Feeling Better

I'm feeling a bit better. I went to counseling tonight and discussed ways to deal with cravings and stress. She gave me some really good pointers.

AFFIRMATIONS

• Writing out affirmation on index cards
  
• Yep heard it before but I'm actually doing it now
• Write on the opposite side of the card things you've already implemented
• This is to overcome negative self talk, the nagging oh you know you can't... or Yeah right - come on you know how you are...

FOOD CRAVINGS

• To deal with those craving food like my brownies the other day
• Pinch your thumb and middle finger together
• Visualize the brownie
• Visualize the brownie covered in gross things
  
• For me this is sauerkraut & snot
• Then you visualize getting it near your mouth to take a bit
• This should invoke a gag reflex
• If you don't start to gag it's not a gross enough thing
• You may have to do this several times to not have the craving
• When/If the craving returns repeat the steps each time
  

I also, discovered in counseling tonight that from being so poor as a child and having to eat potatoes and top ramen for long periods of time - it was an emotional trauma and food is not only comfort for me it's also security. I hadn't quite made that link but it's very true! I fear being without food and going intentionally into a self inflicted deprived state (and I stress here - not that I'm hungry this isn't a physical hunger) it's caused me to mentally to go into stress - thinking I am being deprived and doing without. So, this is were the affirmations come in very strong!!!

I felt even better after I ate my apple
Warm Apples
Fuji Apple cored, sliced & chunked
Cinnamon (about 1/2 tsp)
2 packets Stevia

Mix ingredients and cook in microwave for about 3 minutes (they were still slightly crunchy)

Warm apples not only did they taste really good, they were satisfying and very comforting! I may have to do this more often so I feel like I am getting a treat. So, I'm not feeling deprived. Oh, here's the key message - it's feelings... HAHAHAHA