In Julia Cameron's book, "The Writing Diet," she likens dieting to a 12 step process. I'm thinking I could use both right now. Halt is an acronym for, "Don't get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired" (44). Oftentimes when you wait too long to eat, you tend to over indulge. I am simply a creature of habit and when I get stressed, I use wine to "decompress." Pair this with waiting too long to eat and it is a recipe for disaster.
Cameron suggests writing instead of binge-eating or drinking. Her idea is that while food soothes, anger and stress provide creative impetus. She suggests that instead of sitting down to a plate of cake, sit down and write a journal entry or poem. I thought I would try this:
Love Loves in My Refrigerator
Looking back on this past celebratory week
I find the simple things that many people seek.
A happy 10 years with my spouse
and two spirited children in my house.
Milestones and benchmarks made with ease,
can be likened to goods in my fridge like wine and cheese.
As I rummage through my fridge looking for a quick fix,
I see all the ingredients to add to the mix.
A little wine for sanity and eggs for a cake,
these both are a foundation to celebrate.
Greens for good health and milk for the bones,
also help strengthen the love in my home.
Hot sauce to sprinkle and add a little flare
to the passion and intensity living here.
Add a little sugar for good measure
and what we have is truly a pleasure,
for every relationship you see
is built on love, food and family.
Together all of these compose
the perfect combo in life and show,
that love lives not only within
but also in the food you prepare and in your produce bins.
OK, try it on and see if it fits! Exercise your ability to HALT and try writing as a means to curbing your emotional hunger.
2 comments:
Good one Allison! This has been a tough week for me. Lots of celebrations mean lots of food. I'm making good food choices at each gathering, but they are still not the same as what I would eat at home. Two steakhouse meals in two days can't be good, even if they are grilled chicken breasts. I'm so swollen from all of the salt. I need to eat at home this week!
Yes, eating out can be quite hard on the diet. It sounds as if you are making wise choices though when ordering.
My goal is to add 10 - 15 minutes to each workout to combat many of my "unwise" choices the last week. I spiraled with everything going on and I need to get back on track. You are doing amazing and you are my food rock right now!
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