The More to Love Diet Plan
I make healthy choices whenever I can,
but forgive myself when I don’t.
I eat when I’m hungry, not when I’m stressed,
but forgive myself if I do.
I practice moderation, not denial.
I feed myself with love.
© Elizabeth Patch, all rights reserved
from “More to Love”, written & illustrated by Elizabeth Patch
Everything I know about intuitive eating,
I’ve tried to sum up in these 4 simple sentences.
Everyone agrees that “the holidays” add stress to those struggling with issues about food, dieting, body image. The big winter holidays, religious feasts, family celebrations (birthdays, graduations, weddings), even simple office events: dreaded, sinful, delicious, guilty!
So here it is, another American holiday coming up, the 4th of July.
Oh no! Coleslaw and Potato Salad with Real Mayonnaise. Baked Beans. Peach Pie. Big Fat Juicy Cheeseburgers. Fried Chicken. Strawberry Shortcake. Marshmallows. Beer.
Oh yes! Parades. Fireworks. Bare Feet. Fireflies. Kids running around in the sprinklers (or fire hydrants). The smell of neighbors having a cookout. Light until 9pm. Kisses in the moonlight.
Life is full of pleasures, and food is just one wonderful part of a full and happy life.
Life is no picnic if you can’t occasionally enjoy a real one!
Choices. Moderation. Forgiveness. Love.
Its not a diet, its just a plan.
this was the last illustration I finished for More to Love.
See the preliminary sketches for it here
Food is indeed an important part of the celebrations- it just shouldn't be the be-all end-all!
I want to be at that picnic
- Sagan
Exactly, food shouldn't be the be-all end-all! Food is a just one part of a celebration, but for many people with eating disorders or on a restrictive diet, everything else about the fun is overshadowed by anxiety over the "forbidden" foods, or overindulging and then punishing oneself for being "bad". Life is "no picnic" if you can't occasionally enjoy a real picnic!
I have read a bit about intuitive eating lately in blogs I follow. The idea is interesting, but I am not sure I could do it. I love NH! Even went to UNH although I grew up outside Boston.