Guest guest Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Dina, its easy to hesitate and have doubts when starting any undertaking. It also can be overwhelming to look at ALL the things you may need to do to accomplish what you want to do. IE is no different. The best thing I can tell you is to just pick any ONE aspect of what IE suggests for reclaiming your eating signals. Don't look at this in any 'perfectionist' type attitude even telling yourself that you will learn from both successes and stumbling points too. The old saying that a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single footstep applies! Happy first step and wishing you many more as well as a grand IE journey to come too. Meanwhile, do keep reading and posting when you have questions or even to share your thoughts on this subject as they pop up for you. BEST wishes, Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > I'm just starting to read about IE. I want to say that I haven't started the IE principles yet and I've been thinking a lot about paying attention to my hunger " starting tomorrow " but that sounds so much like I " m on a diet, AND I recently discovered that I have a diet mentality and never knew it. > > Okay...long story short: I'm starting to pay attention to my hunger cues and I realize that when I get hungry I get disappointed/frustrated/angry because when I'm hungry, I want something " good " to eat that will satisfy me and I don't have anything good to eat in my house. I could go out and buy foods that would interest me but then I go to the grocery store and I can't figure out what I want to eat. It feels so overwhelming to stand in the aisles and wonder if this will truly taste good. I'm not used to tasting food. It's so much easier to just stuff food in my mouth before I get hungry because then food doesn't taste at all and it doesn't matter whether it's good or not- it's just food and there is no expectation. > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > Thanks, > Dina > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Dina, its easy to hesitate and have doubts when starting any undertaking. It also can be overwhelming to look at ALL the things you may need to do to accomplish what you want to do. IE is no different. The best thing I can tell you is to just pick any ONE aspect of what IE suggests for reclaiming your eating signals. Don't look at this in any 'perfectionist' type attitude even telling yourself that you will learn from both successes and stumbling points too. The old saying that a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single footstep applies! Happy first step and wishing you many more as well as a grand IE journey to come too. Meanwhile, do keep reading and posting when you have questions or even to share your thoughts on this subject as they pop up for you. BEST wishes, Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > I'm just starting to read about IE. I want to say that I haven't started the IE principles yet and I've been thinking a lot about paying attention to my hunger " starting tomorrow " but that sounds so much like I " m on a diet, AND I recently discovered that I have a diet mentality and never knew it. > > Okay...long story short: I'm starting to pay attention to my hunger cues and I realize that when I get hungry I get disappointed/frustrated/angry because when I'm hungry, I want something " good " to eat that will satisfy me and I don't have anything good to eat in my house. I could go out and buy foods that would interest me but then I go to the grocery store and I can't figure out what I want to eat. It feels so overwhelming to stand in the aisles and wonder if this will truly taste good. I'm not used to tasting food. It's so much easier to just stuff food in my mouth before I get hungry because then food doesn't taste at all and it doesn't matter whether it's good or not- it's just food and there is no expectation. > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > Thanks, > Dina > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Dina,I'm pretty much a newbie as well, but something that is helping me is to just take very small steps. Can you think back to anytime in your life when there was a food that did taste good? If so, could you buy that food and have it on hand for when you get hungry, just as an experiment? Congratulations on starting the process and reaching out to this group. I have found that the people on here are really helpful. I'm just starting to read about IE. I want to say that I haven't started the IE principles yet and I've been thinking a lot about paying attention to my hunger "starting tomorrow" but that sounds so much like I"m on a diet, AND I recently discovered that I have a diet mentality and never knew it. Okay...long story short: I'm starting to pay attention to my hunger cues and I realize that when I get hungry I get disappointed/frustrated/angry because when I'm hungry, I want something "good" to eat that will satisfy me and I don't have anything good to eat in my house. I could go out and buy foods that would interest me but then I go to the grocery store and I can't figure out what I want to eat. It feels so overwhelming to stand in the aisles and wonder if this will truly taste good. I'm not used to tasting food. It's so much easier to just stuff food in my mouth before I get hungry because then food doesn't taste at all and it doesn't matter whether it's good or not- it's just food and there is no expectation. How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? Thanks, Dina IE since "tomorrow I will begin" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Dina, I've had that feeling that there was " nothing good " in the house a lot lately, as I ordinarily cook a lot and well, and lately, the stress level has been far too high to feel nurturing and creative. So I have lots of staples on hand, but nothing much readily accessible. Yesterday I went shopping, and over and over again, when looking at this or that convenience food, I'd think how sick I was of that and move on. So I just made a point of giving myself permission to buy whatever appealed, regardless of nutritional value. I bought two types of chips and discovered I didn't care for either. I bought two types of cookies, and one was pretty good and the other okay, but neither as good as my cooking. Now the tapioca pudding has been marvelous, smooth and comforting, and I know I'll feel the same way about the Greek yogurt I'll flavor up with extracts and sugar once the pudding is gone. I bought some spinach ravioli even though I knew we could only eat them when our lactose-intolerant daughter had something else, and they were really good last night! I bought fresh asparagus and snap peas, which take minimal work to cook into something really good. And I bought assorted sweet bell peppers, imagining fast and easy pepper beef using store-bought meatballs and another meal of peppers with middle eastern stuffing including cinnamon and pine nuts. I guess what I'm saying is that I just experiment and go with my feelings about food and find that I am more satisfied with reasonable quantities of appealing foods than with large quantities of those I don't really want but keep eating in hopes of being satisfied. Mostly lately I'm seeing I miss my cooking and need to cook ahead whenever the stress level eases briefly and I can face doing so. Jane > when I get hungry I get disappointed/frustrated/angry because when I'm hungry, I want something " good " to eat that will satisfy me and I don't have anything good to eat in my house. I could go out and buy foods that would interest me but then I go to the grocery store and I can't figure out what I want to eat. It feels so overwhelming to stand in the aisles and wonder if this will truly taste good. I'm not used to tasting food. It's so much easier to just stuff food in my mouth before I get hungry because then food doesn't taste at all and it doesn't matter whether it's good or not- it's just food and there is no expectation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Dina, I've had that feeling that there was " nothing good " in the house a lot lately, as I ordinarily cook a lot and well, and lately, the stress level has been far too high to feel nurturing and creative. So I have lots of staples on hand, but nothing much readily accessible. Yesterday I went shopping, and over and over again, when looking at this or that convenience food, I'd think how sick I was of that and move on. So I just made a point of giving myself permission to buy whatever appealed, regardless of nutritional value. I bought two types of chips and discovered I didn't care for either. I bought two types of cookies, and one was pretty good and the other okay, but neither as good as my cooking. Now the tapioca pudding has been marvelous, smooth and comforting, and I know I'll feel the same way about the Greek yogurt I'll flavor up with extracts and sugar once the pudding is gone. I bought some spinach ravioli even though I knew we could only eat them when our lactose-intolerant daughter had something else, and they were really good last night! I bought fresh asparagus and snap peas, which take minimal work to cook into something really good. And I bought assorted sweet bell peppers, imagining fast and easy pepper beef using store-bought meatballs and another meal of peppers with middle eastern stuffing including cinnamon and pine nuts. I guess what I'm saying is that I just experiment and go with my feelings about food and find that I am more satisfied with reasonable quantities of appealing foods than with large quantities of those I don't really want but keep eating in hopes of being satisfied. Mostly lately I'm seeing I miss my cooking and need to cook ahead whenever the stress level eases briefly and I can face doing so. Jane > when I get hungry I get disappointed/frustrated/angry because when I'm hungry, I want something " good " to eat that will satisfy me and I don't have anything good to eat in my house. I could go out and buy foods that would interest me but then I go to the grocery store and I can't figure out what I want to eat. It feels so overwhelming to stand in the aisles and wonder if this will truly taste good. I'm not used to tasting food. It's so much easier to just stuff food in my mouth before I get hungry because then food doesn't taste at all and it doesn't matter whether it's good or not- it's just food and there is no expectation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2011 Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Dina, I've had that feeling that there was " nothing good " in the house a lot lately, as I ordinarily cook a lot and well, and lately, the stress level has been far too high to feel nurturing and creative. So I have lots of staples on hand, but nothing much readily accessible. Yesterday I went shopping, and over and over again, when looking at this or that convenience food, I'd think how sick I was of that and move on. So I just made a point of giving myself permission to buy whatever appealed, regardless of nutritional value. I bought two types of chips and discovered I didn't care for either. I bought two types of cookies, and one was pretty good and the other okay, but neither as good as my cooking. Now the tapioca pudding has been marvelous, smooth and comforting, and I know I'll feel the same way about the Greek yogurt I'll flavor up with extracts and sugar once the pudding is gone. I bought some spinach ravioli even though I knew we could only eat them when our lactose-intolerant daughter had something else, and they were really good last night! I bought fresh asparagus and snap peas, which take minimal work to cook into something really good. And I bought assorted sweet bell peppers, imagining fast and easy pepper beef using store-bought meatballs and another meal of peppers with middle eastern stuffing including cinnamon and pine nuts. I guess what I'm saying is that I just experiment and go with my feelings about food and find that I am more satisfied with reasonable quantities of appealing foods than with large quantities of those I don't really want but keep eating in hopes of being satisfied. Mostly lately I'm seeing I miss my cooking and need to cook ahead whenever the stress level eases briefly and I can face doing so. Jane > when I get hungry I get disappointed/frustrated/angry because when I'm hungry, I want something " good " to eat that will satisfy me and I don't have anything good to eat in my house. I could go out and buy foods that would interest me but then I go to the grocery store and I can't figure out what I want to eat. It feels so overwhelming to stand in the aisles and wonder if this will truly taste good. I'm not used to tasting food. It's so much easier to just stuff food in my mouth before I get hungry because then food doesn't taste at all and it doesn't matter whether it's good or not- it's just food and there is no expectation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 I agree. Start small and build from there. I understand what you mean about not knowing what you like, I've remarked here before that doing IE is like getting to know yourself. Maybe that is where you want to start. If tackling the whole grocery store seems daunting -- and I can see how it would -- perhaps just think of one meal, like breakfast. Try writing down what sounds good to you for that meal. Eggs, oatmeal, bacon, toast? It doesn't even have to be traditional breakfast foods, but it may be easier to start with a limited category rather than opening up the whole food world. Then try different breakfast ideas and see what you think. Just for that meal, concentrate on whether you really like what you've prepared. What do you like about it? The texture, taste, temperature? What would you change? When you're done, notice if you are satisfied, or if you have the urge to continue looking for more satisfying food. In this way you can build up your repertoire of foods you like. Also, it might be helpful just to keep a little list of foods that you note liking. For instance, if you're at a business dinner and you suddenly notice that you really like the dinner rolls, just jot that down. Above all, don't pressure yourself. This is a learning process and ANYTHING that you learn is success. Just some ideas about where to start. If that doesn't resonate with you, try something that does. Good luck!MimiSubject: Re: I'm new and need helpTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Date: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 2:48 PM Dina, its easy to hesitate and have doubts when starting any undertaking. It also can be overwhelming to look at ALL the things you may need to do to accomplish what you want to do. IE is no different. The best thing I can tell you is to just pick any ONE aspect of what IE suggests for reclaiming your eating signals. Don't look at this in any 'perfectionist' type attitude even telling yourself that you will learn from both successes and stumbling points too. The old saying that a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single footstep applies! Happy first step and wishing you many more as well as a grand IE journey to come too. Meanwhile, do keep reading and posting when you have questions or even to share your thoughts on this subject as they pop up for you. BEST wishes, Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > I'm just starting to read about IE. I want to say that I haven't started the IE principles yet and I've been thinking a lot about paying attention to my hunger "starting tomorrow" but that sounds so much like I"m on a diet, AND I recently discovered that I have a diet mentality and never knew it. > > Okay...long story short: I'm starting to pay attention to my hunger cues and I realize that when I get hungry I get disappointed/frustrated/angry because when I'm hungry, I want something "good" to eat that will satisfy me and I don't have anything good to eat in my house. I could go out and buy foods that would interest me but then I go to the grocery store and I can't figure out what I want to eat. It feels so overwhelming to stand in the aisles and wonder if this will truly taste good. I'm not used to tasting food. It's so much easier to just stuff food in my mouth before I get hungry because then food doesn't taste at all and it doesn't matter whether it's good or not- it's just food and there is no expectation. > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > Thanks, > Dina > IE since "tomorrow I will begin" > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself " What did I want to eat? " the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Dina > > > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 when I was pregnant, nothing ever sounded good at dinnertime. and my midwife said i couldn't skip dinner entirely. she recommended smoothies with protein powder.and so, the vast majority of nights for 9 months, i had a smoothie. i didn't love them or crave them, but they were quick (important because i was often too tired to do food prep) and easy and satisfying ENOUGH.can you think of one or a few foods that are good enough for you right now? you don't have to be excited about them, they just shouldn't be unappealing. basic foods work well for me with this. besides smoothies, other winners are yogurt with or without fruit, and eggs, with or without toast. and now, in autumn, apples with peanut butter. i think your body is trying to tell you something, and perhaps you just need to back off finding what you crave and settle for what you can tolerate. i think we all go through periods of being more and less interested in food. (now that my daughter is on the outside and gobbling up breastmilk, i am very interested in food, indeed!) hth,abbyIE since 11/08  It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself " What did I want to eat? " the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Dina > > > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 when I was pregnant, nothing ever sounded good at dinnertime. and my midwife said i couldn't skip dinner entirely. she recommended smoothies with protein powder.and so, the vast majority of nights for 9 months, i had a smoothie. i didn't love them or crave them, but they were quick (important because i was often too tired to do food prep) and easy and satisfying ENOUGH.can you think of one or a few foods that are good enough for you right now? you don't have to be excited about them, they just shouldn't be unappealing. basic foods work well for me with this. besides smoothies, other winners are yogurt with or without fruit, and eggs, with or without toast. and now, in autumn, apples with peanut butter. i think your body is trying to tell you something, and perhaps you just need to back off finding what you crave and settle for what you can tolerate. i think we all go through periods of being more and less interested in food. (now that my daughter is on the outside and gobbling up breastmilk, i am very interested in food, indeed!) hth,abbyIE since 11/08  It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself " What did I want to eat? " the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Dina > > > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 I have just been going through a short spell of finding that nothing appeals to me, so I just find something and focus on it:  texture, smell, taste, smooth or crunchy, color, etc. and without distractions. I am going through an interesting phase where I have to balance liver healthy foods and those that honor my body. It is a strugle right now to differentiate between forbidden foods and choosing to eat those that honor my body.  I am just at the beginning of learning about the liver and how to takse care of it. It is very interesting and I am excited about trying all the new and strange foods. It is just a matter of retraining myself, from writing my grocery list, to preparing and eating differently. I realize it will be a process, long and slow. Slow and steady wins the race. I will take small baby steps too. Sandy  when I was pregnant, nothing ever sounded good at dinnertime. and my midwife said i couldn't skip dinner entirely. she recommended smoothies with protein powder.and so, the vast majority of nights for 9 months, i had a smoothie. i didn't love them or crave them, but they were quick (important because i was often too tired to do food prep) and easy and satisfying ENOUGH.can you think of one or a few foods that are good enough for you right now? you don't have to be excited about them, they just shouldn't be unappealing. basic foods work well for me with this. besides smoothies, other winners are yogurt with or without fruit, and eggs, with or without toast. and now, in autumn, apples with peanut butter. i think your body is trying to tell you something, and perhaps you just need to back off finding what you crave and settle for what you can tolerate. i think we all go through periods of being more and less interested in food. (now that my daughter is on the outside and gobbling up breastmilk, i am very interested in food, indeed!) hth,abbyIE since 11/08  It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself " What did I want to eat? " the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Dina > > > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 I have just been going through a short spell of finding that nothing appeals to me, so I just find something and focus on it:  texture, smell, taste, smooth or crunchy, color, etc. and without distractions. I am going through an interesting phase where I have to balance liver healthy foods and those that honor my body. It is a strugle right now to differentiate between forbidden foods and choosing to eat those that honor my body.  I am just at the beginning of learning about the liver and how to takse care of it. It is very interesting and I am excited about trying all the new and strange foods. It is just a matter of retraining myself, from writing my grocery list, to preparing and eating differently. I realize it will be a process, long and slow. Slow and steady wins the race. I will take small baby steps too. Sandy  when I was pregnant, nothing ever sounded good at dinnertime. and my midwife said i couldn't skip dinner entirely. she recommended smoothies with protein powder.and so, the vast majority of nights for 9 months, i had a smoothie. i didn't love them or crave them, but they were quick (important because i was often too tired to do food prep) and easy and satisfying ENOUGH.can you think of one or a few foods that are good enough for you right now? you don't have to be excited about them, they just shouldn't be unappealing. basic foods work well for me with this. besides smoothies, other winners are yogurt with or without fruit, and eggs, with or without toast. and now, in autumn, apples with peanut butter. i think your body is trying to tell you something, and perhaps you just need to back off finding what you crave and settle for what you can tolerate. i think we all go through periods of being more and less interested in food. (now that my daughter is on the outside and gobbling up breastmilk, i am very interested in food, indeed!) hth,abbyIE since 11/08  It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself " What did I want to eat? " the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Dina > > > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 Thanks everyone for your suggestions.The advice to take baby steps was spot on for me. I was taking on too much at once and therefore getting overwhelmed. I have a time frame in my head for becoming a normal eater that I have to let go of to really learn this process. I've decided that I will check in with my hunger level several times per day and before eating. That's it. No more. I'm trusting that at some point I will get a signal that says, "ok, add on to that and try something new." I've also been struggling with the idea of starting IE and wanting a firm start date. In my mind I think that this start date represents a "formal" change and a new beginning. I know this is part of the diet mentality and right now, it's the hardest thing for me to rethink. I have to keep reminding myself that even if I only think about IE once during the many, many instances of eating during the day that at least that is one more time than I ever have in the past. I am not at a place that I trust that this will come organically and it feels like I have to concentrate all my will in order to change things....diet mentality!DinaTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 6:55 PMSubject: Re: Re: I'm new and need help I have just been going through a short spell of finding that nothing appeals to me, so I just find something and focus on it: texture, smell, taste, smooth or crunchy, color, etc. and without distractions. I am going through an interesting phase where I have to balance liver healthy foods and those that honor my body. It is a strugle right now to differentiate between forbidden foods and choosing to eat those that honor my body. I am just at the beginning of learning about the liver and how to takse care of it. It is very interesting and I am excited about trying all the new and strange foods. It is just a matter of retraining myself, from writing my grocery list, to preparing and eating differently. I realize it will be a process, long and slow. Slow and steady wins the race. I will take small baby steps too. Sandy when I was pregnant, nothing ever sounded good at dinnertime. and my midwife said i couldn't skip dinner entirely. she recommended smoothies with protein powder.and so, the vast majority of nights for 9 months, i had a smoothie. i didn't love them or crave them, but they were quick (important because i was often too tired to do food prep) and easy and satisfying ENOUGH.can you think of one or a few foods that are good enough for you right now? you don't have to be excited about them, they just shouldn't be unappealing. basic foods work well for me with this. besides smoothies, other winners are yogurt with or without fruit, and eggs, with or without toast. and now, in autumn, apples with peanut butter. i think your body is trying to tell you something, and perhaps you just need to back off finding what you crave and settle for what you can tolerate. i think we all go through periods of being more and less interested in food. (now that my daughter is on the outside and gobbling up breastmilk, i am very interested in food, indeed!) hth,abbyIE since 11/08 It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself "What did I want to eat?" the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Dina > > > IE since "tomorrow I will begin" > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 Thanks everyone for your suggestions.The advice to take baby steps was spot on for me. I was taking on too much at once and therefore getting overwhelmed. I have a time frame in my head for becoming a normal eater that I have to let go of to really learn this process. I've decided that I will check in with my hunger level several times per day and before eating. That's it. No more. I'm trusting that at some point I will get a signal that says, "ok, add on to that and try something new." I've also been struggling with the idea of starting IE and wanting a firm start date. In my mind I think that this start date represents a "formal" change and a new beginning. I know this is part of the diet mentality and right now, it's the hardest thing for me to rethink. I have to keep reminding myself that even if I only think about IE once during the many, many instances of eating during the day that at least that is one more time than I ever have in the past. I am not at a place that I trust that this will come organically and it feels like I have to concentrate all my will in order to change things....diet mentality!DinaTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 6:55 PMSubject: Re: Re: I'm new and need help I have just been going through a short spell of finding that nothing appeals to me, so I just find something and focus on it: texture, smell, taste, smooth or crunchy, color, etc. and without distractions. I am going through an interesting phase where I have to balance liver healthy foods and those that honor my body. It is a strugle right now to differentiate between forbidden foods and choosing to eat those that honor my body. I am just at the beginning of learning about the liver and how to takse care of it. It is very interesting and I am excited about trying all the new and strange foods. It is just a matter of retraining myself, from writing my grocery list, to preparing and eating differently. I realize it will be a process, long and slow. Slow and steady wins the race. I will take small baby steps too. Sandy when I was pregnant, nothing ever sounded good at dinnertime. and my midwife said i couldn't skip dinner entirely. she recommended smoothies with protein powder.and so, the vast majority of nights for 9 months, i had a smoothie. i didn't love them or crave them, but they were quick (important because i was often too tired to do food prep) and easy and satisfying ENOUGH.can you think of one or a few foods that are good enough for you right now? you don't have to be excited about them, they just shouldn't be unappealing. basic foods work well for me with this. besides smoothies, other winners are yogurt with or without fruit, and eggs, with or without toast. and now, in autumn, apples with peanut butter. i think your body is trying to tell you something, and perhaps you just need to back off finding what you crave and settle for what you can tolerate. i think we all go through periods of being more and less interested in food. (now that my daughter is on the outside and gobbling up breastmilk, i am very interested in food, indeed!) hth,abbyIE since 11/08 It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself "What did I want to eat?" the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Dina > > > IE since "tomorrow I will begin" > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 Thanks everyone for your suggestions.The advice to take baby steps was spot on for me. I was taking on too much at once and therefore getting overwhelmed. I have a time frame in my head for becoming a normal eater that I have to let go of to really learn this process. I've decided that I will check in with my hunger level several times per day and before eating. That's it. No more. I'm trusting that at some point I will get a signal that says, "ok, add on to that and try something new." I've also been struggling with the idea of starting IE and wanting a firm start date. In my mind I think that this start date represents a "formal" change and a new beginning. I know this is part of the diet mentality and right now, it's the hardest thing for me to rethink. I have to keep reminding myself that even if I only think about IE once during the many, many instances of eating during the day that at least that is one more time than I ever have in the past. I am not at a place that I trust that this will come organically and it feels like I have to concentrate all my will in order to change things....diet mentality!DinaTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 6:55 PMSubject: Re: Re: I'm new and need help I have just been going through a short spell of finding that nothing appeals to me, so I just find something and focus on it: texture, smell, taste, smooth or crunchy, color, etc. and without distractions. I am going through an interesting phase where I have to balance liver healthy foods and those that honor my body. It is a strugle right now to differentiate between forbidden foods and choosing to eat those that honor my body. I am just at the beginning of learning about the liver and how to takse care of it. It is very interesting and I am excited about trying all the new and strange foods. It is just a matter of retraining myself, from writing my grocery list, to preparing and eating differently. I realize it will be a process, long and slow. Slow and steady wins the race. I will take small baby steps too. Sandy when I was pregnant, nothing ever sounded good at dinnertime. and my midwife said i couldn't skip dinner entirely. she recommended smoothies with protein powder.and so, the vast majority of nights for 9 months, i had a smoothie. i didn't love them or crave them, but they were quick (important because i was often too tired to do food prep) and easy and satisfying ENOUGH.can you think of one or a few foods that are good enough for you right now? you don't have to be excited about them, they just shouldn't be unappealing. basic foods work well for me with this. besides smoothies, other winners are yogurt with or without fruit, and eggs, with or without toast. and now, in autumn, apples with peanut butter. i think your body is trying to tell you something, and perhaps you just need to back off finding what you crave and settle for what you can tolerate. i think we all go through periods of being more and less interested in food. (now that my daughter is on the outside and gobbling up breastmilk, i am very interested in food, indeed!) hth,abbyIE since 11/08 It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself "What did I want to eat?" the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Dina > > > IE since "tomorrow I will begin" > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 you have already started on IE. No " future " date needed. I think we all struggle with switching from diet mentality and IE. I remind myself that I have been dieting for 50 years or more, so I am not going to get IE mentality over night. It is hard though when I feel like I am going backwards. All part of the journey and learning process. Glad you are taking baby steps. You have learned a lot already. Sandy  Thanks everyone for your suggestions.The advice to take baby steps was spot on for me. I was taking on too much at once and therefore getting overwhelmed. I have a time frame in my head for becoming a normal eater that I have to let go of to really learn this process. I've decided that I will check in with my hunger level several times per day and before eating. That's it. No more. I'm trusting that at some point I will get a signal that says, " ok, add on to that and try something new. "  I've also been struggling with the idea of starting IE and wanting a firm start date. In my mind I think that this start date represents a " formal " change and a new beginning. I know this is part of the diet mentality and right now, it's the hardest thing for me to rethink. I have to keep reminding myself that even if I only think about IE once during the many, many instances of eating during the day that at least that is one more time than I ever have in the past. I am not at a place that I trust that this will come organically and it feels like I have to concentrate all my will in order to change things....diet mentality! Dina To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 6:55 PMSubject: Re: Re: I'm new and need help  I have just been going through a short spell of finding that nothing appeals to me, so I just find something and focus on it:  texture, smell, taste, smooth or crunchy, color, etc. and without distractions. I am going through an interesting phase where I have to balance liver healthy foods and those that honor my body. It is a strugle right now to differentiate between forbidden foods and choosing to eat those that honor my body.  I am just at the beginning of learning about the liver and how to takse care of it. It is very interesting and I am excited about trying all the new and strange foods. It is just a matter of retraining myself, from writing my grocery list, to preparing and eating differently. I realize it will be a process, long and slow. Slow and steady wins the race. I will take small baby steps too. Sandy  when I was pregnant, nothing ever sounded good at dinnertime. and my midwife said i couldn't skip dinner entirely. she recommended smoothies with protein powder.and so, the vast majority of nights for 9 months, i had a smoothie. i didn't love them or crave them, but they were quick (important because i was often too tired to do food prep) and easy and satisfying ENOUGH.can you think of one or a few foods that are good enough for you right now? you don't have to be excited about them, they just shouldn't be unappealing. basic foods work well for me with this. besides smoothies, other winners are yogurt with or without fruit, and eggs, with or without toast. and now, in autumn, apples with peanut butter. i think your body is trying to tell you something, and perhaps you just need to back off finding what you crave and settle for what you can tolerate. i think we all go through periods of being more and less interested in food. (now that my daughter is on the outside and gobbling up breastmilk, i am very interested in food, indeed!) hth,abbyIE since 11/08  It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself " What did I want to eat? " the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Dina > > > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2011 Report Share Posted October 25, 2011 I think you're doing great in recognizing the diet mentality that so many of us have lived with. It's so tempting to want a firm "start date," as though your life will suddenly change on that date and you will miraculously turn into a a normal eater. I used to love these start dates because they gave me a giddy hope that I would now finally change my life in one fell swoop. Of course it never really worked out that way and led to a lot of last supper eating and diet backlash and feelings of failure. You're right that just thinking about IE principles a few times a day is starting IE. Now you go from here. Mimi It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself "What did I want to eat?" the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort.BEST wishes for you - KatchaIEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed?> > > > > > Thanks,> > > Dina> > > IE since "tomorrow I will begin"> > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2011 Report Share Posted October 25, 2011 i like Sandy's point that you have already started! and every time you checked in with yourself about hunger and fullness, or asked yourself what you really wanted to eat... that was a win! a success! so i bet you have many successes ALREADY under your belt! look at you go!best,abby  I think you're doing great in recognizing the diet mentality that so many of us have lived with. It's so tempting to want a firm " start date, " as though your life will suddenly change on that date and you will miraculously turn into a a normal eater. I used to love these start dates because they gave me a giddy hope that I would now finally change my life in one fell swoop. Of course it never really worked out that way and led to a lot of last supper eating and diet backlash and feelings of failure. You're right that just thinking about IE principles a few times a day is starting IE. Now you go from here.  Mimi  It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself " What did I want to eat? " the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - KatchaIEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed?> > > > > > Thanks,> > > Dina> > > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2011 Report Share Posted October 25, 2011 i like Sandy's point that you have already started! and every time you checked in with yourself about hunger and fullness, or asked yourself what you really wanted to eat... that was a win! a success! so i bet you have many successes ALREADY under your belt! look at you go!best,abby  I think you're doing great in recognizing the diet mentality that so many of us have lived with. It's so tempting to want a firm " start date, " as though your life will suddenly change on that date and you will miraculously turn into a a normal eater. I used to love these start dates because they gave me a giddy hope that I would now finally change my life in one fell swoop. Of course it never really worked out that way and led to a lot of last supper eating and diet backlash and feelings of failure. You're right that just thinking about IE principles a few times a day is starting IE. Now you go from here.  Mimi  It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself " What did I want to eat? " the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - KatchaIEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed?> > > > > > Thanks,> > > Dina> > > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2011 Report Share Posted October 25, 2011 i like Sandy's point that you have already started! and every time you checked in with yourself about hunger and fullness, or asked yourself what you really wanted to eat... that was a win! a success! so i bet you have many successes ALREADY under your belt! look at you go!best,abby  I think you're doing great in recognizing the diet mentality that so many of us have lived with. It's so tempting to want a firm " start date, " as though your life will suddenly change on that date and you will miraculously turn into a a normal eater. I used to love these start dates because they gave me a giddy hope that I would now finally change my life in one fell swoop. Of course it never really worked out that way and led to a lot of last supper eating and diet backlash and feelings of failure. You're right that just thinking about IE principles a few times a day is starting IE. Now you go from here.  Mimi  It shocked me how little I knew about my own hunger and (food) desires when I began IE. When I asked myself " What did I want to eat? " the first things that popped into my mind were all the 'forbidden' foods! Such is the hold that diet mentality had on my conscious (thinking) mind. That is probably why I chose legalizing as my first step - to do battle with 'forbidden foods'. But when I got to where I wanted to find the foods I wanted to eat, what I found worked for me was to run broad categories of food - salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth/comforting etc. - thru my mind. The one that caught my attention became what I would go with. Finding a way to 'divide and conquer' whatever seems overwhelming can help you help yourself. Again, baby steps, not total achievement (of a suggestion) can get you going and eventually lead you to where you can manage this task in comfort. BEST wishes for you - KatchaIEing since March 2007 > > How do I figure how to feed myself? How do I figure out what I want to eat without feeling overwhelmed?> > > > > > Thanks,> > > Dina> > > IE since " tomorrow I will begin " > > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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