Is Food Love?

To some of you, this might seem like an incredibly bazaar post. It's my journey, my blog, my post. Take it or leave it. 

Why do people eat? Perhaps its too give our busy bodies fuel and energy. Perhaps to cure ourselves from boredom, or alleviate some sort of pain. People all the time say that  they "Love" a certain item. Maybe this is trees, cheese, cookies, apple juice, or hot dogs. 

I was at some sort of event a couple of years ago. I think it was stake conference, but it could of been something else, maybe it was an motivational speaker, or monkeys talking at the zoo. I have no idea really. But the topic was love, an emotional attachment.  What is love?

Love, by definition is an interpersonal affection. One of the basic needs for humans, is to be loved? What happens when you love something, that can't love you back? Maybe it's the trees, maybe a car, or maybe even food?  Do you feel the need to satisfy there wants and desires, when they can't fulfill your needs? The speaker then went on to explain that you can't love something that does not have a brain, as it can not reciprocate these feelings, and needs. He also explained that when we love these inanimate objects, we are creating empty idols for ourselves. I'm sure we have been told that in the scriptures it says something about not having any idols other than God.

This seminar, rang deep in my soul, I decided to take this advice, and live it.  Some of you may have noticed that I never say "I love xyz" and I always say "I like xyz," and this is why, I have chosen not to love anything, that "can't be loved." Dean, of course, has argued endlessly about this. But for me, it's what I have chosen to assist me in meddling through life, and it works wonders!!!

I think having this philosophy has done nothing but assist me in propelling me forward. This philosophy has allowed me to realize that I DON'T need the cakes, cookies, hot dogs, ice cream, and any other unhealthy foods. I only NEED the food as described in the weight loss program. After all, when you invest in these foods, what do the foods do for you? The correct answer, is make you fat. What a lovely relationship, eh? You pay them money, and they make you fat. Because I have chosen to live by this advice, I believe that I have been healthier, and happier. Dean has argued with me many times about how this isn't how life should be lived, but it works wonders for me!

I had my monthly meeting at work last night... of course this was accompanied by food. The menu that was displayed was: Subway Sandwiches, Chips, and Ice Cream Cake.

Before the meeting, two others, who have done the weight loss program asked about my progress. I showed them the most current in progress photo, and they were shocked, and enjoyed seeing my transformation. I got the biggest high five and praise, that I have ever received, from another health coach at the meeting.  One of the people that saw my in progress photo, asked the amount of weight I have lost on the program, I told her, and she said "even with your cheat days?!" I corrected her, and informed her that I don't cheat. I explained to her, that I did the math, and one minute of cheating on the program, quickly adds up to an excruciating 75 dollar fine for your wallet. I can't afford that, so I stick to the guidelines that are in place.

After the meeting, there was still tons of food left over. I was busily chatting business talk with some coworkers, when I heard "Tiana, would you like cake?" I looked over at her, and responded: "Seriously? Why did you even ask?!" She and I both cracked up, and she said "Oops, sorry!" I then showed her my in progress photo, and she said I am doing amazing, to keep it up, and said "none of this crap for you!"

I think its because of the philosophy that I have adopted, it makes it easier for me to say no to things that I used to eat in a heart beat. I don't want to have a relationship with things that will make me fat!

It's so nice to have family, friends, bosses, coworkers, etc. That back me up on my decision to become healthy.

P.S. This semester, I had to write a paper on the Perceptions and Sensations of obesity, and I got an A!