Yesterday, I was CRAVING pancakes. What?!? I went through my usual process – is this a binge, what does my body need, am I upset about something, am I tired? Bottom line – the feelings were neutral. REALLY. So I sat myself down in the diner with a good writing project and ordered my coffee and pancakes. They were absolutely DELICIOUS and EXACTLY what my entire being needed! I love sitting in a New York diner, I love pancakes, I love diner coffee and I love writing projects. It was a win/win all the way around.

So how do you know when it’s right?!? You MUST go through and ask yourself the process questions:
1-  am I connected to my body?
2 – is there an emotion behind this?
3 – is my body tired or lacking something?
4 – is this a binge?
5 – can I enjoy this without doing myself in?

You may have a few more questions for yourself, but at least give yourself the opportunity to ask. This doesn’t mean it’s a wide open, free for all binge…just a healthful way of going through the decision process with consciousness instead of being numb.

It’s taken me years to get to this place, but the freedom to choose is empowering. I still believe you can eat anything in moderation. You MUST however, be present, conscious and mindful. And most of all, you must BREATHE. :)

Have a terrific day!