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Day 33: Mindful Movements and Confronting Emotional Eating

A tall stack of pumpkin pancakes topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, sitting on a ceramic plate. Accompaniments include a cinnamon stick and an anise star, suggesting autumnal spices. The warm, golden tones of the pancakes match the cozy, fall atmosphere emphasized by a pumpkin in the background and a cup of what might be hot cider or coffee. The natural light casts a soft glow, enhancing the inviting and festive feel of the scene, perfect for a seasonal breakfast or brunch setting.

Welcome back to my daily dose of wellness journal!

Embracing Guided Walking Meditation

Today's workout, a 10-minute guided walking meditation on my treadmill, provided a focused start to the day. The bustling nature of my neighborhood makes solitary outdoor walks a rarity, making this treadmill meditation an ideal alternative. While different from traditional seated meditation, this practice still centers on breath and self-connection, reinforcing the versatility of mindfulness practices. It has also prompted me to find more options for guided meditation that I can do seated as well.

Unraveling Emotional Eating Patterns

The day's lesson delved into the complex web of emotional eating, challenging us to trace our actions back to their emotional roots. The provided worksheets serve as a valuable tool in this introspective journey, helping to identify and understand the patterns that lead to eating as a coping mechanism. 

After listening to the lesson and the comments from the group I'm experimenting with a 10-minute pause by setting an actual timer on my phone, accompanied by tea-making, as a strategy to disrupt these patterns. This reflective process has revealed that the impulse to eat emotionally often stems from deeper, earlier moments, not just the immediate lead-up to eating. This doesn't mean that I wont' have something to eat, it just means that I am taking the time to process this emotional response more. If I do have something to eat, as we learned about before, during a moment like this I am going to do my best to eat slowly and mindfully and document it on the worksheets for reflection.

Weekend Planning for Mindful Eating

With the weekend approaching, today's lesson also emphasized the importance of maintaining mindful eating habits during less structured times like the weekends or holidays. Weekends can present unique challenges with their relaxed routines, with everyone off at the same time at home, running errands, having visitors, going out to see family and friends, making it crucial to plan ahead to continue practicing eating slowly and stopping when satisfied. This proactive approach is key to navigating the potential pitfalls of weekend eating.

Weekly Recap and Culinary Exploration

The weekly recap from the coaches, a thoughtful compilation of highlights, resources, and recommendations, continues to be a source of motivation and guidance. The inclusion of recipe links adds a practical element to the program, encouraging culinary exploration as part of our wellness journey. The recommended high-protein pumpkin pancakes are on my to try list, they look like a delicious experiment in integrating healthier options into my meals.

Recipe for Pumpkin Pancakes

Reflections on the Day

Day 33 has been a blend of physical mindfulness through walking meditation and the mental mindfulness required to confront and understand emotional eating patterns. The program's holistic approach, combining physical activity with deep emotional work and practical lifestyle tips, continues to provide a comprehensive framework for wellness. As I look forward to trying new recipes and applying the insights gained from today's lessons, I'm reminded of the program's dynamic nature, constantly offering new avenues for growth and self-discovery.

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