What ARE We Really Hungry For?

It's 7 p.m. and you're headed to the refrigerator.

But is it because you're hungry ~ or is it because you're bored, emotionally upset, sad or lonely?

Unfortunately, food isn't just a nutrient for us ~ it's more often used as a balm to deaden our emotional discomfort.

Much of that comes because we feel separate from everyone else ~ for whatever reason. Our culture dwells on comparisons ~ whose life is more interesting, whose job is more exciting, who has more money, who is thinner ~ or who owns a home with hardwood floors! If we judge that we fall short, that low esteem also prevents us from seeing the wide range of choices we have!

As a result, we perceive that we're stuck. As Henry Ford said, "Whether you believe you can or believe you can't ~ you're right!"

That's when food becomes our "best friend".

Food could be our best friend ~ but in that negative state, the foods we would choose don't make us any healthier or happier.

The first step in changing that reality is to pause long enough between the couch and the cupboards to just be aware.

Just stop and ask yourself: "What am I really hungry for?"