How do you feed yourself?

I spent a quality day kicking back with my family. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed being together. My heart was truly very full.

So, that got me to thinking about how I need to continue that feeling each day.

At first, the question of "How do you feed yourself?" may seem like a silly question. As post-ops, we think in terms of grams of protein, carbs, and fat. As a weight loss surgery patient, of course it is important to pay attention to our nutritional needs. I certainly don't mean to discount that importance.

When we get beyond the food, what I mean by the question is how do you feed or nurture yourself? We feed our bodies but what about our heart and self-care. There are many ways to nurture ourselves.

We wouldn't go for an entire day without taking in nutrition for your body. Never go an entire day without nurturing yourself. Make a commitment to yourself that every day you will do something special and nurturing. Feed yourself in body, heart and spirit.

I think being a post-op success is about healthy habits including feeding ourselves in ALL ways.

Cathy

What a great post Cathy!!!

I feed myself in many ways:

thru prayer, spending the day at the beach with my boys, reading, listening to music (could be just about anything depending on my  mood that day, LOL), hanging out with dh, taking a long walk, watching the sunset, etc.

Its so important to do, but something that we certainly don't do often enough. Life gets in the way and we lose sight of what's really important. I try hard to stay focused on what my kids need too b/c they won't be kids for long.

Hi Tracy,

You made a great point.  Depending on the mood you're in on a particular day, we may need something more quiet and calming versus something more fun and social. 

My son just turned 13 years old and I have had it hit home that they are this age for such a short time.  It seems like yesterday that I was taking him to preschool for his first day.

I've thought a lot about this and I think the ultimate nurturing thing for me (most days!) is to spend some sort of quality moments with my sons.  Could be nothing more than reading our separate books in the same room or downloading songs on our iPods. 

Thanks for your response.  As always, very insightful and helpful.

Cathy

Good Morning,
I think you're really on to something with this topic "Feeding Yourself." We do have a hunger/empty hole that wants filled. I have filled that thing too much with food.Food doesn't talk or love us back, it's not a living thing.
I'm struggling and worried sick over a 18 lbs wt gain, every morning I try to do better then by evening its totally out of control.I think you've got the answer, finding enjoyment in other things, right?
I find such wonderful peace and strengeth through prayer and reading my bible. I love time with my husband and daughters, my girls are all adults and lovely people. I love needle work, cross stitch. Truthfully, zoning out reading this "grad" board, I don't know what I'd do without you all, seriously.

Hi Kathy,

Ah, that empty, black, bottomless hole that we've attempted to fill for years.  Yep, got it.  This weekend with my insight, I really felt so full.  I've had that many times and made the decision for myself to do something daily to feed myself in all ways.

I love the nurturing things you shared in your post.  I agree completely about this WLS Grads Board.  It has become a resource for me that is invaluable.

Thanks, Cathy

You are so right. I needed to read this today. I love to spend time with my two grandbabies. I worry way too much about keeping a structured routine (housework, yard work, etc.), and not enough time just to smell the roses and give thanks for what I have.

Hi Wanda,

I used to have a structured schedule about housework and other routine to do items.  Then I decided if I don't dust the family room or let the laundry go for a day, the world doesn't end.  I don't want to miss out on an opportunity to spend quality time with my loved ones but have a dusted family room.

We all need to smell the roses (or wake up and smell the coffee!!).

Thanks so much, Cathy

Hi Cathy,

Nice post!!!  I really liked reading this !!!

Hi Melissa,

Thanks...I'm glad you liked my post.

Cathy

Hi Cathy

this is SUCH a great post - thank you so much.  It has really hit home - it is something that I knew, but needed a big reminder of.  For me, I think often I will literally feed my body with food (usually junk) when actually it is craving being fed in a different such as you have so acurately described.

This is going to be my focus for this week.  Do you mind if I copy this post to my surgery month board for others to benefit from?

Ruth