supposed to be doing to live a healthy life … they didn’t work. I felt boxed-in and never found lasting success.
Intuitive Eating: Listening to Your Body’s Hunger Cues
Now, I enjoy that I eat when I am hungry, not because the clock dictates it. This approach to mindful eating and hunger awareness represents a key component of sustainable weight management and overall wellness. I eat slowly and mindfully which means I only eat until I am satisfied and rarely eat until I am stuffed.
Joyful Movement: Exercise Without Rigid Rules
I enjoy that I move some, but it might not be what others call a “workout”. Joyful movement and body-positive fitness can be just as effective as traditional exercise routines for maintaining health and wellness. So, whether I formally workout or not, I might take a walk through the neighborhood. I might stretch or do some simple squats while I watch the countdown on the microwave. I might complete a yoga session or walk around the house while I am talking on the phone. I am moving more and it has just become what I do.
Food Freedom: Choosing Satisfaction Over Restriction
I also enjoy that I choose the food that excites my taste buds rather than the ones with fewer calories or are “good for me”. This anti-diet approach focuses on food satisfaction and eating without guilt – key principles of intuitive eating. I love the freedom I have away from schedule of what and when to eat that so many diet programs provide.
Embracing Body Wisdom and Self-Compassion
So, today … whether you know what day of the week it is or not, relish the idea that you have lost some of the constraints and limitations you might have previously lived with. You have some freedom today you might not have felt before. Stop and be grateful for a new way of thinking and living.
Habits: Reflective Practice(Opens in a new browser tab)
Learning to Trust Your Body’s Signals
Focus on what your body is telling you it needs … no guess work, just listening and responding. This body awareness and mindful living approach helps develop trust in your body’s natural wisdom.
Living in Food and Body Freedom
Enjoy the journey, regardless of the day!
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