26/04/2023
These two simple phrases may have the power to completely transform your life. That’s what Bessel A. van der Kolk says and it’s certainly true. When we start to notice what’s happening in our body, when we start to approach it with curiosity rather than fear, it can lead to big changes. This is especially true when it comes to our relationship with food. Whether it’s trying to lose weight, break out of a destructive eating cycle, or break the bad habit of having too much sugar, it all starts with noticing and having an open mind.
The first phrase, “notice that,” encourages us to pay attention to our bodies and to the signals it’s sending us. This can include physical sensations like hunger, fullness, or cravings, as well as emotional responses like boredom, anger, or anxiety. Becoming aware of these signals can help us make better decisions about what to eat. Instead of mindlessly reaching for a cookie when we’re bored, we can pause, notice the feeling, and make a more conscious choice.
The second phrase, “what happens next?” encourages us to take action and to explore how different choices can lead to different outcomes. This can be an especially helpful tool when it comes to breaking out of destructive eating patterns, like binging. Instead of automatically reaching for the chips, we can pause and consider what other choices we can make. We can ask ourselves, “What will happen if I don’t eat this? What will happen if I do?” This can help us break out of our destructive patterns and find healthier alternatives.
These two simple phrases can be incredibly powerful when it comes to changing our relationship with food. Once we start to notice our bodies and explore alternative choices, we can start to shift our diet in a healthier direction. It all starts with being curious, rather than fearful, and with asking ourselves “what happens next?”