On Being Psychologically Strong with Food this Summer

A number of my clients have been sharing feelings of frustration and self-judgment as they navigate the intersection between hot weather, the increase in cookouts and rich foods and drinks, and feeling bloated and less-than-100% with body image, and then needing to venture out with weather-appropriate clothes like shorts and tank tops.

Self-judgement, self-attack, and frustration can quickly take up residence in the mind.

We all can fall into patterns of self-judgment when we don't love how our bodies feel. AND...when we self-judge chronically it weakens our psychic immune system. Here's where toxic collective beliefs can more easily pour in that feed off our insecurities. Not good.

What does that look like?

Feeling vulnerable to social media ads that have ANYTHING to do with appearance. A sense of urgency to "fix" or "solve" something related to the body. An uptick in using AI to come up with meal plans, workout plans, nutritional therapies, or anti-aging plans. Sweeping generalizations of what must be done to relieve the discomfort of being in the body. Saying, "to hell with it," and eating in ways that really don't feel good.

On Being Psychologically Strong with Food this Summer:

A Voice of Reason

Listen, I get it. Summer brings in more unstructured time with kids or family, less routine, more social events with food, etc...

Here are some things I'd like you to remember:

1.) You absolutely have access to skills (or learning skills) to eat well throughout the summer.

Remember, all kind acts count. No act is too small.

For example, get a plate, and have the semblance of a meal at a social gathering, rather than grazing throughout the day, (a habit, which many women report, gives them no visual cue of the amount of food they are eating).

2.) If you're feeling a little bloated, remember that our digestive strength is actually LOWER in the summer, due to high temps and lower stomach acid. It's normal. Eat well and substantially mid-day when your digestive strength is strongest. Fresh, raw produce and plenty of water help, too. Give yourself some Grace.

3.) Your job is still to take sweet care of yourself. Walking in the morning or evening when its cooler, making fresh smoothies with local produce, practicing yoga...all good. However your body is responding to the weather, remember what your job is. Caring for your body in her changing conditions helps build confidence and resilience.

More specifically, at a glance:

• Drink plenty of water

• Eat fresh, raw, fruits and vegetables, often throughout the summer (if you're worried about cyclosporiasis, shop at the farmers market and buy frozen raspberries for the time being).

• Move your body in the morning or evening, when its a little cooler

If you can stick to these non-glamorous basics throughout the Summer, you won't feel all the pressure to "get it together" in an aggressive way with your diet, come Fall, which is not only psychologically friendlier, but builds psychological strength. This is one path to becoming psychologically strong with food this summer.

Remember, all kind acts count. No act is too small.

With love & respect,

Laura

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