Remember that line from a TV commercial for a candy bar... it always stuck with me. Pops into my head now and then... especially when combing the kitchen for something - but never quite sure what I am looking for.
There were times before I started eating gluten free that I was hungry ALL the time! No sooner did I eat, I was ravenous again. My blood sugar had crazy swings. That persistent, constant hunger straightened out once my digestive system healed.
Then when my daughter was young and I was going on fumes (colic, sleepless nights, business travel, daily commuting) and had very little time for myself - I found I was self-soothing by eating. And, as she got older I continued to do it. It was my new habit.
Snacking but without real satisfaction. No matter what I ate, I always had that nagging feeling I wanted something else.
It was a slow realization that it wasn't really food I was looking for. My soul was hungry. I wasn't taking enough time for self-care as I put my family first. When I did that I was left with not enough for anyone... and forever feeling hungry.
When I made more time for running, meditating, and art (for the pure joy of it) the constant search for a satisfying snack disappeared. In fact, most times when I am painting there is no hunger and I actually forget to eat.
What are you hungry for? really hungry for?
