Sun night

[Guest guest]

The grand kids have left to go back home; I've been reading from the list and enjoying all the discussions and comments.I ordered the Intuitive Eating book (Resch/Tribole) and the Eating in the Light of the Moon book (ston). They should arrive in a few, lookingforward to reading them!I have a question though, about artificial sweeteners. I drink a lot of icedtea (with sweeteners). Do any of you still use them? or have you quit totally using them? I use them in cereal, too.Speaking of particular foods, I do notice when I use rice pasta, I feel better afterward than when I use white or even whole wheat pasta.The rice doesn't have the same "side effects" and I feel full longeron it. Just an observation. I think once I feel totally free to chose whatever I want, there will be foods that I prefer over

others and that wouldindicate freedom as well. It is ok to read my body's response and stillbe IE, if that is the reason for my choice. I know certain diets demonizecertain foods and once past that then what I want and what I feel mybest with, would still be IE, would it not?For me, a little sweet after a meal seems to seal the deal and I feelcontented. What is difficult for me is feeling comfortable doing thatin front of others who have watched me struggle and yo yo with myweight. I don't want to have to explain my self as if I owe an explanationfor what I do, to any one. Yes, it does annoy me! I need to get to a place where it doesn't, but not there yet!! How do you handle the situation with other people? I don't feel "safe" letting any one knowwhat I am doing, at present. Every time I've shared what I am doingI start gaining weight, it makes me feel very self conscious and "watched",

then I start getting anxious and diving back into the food!

[Guest guest]

I'm with you Shar ley,I noticed that I like to end my meal on a "sweet" note much of the time too. It's like I'm a conductor and I ask myself what "note" do I want to end my meal on...usually it's sweet or savory. If you can, work on getting used to the possibility that people are watching...because sometimes they will be...many people are so conditioned to watch what they eat that a side effect is them policing others as well. Those situations sound like real opportunities for growth for you. Ofcourse, we can't really control what other people do or say...we have the most influence on ourself...and therefore I've been working on strengthening myself...so that I can handle the looks and respond constructively to the comments that I've gotten about what I eat or my size. I've found that the more confident and strong I am about what I'm

doing...people don't question me and they respect my personal boundaries more. If you believe in the work that you're doing with IE, then stick up for it, share your challenges and your triumphs with the people around you when you think the eyes are looking or a comment is coming. Best,Latoya