"My biggest problems are starches... I grew up with them so they are emotional comfort foods."
Well, it's great that you already understand that your desire for starches is mostly coming from an emotional connection with those foods. You're already much more aware of your body and its cravings than many others who are trying to lose weight.
If you have a strong connection with starches, then go ahead and eat them in the beginning of your journey to better health. Simply start by adding more and more fresh, raw, water-rich fruits and vegetables. The more you consume healthy fruits and vegetables, the more your body will begin to crave them (no kidding!! You will actually one day crave a salad as much as you're craving starches right now!).
If you are eliminating other unhealthy foods from your diet (packaged, processed foods, cooked animal products, sugar, wheat, etc.) then you're already doing some great things for your body. So, just keep doing what you're doing. There's no need to feel deprived of something that makes you feel good.
When you're ready to cut back on the starches, you'll do it. For now, go ahead and eat them while making the other changes. If you're still struggling with starches after you've changed everything else in your diet, let us know and we'll talk about dealing with comfort foods at that time. For now, however, most people are at a point where they can still make a lot of healthy dietary changes while still eating some comfort foods.
So, what do you think about that? How do you feel about the idea of continuing with the starches, even though you know they aren't overly healthy for your diet? Do you think it's okay to eat comfort foods? Comment now to let us know what you're thinking. If anyone else is struggling with starches, or has overcome a starch addiction, please share with us how things are going for you.
Original Comments
Below, we have included the original comments from this blog post. Additional comments may be made via Facebook, below.
On July 7, 2011, wrote:
For me, starches are not only a comfort food but an addictive food. I can't just have a little whether its alcohol, drugs,sugar, or starches. I think its easier to give it up completely and not have to worry about or continue the cravings/addiction cycle. Blessed be. Mamabird
On July 7, 2011, wrote:
Yes Starches are tricky for me!
It is winter here in Canberra Australia and warm foods are needed, but that is just a mind set!
Alot of my influences are centred around the normal diet etc.
I am not interested in eating past anymore or rice,it is mainly bread!
But like you say above it is just a matter of time.
I am working on having 2 green smoothies a day but I get reflux with the 2nd one and that is drinkling it 5-6 hours later.
I am not sure on the citrus part either as I get side effects.
So it is just finding right the path amongst all the others.
Thanks for the idea, for the catalyst!
sheryl
On July 8, 2011, wrote:
It seems to be different for each person -- the physical and emotional holds certain foods have over us. As such, dealing with these in the best way seems to require an individualized approach. On the plus side of one's tendency toward (or capacity for) addiction, it could be *beneficial* to be addicted to healthy foods and lifestyle choices. Of course, some may argue that addiction to *anything* is not where anyone wants or needs to be -- but I suppose it's at least *physically* better to be addicted to, say, fresh carrot juice than it is to, say, whiskey.
On July 8, 2011, wrote:
I wish I knew more about Australia, Sheryl! I'd say that I'm well past the stereotypical impression that many Americans have. But, I still don't have a good appreciation for the range of climates there. Here, we're consistently presented with images of dry landscapes like Ayers Rock, the Sydney skyline, and pictures of more humid/lush rainforest-type places. Cold winter, on the other hand, is not something I'd have personally associated with Australian life. :-) (I used to have a good Internet friend from Canberra, btw. But, he stopped blogging a few years back.)
Anyway, that's interesting about the reflux with the 2nd smoothie. So, you don't get it with the first, and then eat nothing in between, and then DO get it with the second? Or, are you eating in between those 2 smoothies?
Heartburn was always something that ailed me to no end prior to going raw. I mean, it *really* tore me up many times. For a few years, the only thing I could do to help ease the pain was to drive to McDonald's and buy a vanilla shake. Somehow, the cold dairy seemed to coat and sooth things. But, of course, that wasn't helping me out in a big-picture way. BTW, in case you haven't read this: I've since read that one treatment would be to dissolve a little baking soda (sodium bicarbonate -- not sure how much, so you'd better Google it, or ask a doctor) in some water and drink that. Your stomach acid (HCL) is, of course, *acidic* and the sodium bicarbonate is a powerful neutralization agent for acids. But, again, I'd read up on that to ensure the safety of it, and to look for a guideline as to how often this method can be used.
On July 8, 2011, wrote:
Jim here again... On the other hand, Dr. Mercola published a piece today that says that reflux may not be due to high HCL, but rather low. ? ? So, here's that link: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/08/water-works-better-than-ulcer-pills-to-decrease-stomach-acid.aspx