Your Body is Not Your Enemy
I don’t know if it’s the weather (it’s raining) or my hormones or the fact that it’s Moan-day, but I’ve had this uncontrollable urge to eat, eat, eat all morning.
I used to really freak out when my body ‘betrayed me’ like this. I’d think that I wasn’t suppose to be hungry, and I was being weak or lazy by giving into my hunger cues. So many women get MAD at themselves when they eat more than what they "should," whether its because they’re hungry or bored or the food just looks really, really good.
YOUR BODY IS NOT YOUR ENEMY. Gosh, I wish I had figured that out a few years ago. It’s OK to eat more on a random day just because. Beating yourself up about it is NOT OK. Don’t feel the need to apologize or justify it…. it is what it is. Be kind to yourself!
On that note, I picked my way through the morning, snacking on an orange:
A few dried baby pineapple:
And a handful of cereal.
Lunch was what finally hit the spot, though:
I used a whole wheat bagel to make a pizza bagel. It was so soft and gooey — almost like a deep-dish pizza! Plus a side of broc.
I think I’m finally satisfied!
How are you kind to yourself? I truly try to never beat myself up about food choices. I used to do that for so long, and it’s so counterproductive and downright mean. If I don’t love myself unconditionally (my worth is not based on my calorie intake!), who will?
Posted by: Caitlin 58 comments
Posted in: All Posts
on May 18th, 2009 at 8:52 am
These are some great thoughts, Caitlin! I’ve had a “hungry” COUPLE WEEKS lately and I’m trying not to freak out. Sometimes our bodies know things that our mind doesn’t. I’m trying to be kind and keep listening. Thanks for the reminder.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:00 am
THANK YOU for this!! Regardless of the fact that I am active, I still get upset with myself when I “overeat” aka have more than I “need”. It’s stupid and self-deprecating!!
I am good to myself by getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, not smoking, avoiding tanning beds, and practicing yoga!
The fact that I know so much about how to be healthy is sometimes destructive, because when I step outside of the box I feel badly!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:13 am
My biggest problem is when my exercise time is down, such as during tapering. I’m still hungry because my body is so used to all the activity, but I try to eat less when my mileage is down. That’s so hard sometimes!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Such true words, Caitlin! We have a tendency to be very hard on ourselves. The way I think about it is this: would I ever say any of those things to my best friend? No, of course not! And that’s silly because we should be our own best friends, truly. I should be nicer to me than to anyone else.
http://www.HelpMeghanRun.com
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Words to live by! Thanks for the reminder – we can always use more. I have thoughts like “I shouldn’t be hungry now” all the time, but if my stomach is literally turning over on itself, I don’t think my body’s trying to lie to me! I will be nice to myself today, thanks to your reminder.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:23 am
I love making pizzas out of bagels – yum!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Wow, that’s totally exactly my philosophy. You can’t always expect the world to show you kindness, you know? At the very least, you should be able to look to yourself for love and kindness and not criticism. Life is so hard already.
Eating more on a given day is okay with me; I remind myself that it’s the progress overall that matters, not how much I eat on one day. But at the same time, I definitely keep my eating under control and try not to eat when I’m not hungry. I don’t want to fall into the trap of emotional eating (like I used to).
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:30 am
I used to feel slightly guilty about “overeating” but I defintiely don’t now. I just eat what I want when I want it. As long as I feel healthy, I’m already with whatever my body feels like eating. I just try to focus on feeling good.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:32 am
I’ve been just thinking about making English muffin pizza… yum!
Very wise words. I try to be kind to myself by focusing on what my body can do, especially compared to where I started. When I’m “too hungry” or feeling unmotivated to workout or whatever unsavory body-related feeling is hitting me that day, I just remember how strong and resilient my physical self is – and that helps the emotional side of things, too!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:32 am
I loved this post, Caitlin! That’s an incredible perspective to have. I know that I used to get pissy if I thought I’d eaten too much, or the “wrong” things, and I’d take that out on others. Then I realized, what do I want people to remember me for? NOT for freaking out about food, that’s for damn sure. And you’re right. We need to trust our bodies and love them, because they truly are miraculous.
Speaking of which, I am SO sorry about the hand and little accident yesterday. I passed a huge group of bikers this morning and stared at them all to see whether they were wearing helmets. Thankfully, they were.
Hope you have a great rest of your Monday!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:37 am
this is such a great post and SO true. God I can’t even imagine the number of times I would get mad at myself for my food choices. and ya know what? now that i don’t feel like I have so much pressure, I make better food choices (because I WANT the food!) and feel better about myself. Last night all I wnated was carbs and at first I was getting upset with myself about it then I realized why?? If I want carbs, have carbs! I knew everything would balance out.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:45 am
I’m really trying to work on this right now so that’s for this post!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Excellent post!
I struggle with this daily after suffering from anorexia when I was a teen and then relapsing a few years back. I recognize that it will always be something I need to keep my eye on, but do a lot more of what you talk about in your post than I used to. I really try to honor my hunger & not freak out too much.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:48 am
It’s so true! Why do we fight what is so natural and necessary? I am guilty sometimes too but it’s this blog world full of great strong women that helps me through. Thanks for posting this.
Oh and lunch looks delicious =)
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:51 am
I am guilty of beating myself up at times for eating “too much.” I know I shouldn’t worry about it so much, because my diet is so healthy and that a little extra food won’t kill me! Some days I still could use a reminder like this though, so thank you!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:55 am
This is why you’re my FAVORITE blogger–no self-loathing just because you ate a bit more than planned! I am finding myself tapering down the food blogs i frequent, mainly due to this problem! Thank you for being good to your body–it inspires all of your readers to do the same!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Caitlin,
You literally breath life into me sometimes with your posts. This one just gave me a HUGE BREATH OF FRESH AIR. You make such a damn good point. Our bodies are beautiful, not the enemy, and not something to battle against. I only recently learned this and am so glad to have the support and reminder from such an intelligent, strong woman whom I look to for a lot of wisdom.
Sorry, I just had to let you know cool you are. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to.
Thanks for your constant awesomness.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:06 am
I loved your post! I have those days too and I just like to treat myself to what my body´s really craving, which is usually chocolate cake or hot chocolate or anything else chocolatey. Being nice to yourself is super important because the kinder you are to yourself the kinder you can be to those around you and everyone benefits in the end. I´ve been having a pretty rough schedule at work the last few months so tonight I´m being nice to myself by leaving at a reasonable hour and going to a bread baking class. I´m super excited! Have a great day!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Some days I am hungry and eat a lot, and other days I just nibble. It all evens out in the end. I am definitely at my set point weight (healthy tipping point?)
Your hand looks so sad all bandaged up
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Hey Caitlin! I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now but have never left a comment. I was wondering though, I just got a waffle maker this weekend (woo!) and haven’t seen the waffle mix you use anywhere? Where do you get it from? Oh and I also live in Orlando. I just started my own blog not too long ago, feel free to check it out.
http://www.confessionsofablackbelt.wordpress.com
Thank you!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:22 am
I feel so guilty when I eat more than normal. Thanks for this post and reminding me to honor my body and hunger.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:23 am
I’m so agree with you Caitlin.. yesterday was definitely those days that I’m especially hungry and urge to eat, so you said, it’s totally OK to eat more when we feel like!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Great post!
I was wondering—what did you put on the bagels to make the pizza?? I really like this idea, but since I’m new to creating my own “concotions,” I tend to question everything and freak a little! lol
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:29 am
I just want to hug you for this – you are such a sweetheart!
I’m having one of those days too, but I think I can attribute it to a poor lunch choice (not enough fiber/protein) and hormones. YAY for being a girl and having crazy cravings once a month!
I still love me though.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:29 am
superdots – the bagels are thomas hearty grains 100% whole wheat bagels. they have 10 grams of protein (yay), no HFCS, and 7 grams of fiber. only 240 calories… kind of like two slices of bread.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:41 am
I started reading your blog and I love it! I recently started mine own blog-come check it out!
http://staceyshappylife.blogspot.com/
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on May 18th, 2009 at 10:59 am
I try to only eat natural foods, get enough sleep, and exercise daily! What a great pos!!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 11:18 am
great post! I totally agree.
i’ve found it makes a big difference being married. even when i eat more than i should, or eat lots of unhealthy stuff just cause it looks good, my husband always tells me how beautiful i am and that keeps the negative feelings away 
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on May 18th, 2009 at 11:22 am
great post – I try to not get all weirded out on super hungry days like that, either. days like that happen! i need to just be okay with it and know that my body is smarter than my head.
i’m glad you’re okay after your crash! i had a pretty bad bike crash a few years ago and really haven’t ridden since
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on May 18th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Woo, pizza bagels!
This is a realization I’ve recently made too. I’m tired of depriving my body! So I just feed it till it’s satisfied on those days where I’m more hungry than usual, and then the next day, I’m less hungry than usual! So it all evens out in the end
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on May 18th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Love this post — so well put and I totally agree!
p.s. you za bagel looks AMAZING!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Great post Caitlin! The pizza bagel looks amazing
I will have to try that!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Caitlin and all,
This is a little off-topic, but I found this great link to a “vegetarian starter kit” I thought you might enjoy or find helpful!
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/2007/pdf/vegetarian_starter_kit.pdf
And I loved this entry too. You rock
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on May 18th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
You biked 25 miles yesterday, I’m surprised you haven’t eaten the house! Thanks for the post on overeating…I’ve been trying to lose those stubborn ten pounds and I’ll find that I’ll eat very healthy for a few days and then become so hungry that I could eat a small child! I’m learning to eat a little more everyday so that I don’t overeat….enjoy your day
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on May 18th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
What a great post! I know I beat myself up on days when I feel like I eat more than I “deserve” to, this is a great reminder that we don’t have to do that and that doing it does no good!
I do a few different things to be good to myself: buy natural/organic foods occasionally, exercise, take out time for me (like today my skin was not feeling up to par so I took 20 mintues to use a face mask and then took a long hot shower to wash off the mask..it was wonderful!).
Thanks again for the great post!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I love your thoughts today- thank you for the reminder. Some days I definitely eat way more than usual for no reason! I used to get down about it too, but I try my best not to anymore.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I have been having similar struggles this past week and weekend. And I too have been beating myself up about it. But, today is a new day! Here’s to better food choices and treating myself better!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
what a beautiful and inspiring post, girl.. thank you for sharing – your words are so empowering!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
That’s so awesome. In fact, your body is your homey!
To be kind to myself, I try to get enough sleep. And I consistently fail! But I really want to do better. And I eat well and take herbs and the whole shit as well.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
You’re so right!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Love the pizza bagel! I must do that! Thanks for the reminder too! I tend to get mad at myself on days that I can’t stop snacking but it usually is pms or because I am not satisfied…no reason to feel guilty!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Thanks for the great post!! Just last night I was beating myself up about eating too much after I got off work. It’s great to have a reminder to NOT do that!!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I feel that kind of hunger everyday! Welcome to my world!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Thank you so much for writing this. I had a horrible night last night..trying to overcome the binger inside of me. I woke up hating my body this morning and thank you for reminding me that I have to love myself.
Off for some yoga and circuit workouts.
M
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on May 18th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
You bring up an amazing point! I try very hard not to beat myself up over not always choosing the healthiest option. We must listen to our bodies
Have a great night!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Well said and good points. Thanks for reminding us to appreciate our the bodies we’ve been given.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
What a great post!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I have days like that and I try to just listen to my body! I love the title of this post!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I love this, Caitlin. Like the others said above, I LOVE how you don’t beat yourself up for eating certain things. I have trouble with this…a lot. I’ll have some good days now and then, though, and it helps to see others who are strong enough to listen to their bodies (and tummies).
Good food is just TOO GOOD!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
good timing, thank you, I’ve been over the top starving all day!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
amen! i love your perspective and its what keeps me coming back to this blog everyday. so what if you eat more than you should one day– feeling guilty is not only bad for your own psyche but (if you verbalize it on the blog), those of readers as well. you should be a life coach. fourth job?!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Thanks for that insightful thought. I tend to freak out whenever that happens and beat myself up but now i never really do anything about it after that, i just try to work it off.. though i used to go on a major fruit detox when that happens previously.
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on May 18th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
thanks you lovely ladies!
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on May 18th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
this post is awesome
you are beautiful
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on May 18th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Yum, it’s been ages since I’ve had a pizza bagel–sounds perfect right about now.
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on May 19th, 2009 at 6:35 am
i dont know if you’ll see this (few days late), but thank you for this post. its so nice to have a reminder now and again that eating a little more, or something ‘bad’ is just freakin fine
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on May 19th, 2009 at 7:43 am
Great post! I am trying to learn to be kind to myself. Hence the blog name. I have been so strict and hard on myself for as long as I can remember. I am a perfectionist and anything else has been failure in my mind.
I have been doing a total life/mind overhaul. I am trying to be nice to myself in as many aspects as I can…eating, working out, being lazy, enjoying time with others. I am trying to make it a top priority in life and it definitely takes work to avoid falling back into my perfectionist tendancies.
Happiness Awaits
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on May 19th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Thank you for the great reminder that how we feel about ourselves is not dependent on how much we eat. It was a great snap-back moment for me! Thanks for the great perspective!
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