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Kait Linton's avatar

Appreciate your vulnerability on this subject, Katie. We live in a culture that surrounds us with convenience foods, most of which are made with ingredients & portioned sizes that aren’t great for anybody on a regular basis, let alone those of us with food sensitivities. And eating whole foods all the time DOES take a ton of mental energy in that cultural environment. You’re not alone. ♥️

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Dana Leigh Lyons's avatar

Thanks so much for linking to my essay on moderation, Katie. “Everything in moderation” is a myth that, for me, doesn’t work and holds potential for harm.

Sending you an abundance of care as you walk with this. Though my own issues with food and eating are different, I very much understand the impact they can have.

Only since you asked us to share what’s worked for us, I’ll mention that when I ate a (nutrient-deficient) vegetarian diet for ten years, I was deeply addicted to processed carbs and sugar and deeply lacking in healthy fats and protein. That was in my 20s, so I could “kind of” pull it off for a while (though it wreaked havoc on my mental health, energy levels, etc.). Now, at age 49, no way. I don’t need a lot of meat, but I need it at least 2-3 times a week and eggs on the other days. I find it essential for mood, focus, energy, sleep, metabolism, immune health, everything.

I’m in no way saying what worked (and works) for me is the best fit for everyone, but doing a no-cheat, no-negotiation “Whole30” in my late 30s was a game changer. Since then, I’ve followed a paleo-primal diet 90 percent of the time (with many months at 100 percent); I practice intermittent fasting and eat two meals a day without snacks, making sure to get plenty of food, protein, and fat at each meal (the first is a late breakfast/early lunch; the second is dinner - I also have coffee with butter and/or almond milk upon waking).

This was the only thing that disrupted my sugar and carb addiction AND changed the kinds of foods I crave and love. Physically and mentally, I’ve thrived eating this way and am no longer stuck in the starve-binge cycle.

At 49, I still have a regular monthly period, am pain free, have a vigorous yoga practice, and feel energized. In my 20s, while vegetarian, I went a decade without menstruating, was depressed and exhausted, and reached a point where I was getting a new injury at every step and not healing. For me, feeling like I do now is worth the tradeoffs (but, as mentioned, I still love eating my meals!).

Again, sending so much care to you, Katie. Whatever ends up working for you - which may be totally different than what worked for me - there IS hope. The specific foods we consume can re-pattern our tastes and our whole system - in ways that are unhelpful…but, also, depending what we eat, in ways that are helpful and align with our biology. Cheering you on.

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