Food and memories are so deeply intertwined for me. I think of family dinners, holidays, and visiting relatives. I think of love and belonging when I think about food. I think of my little Italian Nanny, and my mother working all day in the kitchen to prepare the most delicious meals. Eggplant parmesan, escarole and beans, and pasta fagioli. Don’t even get me started on the pork sauce. Then there was the good sausage and Italian bread straight outta’ Brooklyn! I think of our kitchen table set for family and good times. It’s no wonder that food is so comforting.
This blog is a place for the truth, and the truth is I am an emotional eater. The rational side of my brain says, “It’s just food.” The emotional side of my brain says, “Sweet relief! Yes, let me have another scoop of ice cream please.” However, the comfort is only temporary and is almost always followed with some regret. Since I began my journey, I am learning how to cope with emotions for what they are, and to deal with them without trying to distract myself with food. Somedays it is very hard to do, while other days it’s not an issue at all. It’s the self-awareness that I want to celebrate, getting to this point of really recognizing what has held me back in the past from achieving long-lasting weight loss.
I’m in this for life, and that means I have to continue to work on this part of me until I really understand what it is and why it happens. It means knowing my triggers, and being more present. When I do go on “autopilot” and old habits creep back in, recognizing it and taking action. This stuff isn’t easy, and I think that’s why so many people give up on weight loss.
Just remember, it’s never too late for a “do over.” There is no shame in a fresh start even if it is every day or even every hour of the day. You are enough, and so am I we can do this, it just takes time.
Getting to Goal 