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Challenges with Edible Foods and Other Substances

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  • 21 May 2018 8:35 PM
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    Reply # 6250270 on 6147983
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Part of my journey with healthy patterns of food consumption has been akin to my journey with the healthy consumption of modern media:  realizing that the food industry (much like the entertainment industry) is often not a match for my volition to be free of suffering (& hopefully therefore to help others be free of theirs).  Over the past five years, I have stopped consuming animal products, alcohol and sugar. I have also become more and more aware that foods that are laden with extra sugar, salt and fat, are specifically engineered to enhance attachment to said products, the result being that I experience cravings. This understanding has resulted in my eating fewer refined foods, more whole, natural foods.  What I have noticed is that my mind is clearer when I consume whole foods vs. processed foods and that I can stay in alignment with my volition.  I also notice that my energy levels have increased and my immune system has improved -- all of which align with my desire to alleviate suffering. 

    Last modified: 21 May 2018 8:36 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • 22 May 2018 5:04 AM
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    Reply # 6250808 on 6147983
    Anonymous member

    At 62 years old, I'm still very much a beginner in the area of healthful and mindful intake. Although I quit smoking decades ago, I have a complicated personal history with food, cigarettes, alcohol, sodas--and yes, even chewing gum!  Similar to the experience that Chris shared, I often use eating as a reward; I used to rely on the same system with alcohol. I also know that I frequently drank when I was continuing to work on a project after I was exhausted and ready to call it a day. The intake was the incentive that fed my irrational drive of stubborn, workaholic perfectionism. During the last three months I’ve lived well without meat or alcohol. This transition remains rewarding and painless as I remember the following:

    • ·       Be gentle and realistic. I’m comfortable with no meat or alcohol. I’m not “psychologically ready” to make significant changes with dairy, eggs, caffeine, or diet soda. I keep a positive mindset by looking forward to living free of these substances when my aspirations take me there.
    • ·       Mindful intake, for me, is an evolution and an aspiration. I must remember that the process is not a race or a competition (breathing out the judgment, breathing in the metta).
    • ·       A certain defiance makes me resistant to “Thou shalt not.” I remember that making healthful decisions is an exercise in personal choice, rather than a fearful submission to an external oppression.
  • 18 Jun 2018 8:26 AM
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    Reply # 6318167 on 6147983
    Anonymous member

    My challenge is while feeding my children. They were raised as carnivores and at 14 and 16 they have not interest in going vegetarian.  My kids ask for meat dishes and I feel compelled to cook it for them but being a vegetarian and a Buddhist I find this more difficult every day. 
  • 21 Jun 2018 11:00 AM
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    Reply # 6329443 on 6147983
    Anonymous member
    I am so excited to have finally discovered Forks Over Knives App. My 11 year old son goes through the recipes on my phone, which are all plant-based, and chooses one that we shop and cook for together. Not only are the recipes healthy, we can be engaged in a worthwhile endeavor together, and we're both learning to cook healthy foods which are delicious! The fact that he creates the shopping list on the site and is the one to choose it makes the project so much more interesting for both of us. Just to add... This is NOT a daily occurrence. We just started this summer, when we both have more time. Also, Luke eats meat when he's with his dad. I believe even a few days a week without meat are very worthwhile.


    Last modified: 21 Jun 2018 11:58 AM | Anonymous member
  • 13 Jul 2018 6:56 AM
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    Reply # 6379896 on 6147983
    Deleted user

    Dear Friends,

    I've appreciated all the sharings and comments here. I am now 4 weeks into the aspiration to chew food more slowly and to simply chew it more. It has helped that I spend 5 days on retreat at Magnolia Grove eating silently with others and simply focusing on chewing. I have noticed a few things: it is now more that 3-4 weeks since I've started doing this and it is getting to be far more of a habit and requiring less energy. In a way, that habit energy or seeds that had me gobbling down food seem to be diminishing. I've heard that a new habit is easier to continue if it can be maintained for two weeks. Another thing that has happened is that I physically feel better chewing food more. It's somewhat subtle. It has also inspired me to restart at regular fitness program of yoga and running and that is a nice co-arising! 
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