Food Freedom and Flexibility
The weather is a good reminder that plans can always change. Even with advancements in technology and all the radars, they don’t always get it right. Therefore, we can’t be 100% certain that the weather won’t mess with our plans.
This makes me think about our relationship with food. We have to be flexible. It’s good to have a plan, but sometimes things interfere with your plan.
What happens when you’ve looked at a menu of the restaurant that you’re supposed to go to that evening only to show up and the wait for a table is 2 hours long? No one has time for that, so you go to a nearby restaurant. Years ago, that would have freaked me out. I would have likely planned the meal I was ordering and made sure that it stayed within my calorie allowance. Instead of being able to look at any menu knowing it’s all permissible and being able to decide what’s most beneficial for me for that meal (listening to my taste, how hungry I am, identifying a good source of protein, etc.), I would’ve been filled with anxiety, and my evening would have been ruined. (I’m embarrassed to admit that my attitude would have likely shown in my interactions with others as well.)
One of the pillars of my Faith and Fitness Framework™ is food. The approach I take is one that puts you in control rather than a random diet. The verse that supports this is 1 Corinthians 6:12, “Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.” We implement tools and strategies I learned (and am now certified in) from #Moderation365. Different from what many might think, food freedom and flexibility allows you to be able to navigate any food situation with confidence and gives you control rather than a random diet plan. You can lean into that freedom and trust this process while healing your relationship with food.
Contrary to what many believe, food freedom doesn’t mean that you’ll eat everything in sight. It’s quite the opposite. When you have the freedom to eat what you want, you’ll make more mindful choices. You’ll truly listen to your body and eat what you want because you’ll want to eat those things that leave you feeling satisfied and not stuff. You’ll want to eat food that gives you energy and food that agrees with how your body is made. So you can eat what you want because you’ll be able to trust that what you want is what is best for you.
Food freedom and flexibility allows you to be able to navigate any food situation with confidence and gives you control rather than a random diet plan. Click To TweetThe first step to finding this freedom is to ditch diets. It might be scary, but it’s essential. Here’s the thing, the diets will always be there. But they can’t be in the same sentence as freedom. Following a diet, defining yourself by numbers or being “on plan,” is not living in freedom. Ditching diets is the first step.
The next step is to commit to learning about the unique body God created for and entrusted to you. Most of us have dieted the majority of our lives, so we have disconnected from the amazing person and body God has created. You might not even know what foods you truly like or what movement brings you joy. Become aware. Get in tune with your body and the signals it gives you. Practice mindfulness. Then honor God by honoring your body.
It sounds simple, and in many ways, it is. The difficult part is letting go. But when you do, you’ll find freedom. I know because I’ve done it. If you want help finding your freedom, reach out to me. #Moderation365 coaching might be the next step you need to take.
Food freedom and flexibility leads to a fit and free life. It’s how God designed you to live.
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