How to Uncover the Diet That’s Right For You
Hint: Listen to your body
Ever since my early 20s, I was aware of different types of food. Some foods were deemed“good,” and some were “bad.” I tried to avoid the bad foods, but found that complete deprivation only led to binge eating later. My willpower waned after a while and I would beat myself up for not being strong enough.
I struggled a lot back then. I tried different diets and approaches to food, but nothing really stuck. When I was vegan for a year and half, all I did was gain weight and feel lousy. I felt so much better when I started eating animal products again.
I did a lot of crazy experimentation back then, but it was yoga that finally gave me what I needed. Through my 30 years of practicing yoga, I have learned a different way to relate to food, and to myself.
What I practiced on the mat, I have taken with me off the mat.
I discovered the power of listening to my body. My mind tells me all sorts of stories, like “I can just push through the pain,” and “rest shows you are weak.” These types of stories only lead to injury.
I have found that the body knows best, the mind is just the louder voice in your head. When your muscles are screaming at you during Warrior 2, it’s okay to pause and rest. In my classes I often say “Child’s pose is always an option, whether I offer it or not.” When you need to rest, you rest; when you can continue, come back.
Resting isn’t giving up, it’s giving your body what it requires. This is the Yama principle of Ahimsa, or Non-harming. When we offer the body kindness and support, it responds positively.
Listening to your body with food
This concept also applies to the foods that you eat. When you pay attention to how your body feels after you eat, you can decide if this food serves you or not. I stopped eating gluten years ago, because I found that everytime I ate it, it would completely sap my energy. I would feel sluggish and fatigued about an hour later. A few hours after that I felt bloated and my stomach would be upset. When I stopped eating it, these symptoms stopped.
Each person is different. There is no one “right” way to eat, but there may be a right way for you. For me, my diet consists of mostly fruits and vegetables, meats like turkey, chicken, and fish (with occasional red meat), and nuts and seeds. I don’t eat many grains, though I do occasionally eat rice, oatmeal, or quinoa. I eat legumes in small amounts, and certain types of dairy, like yogurt, and some cheeses. Ice cream doesn’t really like me very much, so I only eat it occasionally as a treat, knowing that I may not feel great later.
I cultivated this way of eating over years of experimentation and noticing. Meditation and yoga have taught me how to notice and observe what is without judgment. Becoming an observer of your breath, thoughts, and physical sensations is a skill that anyone can learn. Noticing is something you take off your mat and into your life.
Observing how I felt after eating made it easier to discern which foods gave me energy and which foods drained me. I noticed which foods upset my stomach, and which digested just fine. Noticing with curiosity instead of judgment was key. Whether a food was deemed “good” or “bad” was irrelevant. I learned to notice whether it was good or bad for me personally by how it made me feel.
I only give this as an example. You might find that this type of eating doesn’t work for you. And that’s the point. There isn’t only one type of human. We have different blood types, genetics, and family histories. We have different dietary needs for what we do with our body every day. Each person’s needs will vary. It’s your job to be a detective and figure out what works best for you.
Support in your discovery
I have created a 6 week online coaching program to guide you toward feeling more at home in your body. Shifting your mindset and how you think about food is within your control, but it helps to have some support.
Intentional Eating: Finding Peace and Balance in Your Relationship with Food teaches you skills and mindset shifts so that you’ll feel more in control over your eating. Let go of emotional eating, eating foods that don’t serve you, and the willpower/shame cycle that keep you stuck.
I loved the conversations and feeling of community that Janine fosters. Being with people with similar frustrations allowed us to be open and vulnerable. I also loved hearing and talking about the yogic principles that Janine shared with us and how to practice them in relation to food and cravings. ~KP
I took Janine Agoglia’s class on Intentional Eating and it was really valuable. I gifted myself the time to reflect and learn and move away from emotional eating and shame ~ and I’m so glad I did! Thank you Janine! ~KB
If you are ready to take charge of your eating habits to feel healthy and relaxed in your relationship with food and yourself, this is the program for you.
Click the button below for more information or to sign up! We start Wednesday, September 24th at 7:30pm ET.
