Part 1 Recap:
Part 1 of this series was about cravings and how they are actually a positive part of our human biology. Did you read it? You can find the post here. Today’s post is about physical satisfaction – what it means and how you can identify it.
Part 2:
Movement Satisfaction
Being physically satisfied can range from participating in movement that brings you joy to regular sex (can also fall into the emotional or spiritual categories) to being outside and feeling the sun shine on your skin. In other words, there are multiple ways to be physically satisfied. Finding your satisfaction is important. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself:
Non-Joyful Movement
1. Do I ever move my body to make up for something I ate or drank?
2. Do I feel pressured to move my body?
3. Do I ever feel guilty for not working out?
4. Have I ever exercised through an injury?
If you answered yes chances are you are not actually experiencing physical satisfaction from exercise. Perhaps you can take into account the questions below to see how having a positive relationship with exercise can fuel your physical satisfaction.
Joyful Movement
1. Do I feel energized before, during, and after movement?
2. Do I feel free to explore different types of movement to find the type that best suits my needs?
3. Do I choose to move my body because it feels good?
4. Am I allowed to take rest days?
Now, I understand that you could have a negative relationship with exercise and still answer yes to the “Joyful Movement” questions as a means to justify the answers to the “Non-Joyful Movement.” Be aware of this, and really be honest with yourself.
Find YOUR version of joyful movement, and follow your intuition!
Food Satisfaction
Have you ever asked yourself if you are satisfied with the food you eat? No? Satisfaction from food is very important to positively support your health and wellness.
Are you tuned out?
Ask Yourself: Pseudo Food Satisfaction
1. I just eat because I know I need to. I don’t really experience my food.
2. I count specific parts of food (servings, sugar, calories, etc.).
3. I feel guilt and/or shame when I eat certain foods.
4. I worry about the foods I’m eating begin “good” or “bad” for me.
Here are some tips to tune in!
Ask yourself: Food Satisfaction
1. Do I feel full after I eat?
2. What sensations do I feel from different textures, tastes, and temperatures?
3. Do I like certain foods over others? If yes, what do you identify about them?
For example, I really enjoy a nice cinnamon-y (is that a word? ha!), crunchy waffle ice cream cone. Sometimes I go get ice cream just for the cone! Anyone else?? My satisfaction heavily depends on how much cinnamon I can taste from the cone. Things I notice that satisfy me are the sweet and cinnamon tastes, the crunchy texture, and the at room temperature.
Do you have an experience to share? I would love to hear from you! Comment on the post or send me an email, denise@thoughtfullnutrition.com, to share! I look forward to hearing from you!
Stay tuned for Part 3 of 4: Emotional Health and how it Relates to Intuitive Eating.
Remember, you deserve to be confident in and comfortable with your food choices!
