How I overcame my biggest struggle with food

[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #00adef;”] A[/dropcap]s much as I love my job.

There is a downside.

Always being around food can make it challenging not to over eat.

Especially on photography days.

Where I’d be cooking, videoing, tasting and photographing anywhere from 8 to 14 dishes.

It used to be the biggest struggle.

I’d end the day completely stuffed.

And bloated.

Feeling guilty and gross.

But this time last year I decided to work on this bad habit.

Because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.

And be an example for my coaching clients as they were working through their own struggles.

How I overcame my biggest struggle with food

1. Decide.

I made a conscious decision that I wasn’t going to struggle with this any more.

My mantra to myself became ‘I don’t struggle’.

And still is.

2. Plan and visualize.

In the morning before a photo shoot, I take a few minutes to think through how I want the day to go.

I imagine myself tasting things as needed.

But not shoveling food into my mouth.

I imagine myself stopping for a lunch break and enjoying one of the meals.

I imagine how great I’m going to feel when I’m cleaning the kitchen and I’m proud of myself for sticking to my plan.

And best of all, I imagine myself sitting down to dinner with my family.

Actually feeling hungry and excited to share a meal with them.

Instead of beating myself up.

3. Allow + Name Urges.

This may sound strange but it’s incredibly powerful.

During the day when I feel the urge to eat, I pay attention to the urge.

I don’t give in to it (because that just rewards the urge and makes them stronger).

I don’t resist the urge (because that requires will power. And while it works for the short term, eventually I’ll give in).

I allow the urge to be there.

I actually think to myself or say out loud ‘I’m having the urge to eat these almonds‘.

Or whatever.

It’s usually enough.

I move on.

Without taking a bite.

4. Breathe

Of course there are times when I give in to the urge.

When that happens, I try and take a few deep breaths.

I ask myself how am I feeling right now?

Often I notice I’m feeling stressed because something hasn’t turned out quite right.

Or it’s getting cloudy and the light isn’t as good for my photos.

And this stress is trigging the urges.

So I take some time to breath and calm down.

And then get back to work.

5. Practice

This is a practice.

Something I’m still working on.

I don’t expect to be perfect at it. Even now.

But more often than not I allow the urge.

Which makes all the difference to the amount of food I eat during during the day.

And how I feel that night.

Plus over time I’m having less urges.

Which makes it easier and easier.

I can even make a cake for the boys without even thinking about licking the bowl or my fingers.

It really feels like a little miracle.

What about you?

Do you have a struggle you’d like to leave behind?

I’d love to hear about it in the comments below :)

Have fun in the kitchen!

With love,
Jules x

ps. Would you like my personal help to overcome your struggles with food?

Then Stonesoup Coaching might be the answer.

If I can overcome this struggle, I’m sure we can find a way to help you with yours.

Click here for more details on how we can work together.

Tags: coaching, health, struggles