Lessons from an upset stomach
My 15 year old daughter stayed home from school yesterday with an upset stomach. I did the right thing, and gave her boiled rice… all day. With one or two pieces of dry toast, and a little brown grated apple for good measure.
She was not happy!
When it was dinner time, I asked if she’d like to come down and eat with us, or have her rice brought up to her room. She opted for the company. Poor girl! She looked miserable!
We had chicken, a Greek butter bean dish, potatoes, sweet potatoes and salad… She had plain, white basmati rice (with a little salt).
This was the conversation:
Her: Can I have some butter with it?
Me: No! Nothing fatty!
Her: Add some cashews?
Me: No! Nothing fatty!
Her: Grimace
Me: Add some salt & pepper
Her: Grimace
Her: What about soy sauce or tamari?
Me: Sorry – we don’t have any – and anyway, not sure if that’d be ok
Her: IS THIS WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE ON A DIET???
Me: Yep. Pretty much!
Her: I could never go on a diet! I don’t even LIKE sweet potato, but right now I want to eat it!
Then we all had a laugh, and spoke about all the crazy diets I’d been on! Grapes for 4 weeks; The Master Cleanse, diets where I’d had my blood taken to work out ‘exactly’ what I needed (it made my period stop and my hair fall out). And more but I don’t want to bore you.
Then she got up and said, ‘OK, guess I’m having brown grated apple for dessert.’
I said, ‘Don’t forget to peel it.’
And she grimaced.
This was ONE day in her life when she had to eat in a restricted way, so she could get well from an acute condition. One day! Think of all the days, weeks, and months you have radically restricted your food – either amounts, or types of food.
It does your head in! Makes you crazy.
Makes you CRAVE!
So don’t, ok?
Please. Just stop restricting or dieting. Making peace with food is so much more rewarding, nourishing and peaceful.
If you don’t know where to start, download my free ebook below.
Much love xx
Hi, I'm Vania.
I'm passionate about helping you break free from the exhausting cycle of yo-yo dieting, body shame, overeating, bingeing, and emotional eating.
For decades, I was at war with my body and food. It wasn't until I found an approach which didn't involve strict rules, diets and a focus on weight, that my relationship with food and my body transformed into one of ease and peace. There’s a lightness in living when food no longer holds power over your thoughts. If you're seeking that kind of freedom — where food becomes simple and life feels full — I’d love to walk that journey with you.
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