I'm learning this right now, on both fronts. Over the past couple of weeks, ever since visiting Batty & Co, I've changed my eating style and totally threw counting and calculating out the window. I haven't counted a single calorie or carb, and it's been GREAT. I have indulged when I wanted to indulge, and haven't restricted myself from anything I really wanted.
Yes, according to the scale I've gained some weight, but as most of us probably agree- scales are stupid. After the initial 4 or 5 pound "blow up" my weight is holding steady and behold! My clothes all still fit! My guess would be that my reserves are full, and some of that "weight" is due to the heafty amount of fruits and veggies residing in my gut at any given time. The number on the scale does not worry me.
What to eat, when to eat it... it's all become a huge numbers game in the Primal and Paleo communities- and in weight loss forums of all kinds. Protein, carbs, fat. Ratios. Too many carbs, not enough fat, or vice versa. IFing for 12 hours versus 16, or 24. One meal a day, or two? Or three?
Don't get me wrong, I like numbers. My brain is drawn to numbers, but I'm burned out. I browse through the blogs and forums and one thing keeps popping into my head.
"I DON'T GIVE A CRAP ANYMORE!"
What do I eat?
Whatever I want... within general Primal constraints.
When do I eat it?
Whenever the heck I want. I eat a couple meals a day, sometimes three. I snack if I'm feeling peckish. Some days I eat 6 or 7 times. So what?
Have I mentioned I HATE the word "peckish?"
I do.
But I digress...
Oh... and this whole "follow your gut" thing seems to work in non-food-related areas too. When you hear a little voice nudging you, by all means listen to it! Women especially. It can keep you safe.
I've been working overtime for the last 2 weeks solid. Rarely if ever do I listen to the local Top 40 station, especially in the mornings. The morning hosts are annoying as all get out. But... while listening to Bill Bennett a little voice said "Maybe you should listen for the birthday wheel."
Sure... why not?
Lo and behold, they spun my birthday! AND I was the tenth caller, winning me $106... which ironically the Universe decided I was going to need for a surprise chiropractor visit, tire repair and other miscellaneous expenses.
Always trust your gut. You know what's best for you, but you must listen. There are no secrets if you pay attention to what the Universe is trying to tell you.
Remembering to listen. That's the hard part.
your body is the reflection of your mind.
ReplyDeleteI'e started doing the same thing...some days I don't eat until 3 or 4 in the afternoon and only have one meal. Some days I snack on and off all day long, all within primal guidelines. And I love numbers too, but agree with you on this too...I just don't care anymore! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love this post! It is just what I needed this morning. Tanks!
ReplyDelete*I love Batty's coment too.
<3 Batty.
ReplyDeletePatty- Is it just me or... do you stop and think "Wow... this is how normal people think (or don't think) about food?" :)
Bobbi- Thank you. I'm glad I could help!
this is such a great post. i think the foundation of the primal/paleo lifestyle is intrinsically about freedom. for me, it has been a journey of knowing that my body is not broken in any way...it KNOWS. i've been a little disheartened by the mainstreaming of it leading to counting things. i'm willing to bet that our ancestors used their bodies wisdom, too, and didn't count a thing. good stuff.
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