Chapter 5: I'm Gonna Need A Minute
In the latest episode of the Dear Food Podcast, host Julia Fikse delves into the powerful concept of the "Power Pause." This episode, titled "I'm Gonna Need A Minute," is a must-listen for anyone who struggles with compulsive eating, emotional eating, or binge eating. Julia offers practical tips and spiritual insights to help you regain control over your eating habits.
Chapter 5: It Was Granny in the Kitchen with the Butterstick
Welcome to the world of conflicting food cravings, unexpected social gatherings, and the perpetual struggle between healthy eating goals and tempting treats. In a recent episode of the Dear Food Podcast, host Julia Fikse delves into the challenges faced by food enthusiasts attempting to embark on a healthier eating journey. In this blog post, we'll explore key insights and practical tips from the podcast, focusing on strategies to navigate food landmines—unexpected situations that can derail your well-intentioned healthy eating plans.
Food Landmine #1: Group Gatherings:
Julia vividly describes the scenario of being caught in the crossfire of a community event or celebratory buffet filled with unhealthy options. The key takeaway here is preparation. Julia suggests bringing a large, delicious, healthy dish to share, positioning it strategically on the buffet, and making it your primary choice. This not only allows you to stick to your plan but also serves as a positive example for others who might be looking for healthier options.
Additionally, Julia recommends always having something in hand, such as sparkling water or sugarless gum, to prevent mindless grazing. The importance of setting boundaries is emphasized as well—knowing when to politely excuse yourself from a gathering if the food choices are making you uncomfortable.
Food Landmine #2: Being Responsible for Feeding Others:
For those who are the primary food providers in their households, the struggle to balance the diverse preferences and cravings of family members can be overwhelming. Julia shares her personal experience as a mom, providing valuable tips to diffuse this food landmine.
One strategy is the concept of "two-fer dinners," where the family meal is adapted to meet both healthy and traditional preferences. For example, if the family is having pasta, Julia incorporates cauliflower as a pasta replacement for herself. This approach not only helps her stay on track with her own goals but also introduces healthier options to the family. Additionally, snack-prepping healthy options makes it easier for everyone in the household to make better choices when hunger strikes.
Conclusion:
In the podcast, Julia Fikse offers a heartfelt prayer and encourages listeners to celebrate their daily victories on the journey to food freedom. The importance of setting examples for family members, finding creative ways to navigate challenges, and seeking support from a community are recurring themes throughout the episode.
For a deeper dive into these topics and more, listeners are directed to the "Dear Food, I Love You, I Hate You, Don't Leave Me" Workbook 3. Whether you're struggling with group gatherings or the responsibility of feeding others, the podcast provides practical tips and biblical inspiration to help you overcome food landmines on your path to a healthier, more balanced life.
For more resources, visit Julia’s Website and sign up for our newsletter. Join the Dear Food community and share your journey to food freedom on our Facebook page, "Dear Food Study." Let's break food strongholds together!
Julia Fikse, FMCHC, NBC-HWC is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, specializing in Emotional Eating as well as Mental Health and Weight Loss. Julia has personally experienced the frustration of weight gain, weight loss, weight related health issues and emotional eating challenges. Julia is not a therapist or a doctor and this should not in any way replace doctor’s advice.
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