Weight Weight Just Love Me – Preferences and Attachment – Day 6
Michelle LaBrosse, CCPM, PMP, PMI-ACP, RYT
I was reflecting how much of my current identity is shaped by my food preferences. While these preferences have evolved over time, I have also become much more attached to my preferences to the point where it’s now part of my identity – primarily because these preferences have proven over time to create “health” as dictated by my lab results. Before I adopted some of these preferences, I had elevated liver enzymes, cholesterol over 220, borderline high blood sugar and my stomach never seemed quite right. Now all my labs are in the ideal range and my whole digestive track works great (I never even think about it anymore). PLUS, I am no longer allergic to alcohol. So while I am generally not in favor of being overly attached and rigid, I am quite fond of my current dietary preferences.
Here is a little graphic I created to show how having various levels of attachment impacts behavior. Having an identity level of an attachment to food significantly impacts my flexibility.
I wonder though how many of the food preferences I still have aren’t serving me as well as the ones I’ve gravitated to. For example, I used to be a big fan of Manuka Honey. I thought it was required to keep my gut biome in balance and I had it in my tea every morning. But I haven’t used it consistently for a while and I’m still fine. Because my brain health is uber important to me, and brain health is a direct relationship to blood sugar levels over time, I’ve dialed back on requiring honey in my tea in the AM – it’s just not required anymore.
No wonder a dietician’s job can be quite challenging – most people are very attached to their dietary preferences. I might relax some of my less healthy attachments to make Kate’s job a little easier. I love myself enough to at least consider it.
Kate’s comment: Food attachments (AKA dietary preferences) are a facet of human nature. Everyone has a food preference – the level of attachment will vary from person to person, but regardless, they are elements to work around and work with for a well-rounded diet. Sometimes, extremely strong food attachments are related more to controlling our lives as a whole than controlling food. By being discerning about what we put in our bodies, we are able to stabilize at least one aspect of our lives. When food attachments get too extreme, step back and look at what is going on in your life – is there something upsetting that is out of your control?