Behavior Modification

I wanted to share this response that I made on Tracy Reifkind's blog post called "Butterfinger Thighs" In her post, Tracy talks about her compulsive behavior around food. I felt that she finally put into words what I've felt for a long time. I decided to share my response in my blog.

Tracy,

I tried to make this point at a recent WW meeting. The ladies just didn't get it the way that I was explaining. We talked about "red, yellow and green-light" foods. Foods that are risky (prone to overeat), proceed with caution (may or may not overeat), and safe foods (not apt for overeating). I was saying that for me, the food didn't so much matter, but the BEHAVIOR around the food did. I said that brownies are my weakness, but if I ate a single serving of brownie with great satisfaction, that for me was not a 'red light' situation. On the other hand, if I ate half a watermelon with the intention of "stuffing" myself, the food in itself is healthy, but the behavior is not.
It's a moment by moment check-in for me. I know that as I am more aware of it, the better it will be in the future.

I hope to come to that place of releasing food for emotional needs and reclaim it for it's nutritional, nourishing purpose.