029 Body Wisdom in Action

"One's first step in wisdom is to question everything - and one's last is to come to terms with everything." ~ George Lichtenberg

Reflections for Staying Attuned

We all have a weight range, a biological “set point,” that our bodies vigorously defend. If we undereat, our bodies kick into survival mode. Our metabolic rate decreases, helping us use our calories more efficiently. This slowing down of our metabolic rate occurs no matter how fat we are, no matter how thin we are. That’s right, our body uses this survival mechanism no matter how fat or thin we are!

This drop in metabolic rate occurs whenever we restrict food intake, especially when we consume less than 1200 to 1500 calories per day; when we try to keep our weight below its set point range; and when we lose as little as 10% of our body weight. On the other hand, when we overeat or maintain a weight above our set point weight range, our body actually revs up our metabolism to resist further weight gain. As you might have guessed, our body appears to be more aggressive in resisting weight loss than it is in resisting weight gain.

The body’s defense of the set point can be seen in action when we diet. From experience, we know that we can lose some weight as long as we are hypervigilant about our food intake. We also know that this hypervigilance makes us especially prone to “disinhibition,” which means we get more interested in food until we finally overeat. The result? Any weight lost is rapidly regained. And weight regain usually stops within a few pounds (usually on the higher side) of our pre-diet weight, our set point.

This is our body wisdom in action! Unfortunately, rather than trusting our body’s innate wisdom to regulate our weight, we often begin another diet. And so the cycle continues.

If, however, we slow down, tune into and respond to our hunger and fullness signals, we can begin to step out of this metabolism-slowing cycle. Guided by our body wisdom, we can allow ourselves to discover not only our body’s natural set point, but also a delicious freedom with our food and our body.

Stay Attuned Tip

Today, tune into your body’s wisdom. Begin by noticing your breathing. Notice how, naturally, your body tells you to breathe in, to breathe out. In what other ways does your body guide you? Does it tell you to stand up and move around when you’ve been sitting at your desk too long? Does it tell you it’s time for a bathroom break? Is it your body wisdom closing your eyes for rest at the end of the day?

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DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to constitute a professional relationship between Karin or Amy or the reader, nor is it intended as therapy or counseling. Be sure to consult a qualified professional if you require medical or psychological services.
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Stay Attuned ™: The E-zine for Nourishing Connections

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Reflections for Staying Attuned

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