Transformative Nutrition Practice of the Month
January: Appetite
Usually when we think about appetite we think about the desire for food. Thought of in a broader sense, appetite can refer to all things we might desire and long for in our lives. It can be an expression of a hunger or thirst for physical nourishment as well as mental, emotional and spiritual sustenance.
Often people, especially those who struggle with food and weight issues, find themselves turning to food to feed an emotional or spiritual hunger, an appetite for love, appreciation, acceptance, success, comfort, connection, knowledge, etc. Also, when people experience shame or guilt over their appetites and cravings, whether for food or any other desires, we often ignore, deny or satisfy our hunger with unsatisfactory alternatives (i.e. low-fat, sugar-free food options, shopping, etc).
This month:
- Practice keeping a hunger/appetite journal. Every morning or at least weekly sit with a blank page and ask yourself what you hunger or thirst for today. We recommend checking in with yourself and asking both literally, what kind of food do you really want for your breakfast, dinner, etc. and for what else do you have an appetite? Practice satisfying your appetite for whatever it is you desire each day. If it's ice cream one day, go for it. If it's touch, schedule a massage after work or ask your partner for a foot rub. If it's recognition, call a friend who you know adores you.
- If you can't satisfy your appetite for whatever reason, allow yourself to indulge in the pleasure of simply wanting. Having an appetite is an amazing sign of life; its absence, a sign of illness. Sometimes, we need to accept not having our hungers fed, but we can always grant ourselves the pleasure of desiring.
In either case...bon appetite!
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