My relationship with food is changing. I’m trying to lose a few pounds and am trying new strategies. None of this is new or rocket science and I know we all try to lose a pound here or there.

The thing that I’m noticing this time around is how much of my time and life is focused on food. Have you ever thought of it like that before?

I was sitting on the floor, looking up at our bookcase and noticed how much space was consumed just by cookbooks, that I hardly ever look at but like holding on to anyway. I even like thinking about food.

I was thinking about how as a mother and provider of sustenance for my family, I spend quite a bit of time thinking about, planning, gathering, preparing and serving meals over and over again. And typically when we are doing something socially, food is involved. Same with date nights. We think about where we should go out to eat. Food is a form of entertainment and feel goodness and something that is shared and enjoyed and creates connections and shared memories.

Now that I really want to lose weight, my mind is shifting. I don’t want to be thinking about food as entertainment. I want to eat more healthfully and be more mindful of my portions and food choices. Yet my old self really is a foodie and I like to try everything and share everything and I don’t have an off switch. I love food! And when it’s in front of me or shared with me, I want to eat. But now I’m wanting food to be less of a priority and focus – not that I don’t want to eat, but I want to spend less time thinking about and preparing food, if that makes any sense. Yet if I want to be surrounded by healthier options, I have to spend more time at the grocery store buying fresh produce and chopping it up so I’m prepared when hunger strikes. Today I made a minestrone soup with quinoa and kale that I can enjoy quickly when I’m hungry during the week.

I’m working on self control and controlling my temptations, yet it’s quite challenging. It’s that yin and yang thing again, and it’s a struggle. The desire to shed a few pounds and enjoy shared meals. I know they’re not mutually exclusive and that there is a balance, yet I’m not there yet and my family isn’t joining me on this ride. I’m getting there…I think, but this is work! And I know there are substitutes and I can still share meals, but the carrot sticks are just not as appetizing as the crackers and artichoke dip and I have to work on the discipline while I change my behaviors.

How about for you? Is this easy? What’s your strategy to eating and living healthfully? I’m curious what works for you. Have a great, healthy week!