Having gone through the journey of weight loss and from a fragile-weak body to fit-vibrant self almost 17 years ago, and maintaining it for quite some time and living in a healthy way, I did learn quite some during the process. And I still follow most of the healthy habits I picked then like: eating wholesome foods, fiber rich foods, nutrient dense vegetable, fruits, drink lots of water. Go with brown and whole grain foods instead of white and processed.

I prefer home-cooked, unprocessed over store bought and using foods with multitudes of unknown ingredients.

In spite of all this, still I go through a roller-coaster of ups and downs in weight, and the consequences of added weight. I have knowledge of healthy foods, foods that help me and which don’t help me, I keep up with exercise most of the time. I indeed enjoy eating healthy foods which make me feel good, energetic, vibrant. I love to exercise for the flexibility and lightness it gives to my body and mind. Why then is that I still go through the ups and downs.

Weight gain doesn’t vanish with just knowing. Rather it is a journey to keep up with. If not weight loss, at least maintaining the weight should be a journey. With growing age, changes happening in life, situations, stress, sleep…. all these contribute to it. As we age, we tend to lose muscle and may impact metabolism. Even if we continue to eat the same way as before, we tend to gain weight with lowered muscle and lowered metabolism. The way to keep up with weight is to protect losing the muscle by incorporating appropriate exercise, and perhaps even change our diet a bit to adjust to the bodily changes we are having.

For me personally my binge eating has gone so much up. That is my main issue for the ups in my weight. I did identify some of the scenarios when I eat other than when I am truly hungry.

• Foggy brain
• Comfort
• Boredom
• As a continued process
• Stressed
• Bogged down
• Needing a way/solution
• To get relief
• Relax

Eating when hungry is something needed, and I need to care for my body by feeding it healthy food when it is hungry.  At times I tend to make my meal an endless process of eating one after another until I can’t anymore. This is so unhealthy, I feel awful, guilty, and yet I continue mindlessly. This kind of behavior even once in a while wipes off the results and rewards of all the healthy habits I follow. Sometimes it could be just once in a while, and sometimes it might kick in almost every day at a certain time…usually from after lunch to evening, and sometimes when I am up late.

I had gone with couple of cleanses…healthy ones, and helps me temporarily. After a while, again these unhealthy scenarios kick in. I am so tired of these, and want to liberate myself from these roller coasters and have a life-long freedom to enjoy healthy foods in supportive quantity for enjoying my Healthy-Fit-Vibrant self

This time I have to come up with a powerful strategy for it, and going with inspiration from three boys/men from my family

1. My nephew Abhi’s suggestion: How badly I want this – My Healthy-Fit-Vibrant self? Answer is I want it with all my heart. I just need to remember it every time I feel like eating and ask me the following question:

Will eating this be supporting my Healthy-Fit-Vibrant self?

If answer is yes, go for it.

If not, don’t eat. And look for alternative appropriate options to fill my emotional hunger.

2. My son: He knows exactly when to stop his meals. He doesn’t ever overdo or over indulge, nor eats foods that ever made him feel not good.

For example, if he didn’t feel good having a banana shake, he wouldn’t ever have it again J Of course banana is not something he likes, and makes sense. The only sweets he like and eat are brownies, chocolate cookies (chocolate chip or Oreos). He loves the freshly baked brownies. In spite of it, he has extreme control and doesn’t’ ever go with more than two/three one-inch squares.

He loves freshly made guacamole. Recently while having meals, there was bit little rice for him, and I could see that he is still hungry. I asked him if I could made him guacamole and he readily agreed. I made from one small avocado and served him. After a bit I noticed that he just ate half of it. I asked if he didn’t like. He answered, “no, it is good and I liked it.” I asked if he was full, and he said, “no it is just enough. If I eat too much of it, it just doesn’t’ make me feel good.” I was blown by his explanation and how sensible he is. I wish I have the same control and sensitivity as him.

3. My Dad: Similar to my son, I never noticed my Dad over eating or even eating something he knew is not good for his body. As I look back, I realize that my Dad didn’t restrict his freedom, rather he exercised his freedom to enjoy foods that support his health and in appropriate portion that is helpful for his health and body.

From these three inspirations, and from my own personal healthy habits I developed:

• How easily and naturally I gravitate to healthy foods such as greens, brown rice, veges, fruits, fiber rich foods.
• Have no temptations at all to sodas or sugared coffee or white rice
• Enjoy the vibrant energy I receive and experience from my magical bike rides, magical walks; short fat burning and toning workouts my nephew Abhi suggested which give me a burst of vibrant, agile energy…good feel of toned muscles and slim and fit body
• How good I feel having water to rejuvenate my body….

I am feeling confident now that I am on my way to enjoy my freedom to experience my 100% Healthy-Fit-Vibrant body!!

The purpose of eating is to nourish the hungry body with nutrient food. Food isn’t the means to break free from stress, foggy brain or a means for comfort, pleasure, or bonding.

I will become aware of any unhealthy eating triggers/cravings:

• If I am seeking comfort: I might reach out to a supportive friend, or do some self-care activity such an oil massage or a pedicure
• Experiencing a foggy brain: go for a short walk or do 20 jumping jacks, or do some slow-deep breathing
• Something is stressing: I will journal, or talk to a confidant coach or a friend
• If I am bored: doodle/sing/dance, or make a decorative affirmation card

I will remember my want and love: to having freedom to enjoy my 100% health and do what supports my want, wish and desire. Please help me with this!!