What is your body telling you? It was January 2018, and it seemed like everyone I knew was making a New Year’s resolution to go gluten free. It is now August, and I don’t really hear anybody singing the praises of this diet strategy. Because I spent many years dieting myself, I have come to recognize that sometimes a minor lifestyle change – not a diet – is the key.
My body is very clear in what it likes and does not like. In my 20’s and 30’s I usually ignored the whispers. In my 50’s I realize to be my best self I need to stop and pay attention. The gluten free wave is out there and many are riding it. Unfortunately for me, I love, love, love, bread! But, I have been forced to recognize that I do have a sensitivity to gluten. So, in order to feel better I am beginning to remove gluten from my diet. I don’t feel deprived. Just look at this polenta cake – I can’t wait to make it! I wish I would have listened to my body years ago…
I read an article recently on the concept of “Body Kindness” which resonated with me. The author of the book encourages us to accept our body and treat it with the love and respect it deserves. Take the time to read nutritionist Ellie Krieger’s interview with the author, who encourages us to get away from the idea of diets and embrace the concept of the body kindness pillars. Rebecca Scritchfield believes in using the three pillars of body kindness (love, connect, care) when making choices on how to take care of ourselves every day . This is how she explains the three pillars:
- Love: When you make choices from a place of love, you’re able to pause and think about the best choice for your long-term well-being.
- Connect: Your body is a great communicator and it’s up to you to listen. Maybe you need sleep, food or just a good cry. Quite often, the lack of connection to our bodies blinds our decision-making abilities.
- Care: This is about taking action in the direction of your goals. If you want to create lasting habits, you need to be consistent. When you stay fully committed to taking good care of yourself, you can make mistakes, recover, and get back on track until your new habits stick.
At this stage in life we need to take care of our bodies in order to face the day-to-day challenges with confidence, energy and a positive outlook. Listen to your body, accept that you are human and you may falter from time to time. I found that once I realized gluten was making me ill, it really wasn’t so hard to say goodbye. Thank goodness I don’t have a sensitivity to chocolate!
Because we should all be kind to our bodies, see mood boosting foods you will want to eat and “healthy-ish.” And always remember, you are fabulous. Be strong!
