Shake the Excess

We live in a world that unfortunately tends to judge us based on how much we have.  Whether it’s having the most money, the most property, the nicest car, or the most possessions, having a lot is usually a reflection of success in our culture.  Interestingly enough, excess in your life may have translated into excess on your plate as well.

When you choose a restaurant or a place to eat out, do you feel like you‘re getting “gipped” if your portions appear to be smaller than what you expect?  Do you prefer to buy items in bulk to save money, but then feel guilty at the thought that the food might go to waste so you eat more than you need to just to finish it?

These behaviors are a product of the excess you feel you need to have in your life.  You take on too much, you potentially spend too much to “keep up with the Joneses’,” and it is not too surprising to find yourself eating too much.

Sometimes it is important to remember that not just in eating, but in life, having all that you need, not necessarily what you want, is enough.  For example, let’s say you had a nice meal and you feel very satisfied from it, but there is a delicious dessert on the menu that you really want to have.  You decide to eat the piece of cake because you want it and you think, “When do I ever get to have a nice dessert?”  But the thing is you have options in this situation:

• Chances are, this meal is not your last, and this item that you want to eat will still be around tomorrow when you wake up.  Sometimes you say yes because it seems like this food will never come around again, however there is always another time to try it, and there is no need to go overboard if you are really satisfied. This is easier if you have successfully given yourself unconditional permission to eat when you are hungry what you want (note: this is one of the core characteristics of being an intuitive eater)
• Another option is to have a bite or two, and then take the item home.  This can work for a main course too.  You can always wrap food and have it tomorrow.  You can also do this with dinners you make at home.  You don’t have to eat everything tonight, in one excess quantity, there is always tomorrow.
• There doesn’t have to be a lot on your plate to consider it a good meal or a good portion.  Listen to your inner signals and when you have had enough, even if it doesn’t seem like you ate a sufficient portion, then it is enough, for now.

So while excess may seem to find its way into your everyday life, try not to let that idea trickle onto your plate.  If you are getting what you need, giving into what you want may not be the answer to making you feel your best.

Your turn to take action: Respect your fullness this week by eating only what your body is telling you it needs.  You might be surprised how good it feels to shake the excess!  Please share your experience below.