If I listen, I can hear

So, what the IE book says really is true. One of the principles in the book is called "Honor your health-Gentle Nutrition", which is basically giving your body what it wants and needs by honoring your health and your tastebuds. In the book, it talks about the stages that one might go through in the IE process. The first stage will most likely be honoring your tastebuds...only. It goes on to say that you will learn what foods make your body feel good and that soon enough, you will actually want the foods that are more nutritious than say...brownies with ice cream.

I was very reluctant to actually honor my tastebuds instead of my health. I could hear the points values ticking off in my head and a little Dr. Oz on my shoulder talking about HFCS and trans fats. I dabbled with this or that food but was really afraid to let go of those thoughts and really embrace what I really wanted to eat. But, being the committed girl that I am, I got over it and moved forward with the process.

I listened and ate what I really wanted. I have felt very satisfied with each and every meal and even over ate with that one meal. I have gone through the process of honoring every single solitary taste bud in my mouth...I think :) And for the past fews days, something happened that I think is wonderful. I had breakthrough heartburn. Which for those of you who may not know, I have been having constant issues with heartburn for a few months now and was given medication (two kinds) and have mainly felt relief except on some random occasions. My doctor is sending me to a specialist to have more tests since he has run every test he can think of.

So, why do I think that breakthough heartburn is wonderful, you might ask? Well, because I it is making me really listen to my body and give it what it needs. Especially since in the past my heartburn issues have not been food related and now they seem to be. My body seems to be screaming at this point for more nutritious foods, like vegetables and whole grains.

I am really learning that I can eat the things that I truly love and not gain weight at a rate equal to the speed of light. I can eat out with my friends without having to fear the menu and I can stop avoiding social situations that don't fit my "diet". But the best news is this, I really do love vegetables, I could not *actually* live on chocolate cake alone.

Wow. Aren't our bodies and minds amazing?