Thoughts about the holidays and food...

In my practice, a number of times I've heard "food is my enemy."  I think we've come to a sad state of affairs when what nourishes us and  makes us  who we are, evoke such a negative affect emotionally.   It's as if food has become a associated with a drug addiction.  You feel out of control when you eat it and you feel that it controls you.  The greatest fear is weight gain.   The holidays should be a time without fear, a time to enjoy socializing and having great tasting food that is prepared with generosity and love.  We need to change our relationship to food.  We are lucky to live in a society where there isn't a shortage of food but that doesn't mean we should take it forgranted.   Just because there is an abundance of something does not mean that we need to horde or consume it in great quantities.  You've probably been seen articles on mindful eating and slow food.  We need to go back to a time where we can appreciate our food, take the time to taste and reflect upon the food and how it makes us feel.  In our busy society food is shoveled in order to get to the next task.  That is definitely not the point of holiday feasts or any way to consume food.  It takes time to prepare so it should be honored with our time and attention.  Bring your awareness back to how you eat and you'll probably discover something new.  You'll probably consume fewer calories.   Make peace with your food.  Your body will digest the food more efficiently and  you'll feel better for it.  Happy Thanksgiving!