Deprivation

Filed Under: Overeating

12 August 2014 | Written by Xenia Ayiotis

Is self indulgence the opposite of deprivation?

So many of us fear the feeling of deprivation. I must be honest, it’s not my favourite feeling either.

Many of my clients tell me:
“I ate more because I did not want to feel deprived”
“It’s not fair, everyone else was eating so I also ate!”

Because we fear the feeling of being deprived we eat that 2nd cupcake or extra slice of pizza or we have that 3rdglass of wine or we eat until we are uncomfortable at a restaurant…

The definition of the word deprivation (noun) according to the Oxford dictionary is: “The lack or denial of something considered to be a necessity. Eg. sleep deprivation”.

The question is… Is not having that extra cocktail or extra slice of  xyz (insert your preference) truly deprivation? Is indulging ourselves with more food than we need self care?

Let’s say your intention is to feel comfortable and good in your body. Perhaps your goal is to lose weight or eat healthier food… Is eating that extra slice of cake loving and caring for yourself or are you really just depriving yourself from feeling good?

Are you not just depriving your future self from the body and health that you so desperately want? Sometimes, when we feel emotionally deprived we try to satisfy that deprivation with food and eating. If what we are deprived of is company, attention, fun or a bit of alone time no amount of food will be enough.

Next time you are feeling deprived and you have the urge to eat more than your body needs ask yourself 2 questions:

  1. What would be better than the food right now?
  2. What am I really depriving myself of here?

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Karen J, Colorado, USA

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