Eat Right Now 12+

I should start by saying a lot of this is not new information to someone who has been struggling with food issues their whole life. I'll follow that by saying a lot of it is COMPLETELY new information! The thing that is unique about how this app works is that it teaches not only the what but the WHY! If you're a learner or someone who needs that why like I am this is a revelation. The lessons are also broken down into wonderful bite sized pieces and have a beautiful flow to them and a connected follow through of "what to do with this information" that is usually lacking. I have found that most of the programs that I've tried have either given information with no direction on what to do with the information or they give a list of "dos and don'ts" with little to no education on why. At the end of week one I remember the lesson mentioning that this is not an intellectual quest to think things out, but simply learning to connect with our body and emotions. (Something like that) Its very true too! The joy and power in this program is that it helps connect us to those emotions and sensations that we've spent a lifetime squelching with food! At least for me this has been a revelation!

In this last Week I have begun to notice more of my habit loops and where I am letting my body sensations dictate my actions. Instead it will be more helpful and healthy to recognize the body sensation, accept that it is happening as then become curious about it. Noting any feelings I am having at the time. Once I slowed down to take these simple steps I begin to understand more that I have been just mindlessly eating out of habit or boredom or stress etc. being involved with this app and the community of real people I am slowing and taking note of this happening. After this first week I have begun to enjoy my meals, eat smaller portions because I eat slower, I feel full before I’ve eaten the whole meal. Before this experience this week I would eat one helping and then go back for more. I even used the exercises in this app to eat only 3 salt & pepper wings, 1/2 cup of fried rice and one egg roll at a lunch with co workers. Before having the tools I have now I always had triple that because the food is so great tasting and probably full of MSG. I was full after the three. This program like any other will give you back what you put in. I highly recommend it!

Wow! I loved the one month summary and realized that I probably need to review all of it again. I am rereading The Craving Mind again and realize that I have moments of grasping all of this and then I lose it. I really need to strengthen my stress compass and to appreciate mindfulness. Over the years I have had brief periods where I would meditate yet I still have a general reaction like Dr. Brewer’s on page 134: “Who would want to pay attention to a seemingly uninteresting, unexciting object like the breath when my mind was full of all sorts of better things...”. I like the loving kindness meditation much better. The noting and awareness without judgment is a challenge and I need much more practice with this. The app feels personal and it keeps me connected. I appreciated the reminder when I had missed. few days. My daughter was visiting and I also needed a break. It felt like you noticed and cared even though it was probably automated. Interestingly I have not lost weight but I have not had any unplanned sweets which was my goal. I feel confident and will keep on truckin. Thank you.